Director of People Operations

About Us

Green Top Farms is a New York-based food service company specializing in farm-fresh meals for enterprise workplace dining and corporate catering. We partner with leading companies to deliver elevated daily dining and hospitality experiences, using seasonal ingredients and thoughtful operations to create consistent, high-quality service at scale.

Our mission is to build a more sustainable and equitable food system, starting by reconnecting consumers and local farmers. We believe the results of strengthening that connection are better nutrition, tastier food, greater social justice, and reduced environmental impacts. Our menus reflect this attention to bringing nutritious, delicious food to those who need it most.

Position Overview

The Director of People Operations is responsible for leading recruitment, retention, and compliance at Green Top Farms. This role will build and scale people programs and systems to support a growing, multi-site food service operation with a diverse, multilingual workforce.

This is a strategic leadership role that requires both hands-on execution and the vision to professionalize the people function as the company grows. The top priorities for this role are attracting and retaining talent, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building a strong workplace culture.

We think this is a really interesting role for the right candidate to play a key role in building something special at a profitable, down-to-earth business that has a blend of production-based and administrative work, a bilingual staff, and a team that's very focused on hard work and process. We're striving for equitability to be a part of everything we do, and not something that sits as a side initiative. We want to operate a sustainable business that invests in its food and its ingredients whenever possible.

We are looking for a candidate who is:

• An experienced people operations leader with a track record of reducing turnover and improving recruitment outcomes
• Deeply knowledgeable in employment law, compliance, and HR best practices, with New York experience
• A clear communicator who can build trust and connection across a diverse, bilingual workforce
• Energized by culture-building and able to translate company values into everyday team experiences

The ideal candidate brings strategic perspective, operational follow-through, and a genuine commitment to the people side of a mission-driven company.

Responsibilities

Talent Acquisition & Retention (25%)

• Oversee full-cycle recruitment strategy across all departments and levels
• Develop and improve onboarding programs that set employees up for success from day one
• Build retention strategies to reduce turnover, with particular focus on hourly and production staff
• Partner with hiring managers to define roles, set compensation, and improve time-to-fill
• Establish employer brand and recruiting presence in the food service and hospitality talent market
• Track recruitment and retention metrics and report on progress to leadership

Compliance, Policy & Risk Management (25%)

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, including NYC-specific requirements
• Develop, maintain, and communicate HR policies, employee handbooks, and standards
• Oversee EEO reporting, OSHA compliance, and affirmative action programs
• Manage risk across employee relations matters, including investigations, corrective actions, and separations
• Stay current on regulatory changes and proactively update policies and training

Employee Relations & Performance Management (20%)

• Serve as a trusted advisor to managers and employees on workplace issues, conflict resolution, and performance
• Oversee the employee review process, including 60-day reviews and annual evaluations
• Guide managers on corrective actions, PIPs, and progressive discipline
• Manage FMLA, ADA, and leave of absence processes
• Handle workers' compensation claims and unemployment administration

Culture Building & Communication (15%)

• Lead initiatives that reinforce GTF's mission, values, and workplace culture across all locations
• Design and deliver internal communications that keep the team informed, connected, and engaged
• Partner with leadership to develop recognition programs and team engagement activities
• Serve as a cultural bridge across a diverse, multilingual workforce, ensuring all employees feel included and heard
• Champion a positive work environment that supports employee wellbeing and professional growth

People Operations Strategy & Compensation (15%)

• Define and lead the people operations strategy in alignment with company goals and growth plans
• Partner with the COO and leadership team on organizational design and workforce planning
• Build scalable people programs, policies, and systems that support multi-site operations
• Manage HR department budget and vendor relationships (benefits brokers, HRIS, payroll platforms)
• Oversee compensation strategy, including annual reviews, benchmarking, and benefits administration
• Take on additional responsibilities as needed to support business priorities and the overall people operations function

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in an HR leadership role
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local employment law (New York experience required)
• Demonstrated success in reducing turnover and building recruitment programs
• Experience building or scaling HR programs in a growing company (100-300 employees)
• Proven ability to manage employee relations, investigations, and compliance matters
• Experience with HRIS, payroll, and benefits platforms
• Excellent organizational, leadership, and communication skills
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Proficiency with Google Workspace or Microsoft Office Suite
• A commitment to personal accountability and continuous learning

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in food service, hospitality, or multi-site operations
• PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP certification
• Experience with project management software (Asana preferred)
• Bachelor's degree in HR, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Key Competencies

• Talent acquisition and retention strategy
• Employment law and compliance expertise
• Culture building and internal communication
• Employee relations and conflict resolution
• Cross-cultural communication and trust-building

Role Details

• Title: Director of People Operations
• Location: Hybrid (Onsite in Brooklyn, NY + WFH)
• Schedule: Monday through Friday
• Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
• Direct Reports: People Operations Manager, HR Assistant (when filled)
• Compensation: $100,000-$125,000 base + bonus potential

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Sick leave
• Paid time off that increases with tenure
• 401(k)
• Daily family meal
• Potential for bonuses through our Green Shares employee bonus program
• Eligibility and details subject to company policy

Green Top Farms is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, including the New York State Human Rights Law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious observances, in accordance with applicable laws.