Chick-fil-A Santa Maria 

Full-Time | Salaried, Exempt

Position Summary

Chick-fil-A Santa Maria is seeking an experienced Human Resources Director to support our

two locally owned and operated restaurants and approximately 150 Team Members.

This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for employee relations, California

employment-law compliance, protected leaves, benefits administration, hiring practices, HR

documentation, and supporting our restaurant leadership team.

We are looking for someone who understands that excellent HR means both taking care of

people and protecting the organization through consistent, fair, and legally compliant

practices.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as the primary HR resource for Team Members, Directors, and the

Owner/Operator.

Maintain strong working knowledge of California employment and wage-and-hour

requirements.

Administer and monitor protected leaves, including CFRA, FMLA, Pregnancy Disability

Leave, paid sick leave, disability accommodations, workers' compensation-related

absences, and other applicable California leave requirements.

Guide leaders regarding attendance, performance management, coaching, corrective

action, investigations, suspensions, and terminations.

Conduct workplace investigations and appropriately document findings and

recommendations.

Administer and coordinate employee benefits, including health insurance and SIMPLE

IRA/401(k) retirement benefits.

Monitor HR-related payroll, timekeeping, meal/rest-period, PTO, sick-leave, and

personnel-record compliance.

Oversee compliant recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and employee-separation

practices.

Maintain personnel files, policies, required notices, employee acknowledgments, and HR

documentation.

Train and coach restaurant leaders on HR policies and California employment

requirements.

Identify situations requiring consultation with outside employment counsel or other

professional advisors.

Periodically work alongside restaurant Team Members for operational familiarization,

relationship building, and a firsthand appreciation of the work and challenges faced by

our teams.

Minimum Qualifications

Five (5) years of progressively responsible HR, management, or comparable

leadership experience, with at least two (2) years specifically responsible for Human

Resources functions.

Direct Human Resources experience in California, with demonstrated knowledge of

California employment practices, wage-and-hour requirements, and employee

protections.

Current SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, PHRca, SPHR, or comparable recognized

professional HR certification.

Demonstrated experience with employee relations, performance management, discipline,

workplace investigations, and employee separations.

Working knowledge of protected-leave and accommodation requirements, including

CFRA, FMLA, Pregnancy Disability Leave, paid sick leave, and the reasonable-

accommodation/interactive process.

Strong communication, organization, documentation, confidentiality, and professional

judgment.

Ability to appropriately handle sensitive employee matters with fairness, consistency,

discretion, and compassion.

Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a predominantly hourly

workforce.

Preferred Qualifications

PHRca certification, reflecting specific knowledge of California Human Resources

requirements.

Experience supporting a large hourly workforce.

Previous experience in quick-service restaurants, restaurants, hospitality, retail, or a

similar high-volume environment.

Bilingual English/Spanish.

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational

Leadership, or a related field.

Fast-food or restaurant experience is preferred but not required.

Compensation & Benefits

$85,000–$115,000 annual salary, based upon experience and qualifications.

Employer contribution toward health insurance, with contribution and coverage based

upon the applicable plan and individual circumstances.

SIMPLE IRA/401(k) retirement benefits, subject to plan eligibility and terms.

Paid vacation/PTO and sick leave in accordance with company policy and applicable

California law.

Meals provided or covered while working qualifying restaurant shifts.

Professional development and continuing HR education opportunities.

Company support for maintaining applicable professional HR certifications.

About Us

We operate two Chick-fil-A restaurants in Santa Maria and employ approximately 160 Team

Members. We believe in treating people with dignity and respect while maintaining high

standards of accountability, integrity, service, quality, safety, and excellence.

The HR Director will be an important member of our senior leadership team and will work

directly with the Owner/Operator and restaurant leadership to build a workplace where Team

Members are treated fairly, leaders are equipped to lead well, and employment practices are

consistently and professionally administered.

Chick-fil-A Santa Maria is an equal opportunity employer.