Sr. Employee Relations Partner

$97,000-$115,000, Application Deadline is 12.31.2025.

We’re seeking a second Senior HR Partner to join our high-performing HR team and help lead our people strategy across 74 restaurant locations in five states. This is more than an HR role; it’s a leadership opportunity for someone who makes ethical decisions, navigates ambiguity with confidence, and inspires others through integrity, courage, and compassion. 

If you’re passionate about coaching, developing others, and building trust across diverse teams, you’ll find purpose and partnership here. 

This role is ideal for someone who has led employee relations across multi-unit operations (50+ locations, 1,000+ employees), and who understands hospitality, compliance, and culture-building. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner to the VP of Human Resources 

• Lead complex employee relations matters with discretion, empathy, and legal precision 

• Conduct investigations and resolve workplace issues with fairness and clarity 

• Develop and enforce policies that reflect our values and ensure consistency 

• Design and deliver training programs that elevate leadership, compliance, and culture 

• Coach restaurant managers on employee relations, development, and performance 

• Champion a culture of continuous learning, mentorship, and growth 

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws (EEO, ADA, FLSA, ERISA, DOL, OSHA, etc.) 

• Analyze HR metrics to identify trends and drive strategic improvements 

• Support the full employee lifecycle from recruitment to offboarding 

• Lead talent development, succession planning, and performance management 

• Mentor junior HR team members and foster their professional growth 

• Drive employee engagement, recognition, and philanthropic initiatives 

• Manage leave of absence processes and sensitive communications 

• Partner with field leadership to enhance agility and operational excellence 

• Lead change-management and crisis response initiatives with calm and clarity 

• Travel to restaurant locations across five states, as needed, to support employee relations, training, and field leadership initiatives 

• Take on additional responsibilities aligned with evolving organizational priorities 

Skills & Competencies 

• Deep expertise in employee relations and multi-state labor law compliance 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication, coaching, and conflict resolution skills 

• Strategic thinker with a bias for action and alignment with business goals 

• High emotional intelligence and ethical decision-making 

• Proven ability to lead in fast-paced, high-growth environments 

• Experience creating and delivering impactful training content 

• Bilingual in Spanish (written and oral) strongly preferred 

• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, Psychology, Communications or related field 

• Minimum 7 years of progressive HR experience, with a deep focus on employee relations 

• Experience supporting multi-unit operations in hospitality or a related industry 

• PHR or SPHR certification preferred 

About Us 

Out West Restaurant Group Inc. is the largest franchise operator of Outback Steakhouse in the U.S., with 74 locations across Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico. Voted Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA) in 2022, we’re proud to deliver exceptional dining experiences rooted in our core values:  

Hospitality • Quality • Sharing • Fun • Judgment • Courage 

We believe in creating vibrant workplaces where our Outbackers feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. 

Benefits 

• Competitive salary and comprehensive health insurance 

• Hybrid work model (subject to change based on business needs) 

• Flexible hours 

• Early wage access 

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage 

• Short- and long-term disability 

• Term life and AD&D insurance 

• Employee assistance program 

• Paid time off (Vacation, Sick Time, Holidays) 

• 401(k) retirement plan 

• Free meals and other fun perks 

 Physical Requirements 

• Ability to move around office settings and remain seated for extended periods 

• Occasionally lift or carry items up to 20 pounds 

• Ability to adapt to varied physical settings, including office, restaurant, and training environments 

• Comfortable navigating airports, rental cars, and hotel stays as part of travel 

• Ability to travel by car and plane to restaurant locations across five states 

• Ability to work on-site in restaurant environments, which may include standing or walking. 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. 

Equal Opportunity 

Out West is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. 

This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, and training. 

All newly hired employees must successfully complete the E-Verify process. Learn more at outwestrg.com/E-Verify.