Vice President of Human Resources

Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) has created some of New York’s most beloved restaurants, cafes, and bars, which offer outstanding food delivered with our signature warmth and hospitality. Founded by Danny Meyer with the opening of Union Square Cafe in 1985, the company now extends beyond the walls of its eateries.  

USHG has long supported its communities through hunger relief and civic organizations. USHG holds 28 James Beard Awards and numerous accolades for its distinctive style of hospitality. 

Who you are: 

The Vice President of Human Resources is an inspirational and strategic leader who provides vision, leadership, and direction across all areas of Human Resources, aligning people strategies with the organization’s operational, cultural, and financial objectives. As a member of the leadership team, this role serves as a trusted partner to executive and operational leaders, employment compliance, compensation and benefits, policies and procedures, and HR best practices. 

The Vice President of Human Resources is a champion of our culture and a role model for Enlightened Hospitality, fostering an environment where our people can thrive, grow, and deliver exceptional hospitality. This leader brings a thoughtful, proactive, people-centered approach to building strong teams, developing leaders, navigating organizational change, and ensuring that our people practices support the long-term success of the organization. 

What you’ll do: 

• Champion a culture of Enlightened Hospitality for all stakeholders that supports our business objectives and growth 
• Serve as a strategic HR business partner to executive and operational leaders, aligning people strategies with USHG’s business objectives, growth, operational needs, and culture 
• Advise leaders on organizational effectiveness and talent strategy, including workforce planning, succession planning, leadership development, organizational structure, and change management 
• Lead employee relations and workplace practices, providing guidance on performance management, investigations, progressive discipline, separations, workplace concerns, and other complex employee matters 
• Oversee HR compliance and risk management, partnering with HR and legal to ensure consistent and equitable practices in accordance with federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as company policies 
• Drive talent development and manager effectiveness through coaching, training, performance management, leadership development, and resources that help employees grow 
• Partner with Talent Acquisition and business leaders on workforce strategies, including staffing needs, talent pipelines, internal mobility, employee engagement, retention, and diversity, inclusion and belonging initiatives 
• Oversee the consistent execution of core HR programs and processes, including compensation and benefits, payroll partnership, onboarding, HR systems, policies, employee communications, and people-related reporting and analytics 
• Lead and develop the HR team while establishing clear standards, accountability, and best practices that support USHG’s continued growth, operational excellence, and employee experience 

What we need from you: 

• 10+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, including significant experience leading HR across hospitality, restaurant, multi-unit, or other service-intensive operations 
• 5+ years of people leadership experience, with a demonstrated ability to develop HR professionals, coach leaders, and build strong, accountable teams  
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Business, or a related field; advanced HR certifications such as SHRM-SCP, SPHR, or equivalent are strongly preferred 
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws, with the judgment to navigate complex employee relations matters, identify risk, and partner with Legal when appropriate 
• Exceptional communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence at all levels, facilitate difficult conversations, teach and hold leaders accountable, and communicate with clarity and credibility 

What you’ll get from us: 

At Union Square Hospitality Group, extending Enlightened Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. We believe our people are our greatest ingredient. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture rooted in care, creativity, and growth. As a Vice President of Human Resources, you’ll enjoy: 

• Competitive pay and bonus potential: Annual compensation of $175,000 – $195,000 plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus, with consideration for your experience and impact 
• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending options for healthcare and dependent care 
• Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and paid parental leave to support life outside of work 
• Investing in your future: A matched 401(k) plan to help you grow long-term savings 
• Peace of mind: Life insurance, employee assistance programs, and exclusive access to primary care, mental health, and other wellness services. 
• Support in times of need: Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing unexpected hardship 
• Dining Credit: An annual dining credit to enjoy exceptional meals and experiences at any of our restaurants  
• Dining Discount: A 51% dining discount across the entire USHG family of restaurants to share unforgettable meals with friends and loved ones  
• Convenience & flexibility: Pre-tax commuter benefits for transit and parking 
• Growth and community: Opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration with some of the most passionate people in hospitality. 

Putting Enlightened Hospitality into Practice 

Integral to our culture are our six behaviors. Our behaviors guide how we work together. 

• We play to win with humble swagger. Hospitality is a team sport where everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive and belong 
• Turn over the rocks and always be connecting dots to build uplifting experiences and relationships 
• Center the salt shaker with an unwavering commitment to excellence and the values that matter most 
• Write a great next chapter. The road to success is paved with mistakes well-handled 
• Bring a charitable assumption and err on the side of generosity 
• Leave our campsite better than we found it; always responsible for the impact of our wake 

*The above represents the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your experience and other job-related factors.

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. This role may be required to take on other duties or projects as necessary to support organizational goals, in alignment with their skills, experience, and the evolving needs of the business.