Outback Steakhouse
Sr. Employee Relations Partner
Outback Steakhouse, San Diego, California, United States, 92189
$97,000-$115,000, Application Deadline is 12.31.2025.
We’re seeking a second Senior HR Partner to join our high-performing HR team and help lead our people strategy across 74 restaurant locations in five states. This is more than an HR role; it’s a leadership opportunity for someone who makes ethical decisions, navigates ambiguity with confidence, and inspires others through integrity, courage, and compassion.
If you’re passionate about coaching, developing others, and building trust across diverse teams, you’ll find purpose and partnership here.
This role is ideal for someone who has led employee relations across multi-unit operations (50+ locations, 1,000+ employees), and who understands hospitality, compliance, and culture-building.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner to the VP of Human Resources
Lead complex employee relations matters with discretion, empathy, and legal precision
Conduct investigations and resolve workplace issues with fairness and clarity
Develop and enforce policies that reflect our values and ensure consistency
Design and deliver training programs that elevate leadership, compliance, and culture
Coach restaurant managers on employee relations, development, and performance
Champion a culture of continuous learning, mentorship, and growth
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws (EEO, ADA, FLSA, ERISA, DOL, OSHA, etc.)
Analyze HR metrics to identify trends and drive strategic improvements
Support the full employee lifecycle from recruitment to offboarding
Lead talent development, succession planning, and performance management
Mentor junior HR team members and foster their professional growth
Drive employee engagement, recognition, and philanthropic initiatives
Manage leave of absence processes and sensitive communications
Partner with field leadership to enhance agility and operational excellence
Lead change-management and crisis response initiatives with calm and clarity
Travel to restaurant locations across five states, as needed, to support employee relations, training, and field leadership initiatives
Take on additional responsibilities aligned with evolving organizational priorities
Skills & Competencies
Deep expertise in employee relations and multi-state labor law compliance
Exceptional written and verbal communication, coaching, and conflict resolution skills
Strategic thinker with a bias for action and alignment with business goals
High emotional intelligence and ethical decision-making
Proven ability to lead in fast-paced, high-growth environments
Experience creating and delivering impactful training content
Bilingual in Spanish (written and oral) strongly preferred
Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, Psychology, Communications or related field
Minimum 7 years of progressive HR experience, with a deep focus on employee relations
Experience supporting multi-unit operations in hospitality or a related industry
PHR or SPHR certification preferred
About Us Out West Restaurant Group Inc. is the largest franchise operator of Outback Steakhouse in the U.S., with 74 locations across Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico. Voted Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA) in 2022, we’re proud to deliver exceptional dining experiences rooted in our core values:
Hospitality • Quality • Sharing • Fun • Judgment • Courage
We believe in creating vibrant workplaces where our Outbackers feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
Benefits
Competitive salary and comprehensive health insurance
Hybrid work model (subject to change based on business needs)
Flexible hours
Early wage access
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Short- and long-term disability
Term life and AD&D insurance
Employee assistance program
Paid time off (Vacation, Sick Time, Holidays)
401(k) retirement plan
Free meals and other fun perks
Physical Requirements
Ability to move around office settings and remain seated for extended periods
Occasionally lift or carry items up to 20 pounds
Ability to adapt to varied physical settings, including office, restaurant, and training environments
Comfortable navigating airports, rental cars, and hotel stays as part of travel
Ability to travel by car and plane to restaurant locations across five states
Ability to work on-site in restaurant environments, which may include standing or walking.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
Equal Opportunity Out West is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, and training.
All newly hired employees must successfully complete the E-Verify process. Learn more at outwestrg.com/E-Verify.
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We’re seeking a second Senior HR Partner to join our high-performing HR team and help lead our people strategy across 74 restaurant locations in five states. This is more than an HR role; it’s a leadership opportunity for someone who makes ethical decisions, navigates ambiguity with confidence, and inspires others through integrity, courage, and compassion.
If you’re passionate about coaching, developing others, and building trust across diverse teams, you’ll find purpose and partnership here.
This role is ideal for someone who has led employee relations across multi-unit operations (50+ locations, 1,000+ employees), and who understands hospitality, compliance, and culture-building.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner to the VP of Human Resources
Lead complex employee relations matters with discretion, empathy, and legal precision
Conduct investigations and resolve workplace issues with fairness and clarity
Develop and enforce policies that reflect our values and ensure consistency
Design and deliver training programs that elevate leadership, compliance, and culture
Coach restaurant managers on employee relations, development, and performance
Champion a culture of continuous learning, mentorship, and growth
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws (EEO, ADA, FLSA, ERISA, DOL, OSHA, etc.)
Analyze HR metrics to identify trends and drive strategic improvements
Support the full employee lifecycle from recruitment to offboarding
Lead talent development, succession planning, and performance management
Mentor junior HR team members and foster their professional growth
Drive employee engagement, recognition, and philanthropic initiatives
Manage leave of absence processes and sensitive communications
Partner with field leadership to enhance agility and operational excellence
Lead change-management and crisis response initiatives with calm and clarity
Travel to restaurant locations across five states, as needed, to support employee relations, training, and field leadership initiatives
Take on additional responsibilities aligned with evolving organizational priorities
Skills & Competencies
Deep expertise in employee relations and multi-state labor law compliance
Exceptional written and verbal communication, coaching, and conflict resolution skills
Strategic thinker with a bias for action and alignment with business goals
High emotional intelligence and ethical decision-making
Proven ability to lead in fast-paced, high-growth environments
Experience creating and delivering impactful training content
Bilingual in Spanish (written and oral) strongly preferred
Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, Psychology, Communications or related field
Minimum 7 years of progressive HR experience, with a deep focus on employee relations
Experience supporting multi-unit operations in hospitality or a related industry
PHR or SPHR certification preferred
About Us Out West Restaurant Group Inc. is the largest franchise operator of Outback Steakhouse in the U.S., with 74 locations across Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, and New Mexico. Voted Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association (IFA) in 2022, we’re proud to deliver exceptional dining experiences rooted in our core values:
Hospitality • Quality • Sharing • Fun • Judgment • Courage
We believe in creating vibrant workplaces where our Outbackers feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
Benefits
Competitive salary and comprehensive health insurance
Hybrid work model (subject to change based on business needs)
Flexible hours
Early wage access
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Short- and long-term disability
Term life and AD&D insurance
Employee assistance program
Paid time off (Vacation, Sick Time, Holidays)
401(k) retirement plan
Free meals and other fun perks
Physical Requirements
Ability to move around office settings and remain seated for extended periods
Occasionally lift or carry items up to 20 pounds
Ability to adapt to varied physical settings, including office, restaurant, and training environments
Comfortable navigating airports, rental cars, and hotel stays as part of travel
Ability to travel by car and plane to restaurant locations across five states
Ability to work on-site in restaurant environments, which may include standing or walking.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
Equal Opportunity Out West is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, and training.
All newly hired employees must successfully complete the E-Verify process. Learn more at outwestrg.com/E-Verify.
#J-18808-Ljbffr