Apply Job Type Full-time 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 reporting to provide insights into key people metrics * Identify opportunities for process improvement and help implement technology or workflow solutions that enhance efficiency and accuracy * Assist in evaluating and rolling out new HR tools or system upgrades as needed * Optimize and implement People Operations processes, ensuring they are efficient, scalable, accurate, and compliant with regulatory requirements Team Contribution & Project Support * Collaborate with other members of the People team on cross-functional projects, process updates, and communications * Document procedures and workflows to ensure consistency, scalability, and compliance * Help with vendor management and relationship coordination for benefit and HR systems providers * Contribute to company-wide initiatives that support employee engagement and operational excellence Qualifications: * 2-4 years of experience in HR operations, generalist, or compliance-focused roles * Strong working knowledge of employment law, HR best practices, and risk management in a multi-location environment * Experience with benefits administration, leave management, and HR systems (HRIS) * Proficient in Microsoft Office/Google Workspace; familiarity with data reporting tools a plus * Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills * Proven ability to handle confidential information with integrity and discretion * Self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple priorities independently Please note that your duties are subject to change at the Company's discretion. Perks, Benefits + Rewards, just for you: * A fun work environment! * Career development and advancement opportunities * Competitive pay * Meal discounts when dining at bartaco * Paid vacation time * Gym and fitness center discounts * Opportunity to learn multiple languages/language education * Discounted virtual pet care * Student loan assistance * Medical, dental, and vision insurance * Mental Health and holistic wellness support * 401K enrollment and matching Requirements SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS * Bachelor's degree required; major in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred * 3-5 years of human resource management experience is required * Understanding of employment laws and regulations * Proficient with Google Suite or related software * Ability to quickly learn the organization's HRIS and talent management systems. Proficiency with Paylocity preferred * Excellent verbal and written communication skills * Excellent interpersonal skills, including empathy, compassion, building trust, and overall emotional intelligence * Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail * Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills * Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality Salary Description Pay $75,000 - $85,000 per year