HR OPERATIONS & ENGAGEMENT PROJECT MANAGER - NEW YORK, NY

About the role

The HR Operations & Engagement Project Manager leads the coordination and execution of employee experience programs across Restaurant Associates, including onboarding, engagement, recognition, training, and retention. Reporting to the HR Director for Managed Services, this field- and client-facing role turns priorities into clear project plans, timelines, communications, and measurable outcomes aligned with RA’s CARE culture. The role partners with HR, operations, and site leaders across the NYC tri-state area, using critical thinking, people analytics, and risk management to identify issues, develop solutions, improve processes, and support new business mobilizations.

Responsibilities

• Manage project plans, milestones, deliverables, stakeholder follow-up, risks, and status updates across multiple initiatives.
• Coordinate engagement surveys, pulse feedback, action plans, service awards, recognition activities, and employee communications.
• Maintain onboarding materials, SOPs, training resources, and program documentation; support orientation and HR/manager training as needed.
• Use Visier and HR systems to report on engagement, turnover, onboarding, and retention; translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Support new business launches through onboarding coordination, employment documentation, orientation, and HCM transaction processing.
• Visit sites and partner with HR, operations, and client-facing teams to address local needs and ensure consistent program execution.

Requirements

• Experience coordinating projects or programs with multiple stakeholders, timelines, and deliverables.
• Strong organization, prioritization, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Critical thinking, root-cause analysis, risk identification, and practical problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including employee communications, SOPs, and project updates.
• Ability to interpret data, monitor metrics, and develop clear reports and recommendations.
• Ability to build relationships across HR, operations, and client-facing teams and work effectively in a field-based environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Project Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 5+ years of experience in project or program coordination, HR operations, employee engagement, onboarding, learning and development, or a related field.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Outlook, OneNote, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Proven ability to address competing priorities within a single project with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Able to manage multiple projects at a time with sharp organizational skills.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in employee engagement, onboarding, learning and development, recognition, or retention programs.
• Experience with Visier or similar people analytics platforms and HR systems.
• Background in hospitality, food service, or a multi-site service environment.

Pay

Salary range: $90,000 – $100,000 per year.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance / AD&D
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Req ID: 1583216. Restaurant Associates is a member of Compass Group USA. Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.