Employee Relations Manager

The Manager of Employee Relations will serve as a strategic partner to our Operations leaders, collaborating closely to address a range of employee relations matters with tact, empathy, and discretion. This role requires an adept communicator who can navigate complex situations, provide sound advice, and ensure that all actions align with our company's mission and values.

The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities.

• Employee Guidance: Serve as the go-to resource for Operations leaders in addressing sensitive employee concerns, including but not limited to interpersonal conflicts, harassment, discrimination, and workplace disputes.
• Conflict Resolution: Manage and mediate employee disputes, working to find fair and equitable resolutions that align with company policies and values.
• Grievance Handling: Receive, investigate, and manage employee grievances, ensuring thorough and impartial investigations and appropriate follow-up actions.
• Policy Interpretation: Provide expert interpretation of company policies, procedures, and guidelines to support informed decision-making by Operations leaders.
• Coaching and Training: Participate in the development of training programs and resources to educate Operations leaders on best practices for handling employee relations matters and fostering a positive work environment.
• Performance Improvement: Collaborate with HR and Operations to develop performance improvement plans when necessary, ensuring alignment with legal requirements and company standards.
• Employee Advocacy: Act as an advocate for employees while balancing the company's interests, always striving to create an inclusive and respectful workplace.
• Compliance: Stay current with labor laws, regulations, and industry best practices related to employee relations, ensuring the company's practices remain legally compliant.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and confidential records of employee relations cases, investigations, and outcomes.
• Data Analysis: Analyze employee relations trends and data to identify potential areas of concern and develop proactive strategies for improvement.
• Cultural Champion: Actively promote and reinforce the company's "You First" culture and values in all employee interactions and engagement initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field; or equivalent work experience and minimum of 3-5 years of multi-unit leadership, preferably within the restaurant or hospitality industry
• Strong knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and HR best practices
• Exceptional communication, mediation, and conflict resolution skills
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and objectivity in all employee interactions
• Proven track record of successfully partnering with Operations leaders to address complex employee relations issues
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in HRIS systems and Microsoft Office Suite
• Professional certification in HR (e.g., SHRM-CP, PHR) is a plus
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact to our communities – raising approximately $2.0 million to date. A recipient of many “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, and also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute – an accolade most recently featured in The Wall Street Journal – after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 630 First Watch restaurants in 32 states. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com .

First Watch is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, First Watch will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.