Tono | Human Resources & Payroll Manager in Saint Paul, Minnesota at Tono

Full-Time | Multi-Brand | Multi-Location

Location: St. Paul, MN (In Office | WFH Fridays)

Reports to: VP, People Excellence

We are hiring a hands-on Human Resources & Payroll Manager to lead HR operations and payroll across a growing, multi-brand restaurant organization. This role owns payroll execution, employee relations, compliance, and HR infrastructure across multiple locations and legal entities. This is a working manager role for someone who thrives in fast-moving, lightly structured environments and can build processes while supporting day-to-day operational needs. The right candidate is detail-driven, compliance-focused, field-credible with restaurant leaders, and comfortable operating in ambiguity. This role is both strategic and tactical equal parts payroll owner, compliance lead, and practical HR partner to operations.

• Own end-to-end payroll processing across multiple restaurant brands and entities
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll for hourly and salaried employees
• Manage complex pay scenarios including tips, variable hours, overtime, multi-location employees, and adjustments
• Maintain payroll compliance with federal, state, and local wage & hour requirements
• Resolve payroll errors, corrections, and employee pay issues directly
• Manage payroll audits, reporting, and reconciliations
• Maintain payroll data integrity within HRIS/payroll systems
• Partner with Finance on payroll reporting and controls

• Lead employee relations matters and workplace investigations
• Coach managers through performance issues and terminations
• Ensure compliant documentation and resolution practices
• Serve as escalation point for sensitive employee issues
• Maintain audit-ready personnel and payroll records
• Manage I-9, leave administration, workers comp coordination, and policy enforcement
• Update and operationalize policies across brands
• Monitor regulatory changes impacting payroll and HR practices

• Own HRIS and payroll system accuracy and workflow design
• Improve reporting and operational visibility
• Maintain secure and accurate employee data
• Drive system improvements and automation where practical

• Serve as HR partner to multi-unit and store leadership
• Support full employee lifecycle processes across locations
• Conduct field visits to support managers and employees directly
• Build and improve HR operational processes as the organization grows
• Ensure consistent documentation and employment practices

Ideal Background

• 5+ years HR generalist or HR manager experience
• Direct payroll processing ownership required
• Multi-location payroll experience required
• Restaurant, hospitality, or retail environment strongly preferred
• Experience in growth or new-location environments preferred

• Payroll accuracy and compliance discipline
• Strong employment law knowledge
• Field-ready HR judgment
• Comfortable operating without perfect structure
• Practical problem-solver
• High accountability and follow-through
• Able to balance employee support with business needs