HR & Legal Manager

Description

Job Overview

The HR & Legal Manager plays a strategic and operational role at GBC Food Services, LLC, overseeing the company’s human resources operations while also providing leadership and support in risk management, legal compliance, contract review, and franchise system oversight. This position ensures HR practices align with GBC’s business goals while maintaining legal integrity across company functions. The role acts as a key advisor to leadership on both people and compliance-related matters and supports ongoing quality assurance within the franchise network.

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Supervisory Responsibilities

• Leads the HR team and guides other department heads on HR, compliance, and legal best practices.
• Provides mentoring, coaching, and performance evaluations for HR staff.
• Offers legal and compliance consultation to managers on contract terms, HR disputes, investigations, and regulatory obligations.
• Strategically supports staff engaged in quality audits, risk assessments, and franchise support compliance.

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Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR and Legal Leadership

• Design and implement HR strategies that align with corporate and legal priorities.
• Provide guidance on legal risks, company policies, and regulatory compliance affecting employment and business operations.
• Partner with executive leadership to shape and enforce ethical, safe, and compliant practices across the organization.

Franchise Compliance and Contract Oversight

• Interpret and ensure adherence to franchise agreements.
• Conduct periodic reviews and audits of franchisee performance against legal, operational, and brand standards.
• Review legal documents, contracts, NDAs, vendor agreements, and employment policies.
• Liaise with outside counsel as needed to support business initiatives or dispute resolution.

Talent Acquisition and Onboarding

• Oversee the full-cycle recruitment process to meet staffing needs.
• Collaborate with operations and legal on background checks and hiring compliance.
• Ensure onboarding includes required compliance training and policy acknowledgment.

Risk Management & Quality Assurance

• Lead risk assessments across HR and franchise operations to proactively identify and address legal or operational concerns.
• Ensure documentation, training, and audits support quality assurance and brand integrity across locations.
• Monitor legal trends and update internal policies to minimize liability.

Policy Development and Regulatory Compliance

• Maintain and enforce company policies in accordance with state and federal employment law (e.g., FLSA, OSHA, FMLA, ADA, EEOC).
• Oversee implementation and enforcement of compliance-related training.
• Respond to agency inquiries and conduct internal investigations as necessary.

Employee Relations and Conflict Resolution

• Serve as the escalation point for sensitive HR and legal matters.
• Lead investigations into misconduct or workplace issues with legal implications.
• Promote a fair, inclusive, and positive company culture while mitigating potential risks.

Compensation, Benefits, and Performance Management

• Evaluate and administer compensation structures to support compliance with wage laws and internal equity.
• Collaborate with Finance to ensure benefit plans are aligned with company strategy and legal standards.
• Manage the performance review process and guide corrective action plans in compliance with labor law.

Data Management, Systems, and Reporting

• Oversee HRIS and other systems for accuracy, compliance, and reporting.
• Generate compliance and audit reports for HR, legal, and franchise-related functions.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee and company data.

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Competencies

• Strong legal acumen and HR expertise, especially in a franchised business model.
• Effective leadership, with the ability to influence across functions and resolve complex issues.
• Outstanding communication and negotiation skills.
• Advanced analytical thinking with attention to detail.
• Deep understanding of labor law, HR best practices, and contract management.

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Required Skills/Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of federal and state employment laws.
• Experience reviewing and managing contracts, especially in a franchise setting.
• Excellent project and risk management skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office and HR/legal technology platforms.
• Experience managing legal compliance within multi-site or franchised operations is a strong plus.

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Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Legal Studies, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Paralegal experience preferred but not required.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, including at least 3 years managing legal, compliance, or contract review responsibilities.

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Physical Requirements

• Primarily a sedentary role with occasional travel and site visits.
• Ability to travel domestically on short notice, including for investigations or compliance reviews.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally.

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Work Environment

• Standard office setting, with occasional exposure to operational environments such as warehouse, production, or franchise locations.
• Position not remote, and requires in-office attendance.

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Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities. Responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

GBC Food Services, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.