People Operations Specialist

Description

People Operations Specialist

Location: Arlington, VA (onsite) 

Base pay range: $75,000 – $85,000

At bartaco, food is our passion. But people are our purpose.

We invest in our team because our people are at the heart of what we do. We’re committed to creating an atmosphere where team members can learn, develop, and succeed every day. Whether you aspire to excel in a leadership, hospitality, or culinary role, bartaco is an environment that fosters growth and helps you achieve your goals.

At bartaco, we’re guest-obsessed. Our mission is to create memorable moments for every guest, every time. It’s who we are.

We are looking for individuals who can bring the bartaco experience to life and truly live and breathe our touchstones. Our culture is shaped by these values, guiding how we work together to create unforgettable experiences for our guests.

• Pride: You take pride in your work and in contributing to something special
• Good People: You value teamwork, treat others with kindness, and build trust with those around you
• Positively Intolerant: You hold yourself and your team accountable for delivering quality and consistency because our guests deserve nothing less
• Introspective: You’re always looking to grow and improve, taking feedback as an opportunity to get better
• Transparent: You communicate openly and honestly, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration
• We Have Fun and Make People Happy: You bring energy, warmth, and a genuine smile, knowing that your positivity can brighten someone’s day

Role Summary:

The People Operations Specialist at bartaco is responsible for executing and optimizing key HR functions that support both our restaurant teams and home office operations. This role plays a central part in HR compliance, risk management, benefits and leave administration, employee relations, HR systems, and process improvement.

We're looking for a proactive, detail-oriented HR professional with 2-4 years of experience in People Operations or HR generalist roles, who thrives in a fast-paced, growing environment. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, tech-savvy, and able to manage sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion.

Key Responsibilities:

Compliance & Risk Management

• Manage the People Compliance calendar to ensure timely adherence to federal, state, and local employment laws, including wage and hour regulations
• Monitor regulatory updates and implement necessary changes to policies and procedures
• Support risk mitigation strategies by identifying trends or potential areas of exposure related to employment practices
• Coordinate with legal counsel or external consultants on compliance issues or claims, as needed
• Maintain accurate records for audits, government filings, and internal documentation
• Ensure ongoing compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, regulations, and reporting requirements
• Ensure labor law postings and workplace practices meet all required standards at every location

Benefits & Leave Administration

• Oversee day-to-day administration of employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, COBRA, and 401(k)
• Lead Open Enrollment processes, ensure accurate employee communications, and manage benefits-related vendor interactions
• Manage employee leaves of absence (FMLA, ADA, Workers’ Compensation), ensuring compliance and proper documentation
• Provide timely and clear responses to employee benefits questions and support Qualified Life Events

Employee Relations & Support

• Act as a resource for managers and employees on workplace policies, performance matters, and employee relations concerns
• Assist in the resolution of employee issues, including documentation, investigations, and coaching conversations
• Conduct and manage offboarding activities, including exit interviews, benefit transitions, and HRIS terminations
• Promote a consistent and fair approach to employee issues, helping to maintain a positive and compliant workplace culture
• Provide advice and support to business units on complex HR-related issues, including regulatory compliance, employee relations, risk management, and organizational development

HR Systems, Reporting & Process Improvement

• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of employee data in the HRIS and related systems
• Support the development of HR dashboards and r