Vice President of Human Resources & Compliance

A growing, multi-state quick-service restaurant operator is seeking a Vice President of Human Resources & Compliance to lead the HR function across a large portfolio of franchise restaurant locations. This is a highly visible leadership role for a seasoned HR executive with deep experience in QSR, multi-unit restaurant operations, employment law, payroll compliance, employee relations, and multi-state HR leadership.

The VP of HR & Compliance will oversee HR operations, lead and mentor a team of HR professionals, partner closely with senior leadership, and ensure the organization’s HR practices are aligned with business goals while remaining compliant with federal, state, and local employment laws.

This is an onsite position in Houston, TX, and the client is open to relocation

Key Responsibilities

The VP of HR & Compliance will be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing HR strategies that support overall business objectives.
• Leading, mentoring, and managing a team of HR professionals supporting restaurant operations across multiple locations and states.
• Partnering with senior leadership to align HR policies, procedures, and programs with business needs.
• Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, with a strong focus on regulations affecting the quick-service restaurant industry.
• Staying current on employment law changes and updating HR practices accordingly.
• Developing and implementing policies and procedures to reduce risk and support consistent HR practices across the organization.
• Providing guidance to HR, management, and employees on employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, investigations, and terminations.

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• Overseeing payroll compliance across multiple states, including wage and hour laws, tax withholding, payroll reporting, and related regulations.
• Serving as a subject matter expert across HR, compliance, legal administration, and employee relations matters.
• Partnering with Talent Acquisition leadership to support effective recruiting and retention strategies in a competitive labor market.
• Identifying and implementing process improvements to streamline HR operations and improve efficiency.
• Overseeing the administration of employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, bonus programs, and other employee perks.
• Leading employee development initiatives, including training, performance management, succession planning, and leadership development.
• Fostering a positive, inclusive, and performance-driven culture that supports employee engagement and recognition.
• Ensuring effective use of HR systems and tools, including ATS, HRIS, payroll systems, and performance management platforms.
• Developing HR metrics, reporting, and insights to support executive decision-making.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a personable, results-oriented HR leader who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-unit operating environment. This person should be both strategic and hands-on, with the ability to advise executive leadership while also supporting day-to-day HR operations when needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Employment Law, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive HR experience.
• 5+ years of senior HR leadership experience.
• Prior experience in the quick-service restaurant, restaurant, hospitality, retail, or similar high-volume multi-unit environment is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of multi-state employment laws and HR compliance requirements.
• Proven experience overseeing payroll compliance across multiple states.
• Strong employee relations background, including investigations, conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Experience leading and developing HR teams.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on and results-focused.
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive compensation package, relocation assistance if needed, and the opportunity to join a growing organization in a key executive HR leadership role.