HR Assistant Culinary Services - Berkeley Culinary Center

SUMMARY

The HR Assistant provides day-to-day administrative and operational support to the Human Resources Department while serving as the primary coordinator for recruiting and onboarding activities. This position ensures a seamless candidate and new hire experience through effective coordination of recruitment, onboarding, HR administration, and compliance processes. The HR Assistant partners closely with hiring managers and Corporate HR to support an efficient and compliant employee lifecycle.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND DUTIES

Recruiting & Talent Acquisition Coordination

• Coordinate recruiting activities for assigned openings, including resume screening, interview scheduling, candidate communication, and tracking recruitment progress.
• Partner with hiring managers to support timely candidate movement, prepare offer letters, and coordinate pre-employment requirements through the ATS system.
• Support recruiting initiatives including job fairs, hiring events, school partnerships, and community outreach activities while maintaining accurate applicant tracking records.

Onboarding & HR Administration

• Coordinate new hire onboarding activities, ensuring completion of required documentation, coordinating background screenings, and pre-employment processes.
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR systems while supporting compliance with company policies and employment regulations.
• Provide day-to-day administrative support to the HR team, including reporting, documentation, and employee lifecycle activities.

Labor Relations & Compliance Support

• Provide administrative support for union and non-union employee processes, including maintaining required postings, documentation, employee records, and new hire materials.
• Ensure timely collection, documentation, and maintenance of labor-related records, including union authorization cards, employee acknowledgments, and compliance documentation in accordance with established procedures.
• Support HR leadership with labor relations activities, compliance initiatives, and communication efforts related to union and non-union workforce practices.

HR Operations & Employee Services

• Coordinate day-to-day HR activities and provide administrative support across the employee lifecycle.
• Support HR initiatives, communications, and policy administration to ensure an efficient and compliant workplace.
• Coordinate HR communications, documentation, and administrative processes to ensure operational efficiency.

This role offers a pay rate of $24–$26/hour, based on skills, experience, and location. Employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, and time off.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

Education

• Associate’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• 2–4 years of Human Resources or administrative experience preferred.
• Experience supporting recruiting and onboarding activities preferred.
• Experience with HRIS and Applicant Tracking Systems preferred.

Certifications

• PHR, SHRM-CP, or HR certification preferred but not required.

Technical Proficiency

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with HRIS, ATS, and electronic personnel file management.
• Ability to quickly learn new HR systems and technology. 

Other Qualifications

• Strong organizational and project coordination skills.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy.
• High level of discretion with confidential information.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred.

Core Competencies

• Recruiting & Onboarding Coordination: Effectively manage recruiting workflows, interview scheduling, candidate communications, offer preparation, and onboarding activities to ensure seamless hiring and new hire experience.
• Organization & Prioritization: Demonstrates strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Communication & Customer Service: Communicates professionally and clearly with candidates, employees, hiring managers, union representatives, and internal stakeholders while providing responsive and service-oriented support.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building: Builds positive working relationships across departments and works effectively with hiring managers, union representatives, and team members to support business needs.
• Compliance & Documentation: Maintains accurate records and documentation while adhering to company policies, confidentiality requirements, record retention standards, and applicable employment and labor regulations.
• Professionalism & Confidentiality: Exercises sound judgment, handles sensitive information with discretion, and maintains a high level of professionalism in all interactions.
• Accountability & Follow-Through: Takes ownership of assigned responsibilities, follows through on commitments, identifies issues proactively, and ensures HR processes are completed accurately and in a timely manner.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER DETAILS

Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support recruiting events, onboarding, or business needs.

Travel Requirements

This position is primarily site-based. Occasional travel to other Whitsons locations or recruiting events may be required. A valid driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle are preferred.

Physical Demands of the Job

The Team Member is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers, and communicate effectively. Must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily in an office environment within a manufacturing floor. The noise level is generally moderate. Duties listed above are representative of the work performed but are not intended to be all-inclusive. The Company reserves the right to modify responsibilities as business needs evolve.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Company and employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change.

Employee's signature below constitutes an employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position.