*Japanese Bilingual skill required
Position: HR Specialist – Talent & Operations
Location: Brea, CA **The office will move to Cerritos CA in Feb. 2026
Salary: $93,600/year (Exempt)
Department: Human Resources
Overview
Our client is looking for a HR specialist!
The HR Specialist supports the full employee lifecycle with a strong focus on high-volume recruiting for restaurant locations. This role includes hiring, onboarding, HR operations, and partnering with Unit Managers to ensure smooth staffing and compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Talent Acquisition
- Lead full-cycle hiring for hourly to management roles.
- Conduct on-site interviews and hiring events at restaurant locations.
- Build pipelines for high-turnover roles and new store openings.
- Create job postings, screen candidates, interview, and coordinate offers.
- Track recruiting metrics and partner with local schools and organizations.
Onboarding & HR Operations
- Manage background checks, I-9s, and onboarding paperwork.
- Support or lead new hire orientation.
- Maintain HRIS records and file compliance.
- Assist payroll/benefits teams with employee questions.
People Support
- Support Unit Managers on HR processes, interview practices, and labor law basics.
- Provide guidance on employee relations issues.
- Offer general HR support across the department as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bilingual: Japanese & English
- Strong communication and customer service skills
- Experience in restaurant or hospitality operations
- Comfortable with fast-paced, high-volume recruiting
Preferred
- Experience in Japanese restaurants or food wholesale
- Experience with new store openings
- Multi-location HR or operations support
Work Environment
- Frequent visits to restaurant locations (includes kitchen areas)
- Travel within Southern California required