Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks - Human Human Resources & Payroll Manager — Multi-Unit Restaurant Operations at Tono – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks - Human Human Resources & Payroll Manager Multi-Unit Restaurant Operations

Human Resources & Payroll Manager Multi-Unit Restaurant Operations

Full-Time | Multi-Brand | Multi-Location

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

Reports to: VP, People Excellence

Role Summary

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.

Core ResponsibilitiesPayroll Ownership

• 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

Employee Relations & Investigations

• 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

New Restaurant Openings

• Lead HR and payroll setup for new store openings
• Ensure onboarding, pay setup, tax registrations, and compliance readiness
• Support hiring and onboarding execution for new units
• Build repeatable new-opening HR/payroll workflows

HR Systems & Data

• 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

Multi-Unit HR Operations

• 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

Capabilities That Matter Here

• 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