JOB DETAILS

Human Resources Director

CompanyMilk Bar
LocationNew York
Work ModeOn Site
PostedApril 10, 2026
About The Company
MILK BAR is a sweet shop that’s been turning familiar treats upside down and on their heads, shaking up the dessert scene since 2008. Founded by James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Christina Tosi, Milk Bar first opened its doors in NYC’s East Village, and has developed a loyal fanbase in the decade since. We operate 12 stores across 5 markets in the US, a direct-to-consumer eCommerce shop that ships delightfully delicious dessert care packages anywhere in the US, and now we're in a grocery store near you! We believe in the transformative power of a really good cookie or an outstanding piece of cake. We pull inspiration from simple ingredients, like the grocery store staples we grew up with, turned on their heads in unconventional ways. We hope you’ll agree.
About the Role

Description

 

JOB OVERVIEW

The Human Resource Director partners closely with leadership to support the business through our people. This role oversees all aspects of the employee lifecycle across a multi-unit environment, ensuring scalable, compliant, and high-impact human resources practices that support both field and corporate teams. 


JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manages the Human Resources function, overseeing the daily workflow.  Provides leadership and guidance in all areas of HR functionality including talent management, performance management, total rewards, employee relations, employee engagement and communication.
  • Works with managers to identify staffing and recruiting needs; develops and executes best practices for hiring and talent management. Leads full-cycle recruiting efforts for both Corporate and Bakery employees.
  • Leads compensation strategy, including market benchmarking and pay structure design,
  • Works directly with benefit broker to build and track the effectiveness and cost savings of the company’s benefit plans.
  • Leads annual performance review and goal setting processes and compensation planning.
  • Supports managers with progressive discipline, performance improvement, and performance development. 
  • Designs and delivers talent and leadership development initiatives to support employee growth and career progression.
  • Partners with leadership on organizational design decisions including reorganizations and role clarity.
  • Conducts employee relations investigations and makes recommendations based on findings.  Provides problem resolution through policies and procedures interpretation.
  • Maintains knowledge and ensures compliance with employment laws, regulations, and best practices across all states Milk Bar operates, with a particular focus on NY, CA & DC. Oversees policy and employee handbook updates.
  • Oversees the weekly payroll function, ensuring compliance and accuracy. 
  • Analyzes data/metrics regarding turnover, identifies improvement opportunities, and develops processes for improvement.
  • Drives engagement strategy, including surveys, feedback loops, and action planning. Oversees internal communication related to policies, initiatives and culture. Supports in-person and virtual team building activities.
  • Ensures completion and submission of mandatory compliance reporting (new hire, ACA, EEO).
  • Fully understand and exhibit the Milk Bar ethos, embody our core values, inspire celebration, and create real magic. Serve as a brand ambassador, both internally and externally.

Please note that your duties are subject to change at the Company’s discretion.

Requirements

 

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum of seven years of human resource management experience required.
  • Experience supporting a multi-unit, hourly workforce (retail, hospitality, or similar). 
  • Strong experience in employee relations, including investigations and risk mitigation.
  • Knowledge of multi-state employment law and HR compliance (CA experience preferred).
  • Expertise in compensation, including market benchmarking, pay structures, and leveling frameworks.
  • Experience with benefit plan design and working with benefit brokers.
  • Experience leading recruiting and workforce planning across multiple markets.
  • Proficiency with Google Suite.
  • Ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS and talent management systems. Proficiency with Paylocity preferred.
  • Comfort operating as both a strategic leader and hands-on operator.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging across frontline teams and executives.
  • Collaborative and solutions-focused.

The pay range for this role is $140,000 - $150,000 annually. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience and certifications. In addition to those factors, we consider the relative pay of our current employees in similar positions when making a final offer.   

Key Skills
Human Resources ManagementTalent ManagementPerformance ManagementEmployee RelationsCompensation StrategyRecruitingWorkforce PlanningEmployment LawCompliancePayrollOrganizational DesignGoogle SuitePaylocityLeadership DevelopmentBenefit Plan Design
Categories
Human ResourcesManagement & LeadershipHospitalityRetailFood & Beverage
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Human Resources Director oversees the full employee lifecycle, including talent management, compensation strategy, and employee relations across a multi-unit environment. This role partners with leadership to ensure organizational compliance, drive engagement, and support growth through effective HR practices.
📋Job Type
full time
💰Salary Range
$140,000 - $150,000
📊Experience Level
5-10
💼Company Size
517
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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