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HUMAN RESOURCES AND TALENT OPERATIONS MANAGER

Ponte Winery

Position Summary

The HR & Talent Operations Manager is responsible for the full execution of Human Resources across all three properties.

This is a hands-on, operational leadership role. The primary responsibility is to protect the company through proactive compliance, disciplined recruiting, consistent documentation, and structured employee relations.

This role requires a seasoned HR professional who has operated in fast-paced hospitality environments and understands both legal exposure and operational realities.

This is not a corporate desk-based policy position.

Compensation: $90,000.00 - $96,000.00 depending on experience

Schedule

  • Monday – Friday
  • 9:00am-5:30pm

Benefits Per Company Plan Details

  • Health, Dental & Vision
  • 401K Matching Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Hospital Confinement Plan
  • Pet Insurance
  • 3 weeks of PTO
  • 2 Paid Holidays (Thanksgiving + Christmas) + 6 Floating Holidays
  • The terms and conditions associated with each Benefit are outlined in the Associate Handbook, additional documentation provided by Human Resources, or within the policies of the carriers providing the benefits*

Core Responsibilities

Recruiting & Talent Management

  • Own recruiting for all non-executive roles across three properties
  • Build structured hiring systems and reduce time-to-fill
  • Recruit and vet management-level candidates
  • Develop succession bench for key operational roles

Employee Relations & Risk Management

  • Lead investigations and corrective action processes
  • Distinguish between performance issues, policy violations, and interpersonal friction
  • Coach managers to address issues directly and appropriately
  • Prevent unnecessary escalation of minor disputes
  • Ensure consistent application of policies

Compliance & Documentation

  • Maintain compliant personnel files
  • Oversee wage-hour compliance in California
  • Manage workers’ compensation administration
  • Oversee leave administration (FMLA, CFRA, etc.)
  • Ensure termination documentation is defensible
  • Update handbook and HR policies as required

Systems & Structure

  • Install standardized onboarding procedures
  • Implement performance documentation systems
  • Establish clear escalation thresholds
  • Deliver manager training on HR best practices

Scope Clarification

  • Reports directly to the COO
  • Owns day-to-day HR across three properties
  • Does not require owner involvement in routine HR matters
  • Works in coordination with the Controller regarding payroll data accuracy

Payroll processing and financial oversight remain under the Controller.

Required Experience

  • 7–10+ years progressive HR leadership experience
  • Multi-location hospitality, hotel, or restaurant group experience strongly preferred
  • Demonstrated experience handling employee relations matters independently
  • Strong working knowledge of California labor law
  • Experience managing workers comp and leave administration
  • Proven recruiting success at both hourly and management levels
  • Experience operating in founder-led or entrepreneurial environments

What We Are Not Looking For

  • Corporate HR desk-based administrators
  • Policy writers without operational experience
  • Culture-program designers without recruiting and compliance depth
  • Individuals uncomfortable making firm, fact-based decisions

Core Traits

  • Operationally grounded
  • Calm under pressure
  • Structured thinker
  • Direct communicator
  • High documentation discipline
  • Understands that HR’s role is to protect the company through lawful, fair, and consistent practices

Job Type

Job Type
Full Time
Salary Range
USD 90,000 - 96,000 yearly
Location
Temecula, CA

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