Director of Human Resources, On-Site | Indianapolis, IN

Position Overview

At Cunningham Restaurant Group, we believe great hospitality starts with great people. We're looking for a hands-on Director of Human Resources who enjoys solving problems, supporting leaders, and making sure the HR function runs smoothly every day.

This role is responsible for leading the daily operations of the HR department, managing the HR team, and partnering closely with restaurant leadership to provide practical, responsive HR support. Success in this role comes from strong execution.

The Director ensures consistency, compliance, accountability, and an outstanding level of service for our restaurants while helping managers navigate the people challenges that come with a fast-paced, multi-unit hospitality environment.

If you're someone who enjoys being the person others rely on to solve problems, coach leaders, improve processes, and keep things moving, this role is for you.

Essential Responsibilities

Department Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the Human Resources department.
• Manage, coach, and develop HR team members while fostering accountability, collaboration, and exceptional customer service.
• Establish department priorities, monitor workloads, and ensure timely follow-up on all HR matters.
• Oversee efficient, scalable processes that support both the HR team and restaurant operations.
• Serve as the primary operational leader for Human Resources.

Employee Relations

• Serve as the senior resource for employee relations matters across all restaurant locations.
• Review and support workplace investigations involving policy violations, harassment, discrimination, and employee complaints.
• Coach General Managers and Directors of Operations on performance management, corrective action, documentation, and difficult conversations.
• Ensure employee concerns are handled fairly, consistently, and in alignment with company values and employment laws.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Oversee compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
• Ensure consistent administration of company policies and employment practices.
• Oversee leave administration, unemployment, Workers' Compensation, accommodations, and other compliance-related programs.
• Identify potential areas of organizational risk and implement practical solutions.

Operational Partnership

• Build strong working relationships with Operations leadership.
• Provide practical HR guidance that helps restaurant leaders make sound people decisions.
• Visit restaurant locations as needed to stay connected to operations and build relationships with management teams.
• Support staffing, retention, engagement, and leadership consistency across the organization.

HR Operations

• Oversee HR systems, personnel records, reporting, and department processes.
• Monitor HR metrics including turnover, unemployment trends, Workers' Compensation claims, investigations, and compliance activity.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, simplify processes, and enhance HR service delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 5–8 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Previous experience leading an HR team or department.
• Multi-unit restaurant, hospitality, retail, healthcare, or other high-volume operational experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of employee relations, investigations, employment law, leave administration, unemployment, Workers' Compensation, and HR compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to coach managers through employee issues while balancing business needs and employee experience.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with ADP Workforce Now or similar HRIS preferred.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification is a plus.

What Success Looks Like

The successful Director of HR will

• Keep the HR department organized, responsive, and highly effective.
• Build trust with restaurant leaders through practical support and sound judgment.
• Ensure consistency in HR practices across all locations.
• Develop an engaged, high-performing HR team.
• Improve processes without creating unnecessary complexity.
• Be known as someone who is dependable, approachable, and willing to jump in wherever needed.
• Live CRG's Core Values of Connection, Honesty, Ownership, Respect, Fairness, Kindness, and Opportunity every day.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Cunningham Restaurant Group, we embrace diversity and uphold equal opportunities for all. Our commitment to fairness and inclusivity reflects our Core Values of Connection, Honesty, Ownership, Respect, Fairness, Kindness, and Opportunity.

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.