Head of people USA

Job description

Big Mamma is an Italian restaurant group, founded by Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux. In just over 10 years, we’ve opened 35 restaurants across 9 countries — and now, we’re bringing our Italian soul to the United States. From handmade pasta to bold Italian flavours, everything we do is 100% homemade and powered by high-energy kitchens and passionate teams. Big mamma is arriving in the US with great ambition and a very interesting development strategy. Being a part of this journey, alongside Big mamma team members, will be an amazing adventure that will shape your professional path and allow you to discover an amazing squadra! Head of People – USA Department: Human Resources Location: USA (Miami or other major hub) our U.S. offices are based in Palm beach, with regular travel expected Reports To: Founder & Global CPO / Global Head of TA 1. Mission The Head of People – USA is responsible for setting up and leading the HR function for Big Mamma in the United States. The role covers all People topics for the US market: opening strategy, workforce planning, recruitment, HR operations, compliance, payroll coordination, performance management, employee relations, engagement, and culture. The position ensures HR processes are compliant, structured, efficient, and aligned with global standards while adapted to US requirements. You will have the amazing opportunity to join Bigmamma's team for its arrival in a new country: • Joint venture with a USA hospitality group: opening a new restaurant with a Big Mamma concept adapted to the US market in Juno Beach, and discovering the joint venture process. • Carmine's: being part of the Carmine's journey, a legendary Italian restaurant and high-end gourmet market near Juno Beach, which is a recent acquisition for BMG with new sites to come. 2. Key Responsibilities 2.1 Opening Strategy & Workforce Planning • Build HR foundations for US openings (processes, tools, compliance, documentation). • Define pre-opening staffing plans and monitor progress with Operations. • Conduct market and compensation research. • Coordinate pre-opening onboarding and cultural integration. • Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations. 2.2 Talent Acquisition • Implement recruitment processes for management and hourly positions. • Build partnerships with culinary schools, hospitality associations, and networks. • Manage candidate pipeline and hiring coordination. • Ensure compliant recruitment documentation and employment contracts. • Align tools and reporting with global TA teams. 2.3 HR Operations, Administration & Payroll • Oversee onboarding, personnel files, and HRIS data accuracy. • Coordinate payroll with external US providers. • Support compensation and benefits processes. • Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements (I-9, wage & hour, sick leave, etc.). • Maintain US HR policies, procedures, and employee handbook. 2.4 Talent Development & Engagement • Lead cultural onboarding for US teams. • Support internal mobility and development pathways. • Implement engagement surveys and follow-up actions. • Track HR KPIs (turnover, retention, engagement indicators). 2.5 Business Partnering & Employee Relations • Serve as the HR partner for US Operations leadership. • Manage employee relations matters, investigations, and disciplinary actions. • Support managers with performance management and coaching. • Ensure consistent application of HR policies across sites. Profile (merged + simplified) • 10+ years HR experience in the US, ideally in multi-unit hospitality or F&B. • Preferred US HR certifications: SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR. • Proven experience with new openings, workforce planning, and operational ramp-up. • Strong understanding of US employment law, including multi-state compliance. • Hands-on experience building HR processes, policies, onboarding, and payroll foundations. • Solid background in employee relations, investigations, and performance management. • Self-starter, able to operate with autonomy and structure work effectively. • Strong organisation, composure under pressure, and action-oriented approach. BIG MAMMA is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, colour, religion, national origin, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by law.

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