HR Generalist - On-Site | Indianapolis, IN

At Cunningham Restaurant Group, we believe our people are our greatest competitive advantage. We are looking for an experienced Human Resources Generalist who thrives in a fast-paced, multi-location environment and enjoys balancing employee advocacy with business needs.

This role serves as a trusted advisor to restaurant leadership across multiple locations, partnering with operations to support our team members while ensuring compliance with employment laws and company policies. The HR Generalist is the subject matter expert for employee benefits, unemployment, workplace investigations, leave administration, and HR compliance. Success in this role requires sound judgment, exceptional organization, strong relationship-building skills, and the confidence to coach leaders through complex employee relations situations.

If you enjoy solving problems, improving processes, and helping leaders create great workplaces, we'd love to meet you.

• Serve as a primary HR partner for restaurant leaders.
• Conduct prompt, thorough, and objective workplace investigations involving employee complaints, harassment, discrimination, policy violations, and other employee relations matters.
• Partner with leaders to resolve workplace issues while balancing compliance, consistency, and CRG's Core Values.
• Provide coaching and guidance on corrective action, documentation, performance management, and conflict resolution.
• Maintain accurate, confidential investigation documentation and case files.

• Administer health, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, COBRA, and other employee benefit programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for team member benefit questions and issue resolution.
• Coordinate new hire enrollments, qualifying life events, benefit changes, and annual open enrollment.
• Partner with benefit vendors and brokers to ensure timely and accurate administration.
• Assist with benefit communications and education to improve team member understanding and participation.

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws across Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.
• Administer FMLA, ADA accommodations, Workers' Compensation, unemployment, and other protected leaves.
• Monitor compliance with company policies and recommend updates as employment laws evolve.
• Assist with HR audits, reporting, recordkeeping, and policy administration.
• Support immigration compliance, personnel file maintenance, and required employment documentation.

• Manage unemployment claims from intake through resolution.
• Prepare documentation, submit responses, and represent CRG during unemployment hearings when necessary.
• Partner with restaurant leaders to improve documentation practices that minimize unemployment liability.
• Oversee Workers' Compensation claims, partnering with insurance carriers, medical providers, and operations leaders to ensure timely reporting, appropriate follow-up, and successful return-to-work efforts.

• Build strong relationships with General Managers by serving as a trusted partner.
• Coach leaders on employee engagement, policy interpretation, performance management, and difficult conversations.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, retention, and leadership development initiatives as needed.
• Assist with HR projects, policy implementation, and continuous improvement efforts across the department.

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably in hospitality, restaurant, retail, or another multi-unit environment.
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations and managing complex employee relations issues.
• Strong working knowledge of employee benefits administration, FMLA, ADA, Workers' Compensation, unemployment, and employment law.
• Experience supporting multiple locations and partnering directly with operational leaders.
• Excellent communication, coaching, conflict resolution, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.
• Experience with HRIS systems; ADP Workforce Now experience is preferred.
• SHRM-CP or PHR certification is a plus.

The ideal candidate:

• Builds trust quickly with leaders and team members.
• Approaches employee relations with fairness, consistency, and sound judgment.
• Communicates directly and professionally, even during difficult conversations.
• Is organized, responsive, and able to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Thinks like a business partner while never losing sight of the employee experience.
• Lives CRG's Core Values of Connection, Honesty, Ownership, Respect, Fairness, Kindness, and Opportunity in every interaction.

At Cunningham Restaurant Group, we embrace diversity and uphold equal opportunities for all. Our commitment to fairness and inclusivity reflects our Core Values of Connection, Honesty, Ownership, Respect, Fairness, Kindness, and Opportunity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. We are committed to creating an environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed.