HR Director in London

Job OverviewWe are seeking an experienced and strategic Director of Human Resources to lead all HR functions within our growing food and restaurant organisation. This role will oversee recruitment, employee relations, training and development, compliance, and workforce planning across restaurant operations.

The successful candidate will play a key role in building a strong service culture, improving staff performance, and ensuring smooth day-to-day people operations. This position also includes responsibility for maintaining accurate HR records, payroll documentation, staff attendance books, and compliance files.

The Director of Human Resources will drive initiatives that support business growth, employee engagement, continuous learning, and operational excellence while ensuring all HR systems and records are properly maintained.

Strategic HR Leadership

Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with restaurant business goals to attract, retain, and develop top talent.

Build a strong service-focused workplace culture that promotes teamwork, accountability, and customer satisfaction.

Support restaurant managers with workforce planning and staffing requirements.

Recruitment & Onboarding

Oversee end-to-end recruitment for kitchen, service, and management staff.

Manage hiring processes using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) such as Workday or Taleo.

Ensure smooth onboarding, orientation, and training for all new hires.

Employee Relations & Performance

Manage employee relations programmes to promote a positive and respectful workplace.

Address staff concerns, conflicts, and disciplinary matters professionally and fairly.

Oversee performance management systems to track employee progress and development.

Learning & Development

Design and implement training programmes for food safety, customer service, leadership, and operational skills.

Promote continuous learning through coaching, workshops, and mentorship.

Develop succession plans and leadership development pathways for high-potential staff.

HR Operations & Record Keeping (Books Handling)

Maintain accurate HR records including attendance, payroll, leave, contracts, and compliance documentation.

Oversee payroll processing, staff schedules, and benefits administration.

Ensure all HR books, reports, and records are updated and properly filed.

Monitor labour costs and support budgeting with accurate workforce data.

Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure compliance with labour laws, food industry regulations, and workplace safety standards.

Manage audits, inspections, and documentation related to employment practices.

Keep updated with legal changes affecting hospitality employment.

HR Systems & Reporting

Oversee HRIS platforms such as Workday, PeopleSoft, or similar systems.

Analyse HR data (turnover, attendance, performance) to improve retention and productivity.

Prepare HR reports for senior management to support business decisions.

Team Leadership

Supervise HR staff and provide guidance on policies, procedures, and best practices.

Support restaurant managers with HR training and policy implementation.

Requirements

Proven experience in HR leadership, preferably within the restaurant, hospitality, or food industry.

Strong knowledge of recruitment, employee relations, payroll, compliance, and training.

Experience using HRIS systems (Workday, PeopleSoft, Taleo, or similar).

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Strong organisational skills with attention to detail for record keeping and book management.

Ability to manage multiple locations and diverse teams.

Data analysis skills to interpret workforce metrics.

Passion for learning, staff development, and building strong teams.

Why Join Us?This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the people strategy of a growing restaurant business. You will influence culture, improve staff performance, and help build a motivated, well-trained workforce while ensuring accurate HR records and compliance.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

Company pension

Referral programme

Store discount

Work Location: In person

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