About This Role
Managing the employee relations team and serving as the primary escalation point for complex and sensitive cases, especially those involving senior management, is the core of this role. You will coach and develop a team of four specialists, guide high-risk investigations, and provide strategic insights to the VP of HR on case trends and recommended actions. This position acts as the employee relations partner to the Support Center, advising leaders on conflict, performance, discipline, and separation decisions.
Responsibilities
- Manage, coach, and develop four Employee Relations Specialists, setting priorities, assigning cases, and reviewing investigation quality and documentation
- Serve as the escalation point for complex cases, and drive consistency in process, guidance, and outcomes across the team
- Build team capability through regular feedback, case consultation, and career development
- Oversee and personally lead investigations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and other workplace concerns, especially those involving higher levels of management
- Assess severity and risk, determine appropriate resolution, and recommend corrective action, discipline, or termination in line with company policy and federal, state, and local law
- Partner with the Legal Department and outside counsel on EEOC, agency, and other legal claims
- Provide the VP of HR and operations leaders with strategic insight on employee relations cases, including risk exposure, patterns, and recommended action
- Analyze case data to spot trends, and deliver regular reporting and recommendations on root causes and prevention
- Coach managers and senior leaders on conflict resolution, performance management, and disciplinary decisions
- Communicate difficult decisions clearly, directly, and with empathy to leaders and team members
- Maintain current knowledge of employment law and legislation at federal, state, and local levels, and translate changes into practical guidance
- Keep employee relations policies, investigation standards, and manager resources current
Requirements
- Strong working knowledge of federal and state employment law and regulations (Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and DOL Wage & Hour)
- Demonstrated experience independently leading complex investigations, including those involving senior leaders, from intake through report and resolution
- Comfort delivering difficult decisions and tough messages clearly, calmly, and with empathy
- Sound judgment, impartiality, and the highest level of confidentiality and discretion
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear investigation reports
- 5+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including at least 3 years in employee relations or workplace investigations
- 2+ years of experience leading or directly managing a team
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience
Nice to have:
- Employee relations experience in California, including familiarity with California employment law
- PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification
- HR experience in a multi-site restaurant, franchise, hospitality, or retail environment
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Short- and long-term disability
- Paid vacation
- Paid holidays
- Company-matching 401(k) program
Important Details
- Direct Reports: Four Employee Relations Specialists
- Schedule: In office five days per week
About the Company
Sizzling Platter is a leading restaurant management group operating more than 800 locations across the United States and Mexico. Since 1963, the company has built a franchise platform focused on scaling category-leading brands in high-opportunity markets. Its portfolio includes Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Sizzler Steakhouse, Dunkin', Wingstop, Little Caesars, Jersey Mike's Subs, Jamba, and Cinnabon. The Support Center in Murray, Utah, serves a team of over 14,000 employees. Sizzling Platter is focused on long-term growth through organic expansion, acquisitions, and brand development, backed by private equity partners.
