People Operations Generalist

About the Team:

The People Experience Team at CookUnity isn’t just about office logistics or HR checkboxes—it’s about building a culture where people feel connected, inspired, and cared for. Whether we’re planning an unforgettable culinary trip, hosting In-Person Weeks, or welcoming new team members with curated experiences, we’re driven by a simple mantra: Make Something People Want.

The role:

The HR Generalist is a key member of the People team responsible for executing core HR operations and ensuring strong compliance practices at our distribution center. This role works closely with site leadership and collaborates with the HR Business Partner to drive consistent employee relations practices, performance management, and workforce initiatives.

This individual will help translate People strategy into effective on site execution, ensuring policies are applied consistently and managers are supported in building a high performing, compliant workplace. The ideal candidate is detail oriented, solutions focused, and comfortable operating in a fast paced, high volume environment.

Responsibilities:

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, including wage and hour regulations, leave requirements, and required postings
• Maintain accurate, audit ready employee files and ensure HRIS data integrity
• Partner with the Onboarding Coordinator to ensure all new hire documentation meets regulatory standards, including but not limited to I-9’s
• Support workers compensation case management, OSHA documentation, and required reporting
• Assist with internal audits, reporting, and compliance reviews to mitigate organizational risk

Employee Relations and Manager Enablement

• Partner closely with the HR Business Partner to manage employee relations matters, including investigations, documentation, corrective action, and performance improvement plans
• Conduct intake conversations, gather documentation, and prepare case details to support timely and thorough resolution
• Provide day to day coaching to managers on policy interpretation, documentation standards, and performance conversations
• Ensure consistent application of company policies and escalate complex or high risk matters appropriately
• Support performance management cycles and reinforce accountability across the site

Onboarding and Employee Lifecycle Support

• Partner with the Onboarding Coordinator to ensure a seamless and compliant onboarding experience
• Provide guidance on employment eligibility verification and documentation requirements
• Support employee lifecycle changes including promotions, transfers, status changes, and offboarding to ensure proper documentation and system updates

HR Operations and Programs

• Serve as a resource for employees regarding benefits, policies, and general HR inquiries
• Coordinate and track leave of absence processes and required documentation
• Support hiring process coordination as needed in partnership with managers and recruiting
• Contribute to People team initiatives related to engagement, compliance, and talent development and other projects.

Minimum Requirements:

• 2+ years of progressive HR experience, with exposure to multiple HR functions such as onboarding, employee relations, compliance, or benefits administration.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) is required to support of a diverse hourly workforce
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; able to communicate clearly and with empathy across all levels of the organization
• Self-starter with a high level of initiative and ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team
• Tech-savvy and proficient in using HR systems and productivity tools (e.g., Google Workspace, HRIS platforms)
• Proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion

Preferred requirements:

• Experience supporting a distributed workforce and managing remote onboarding processes
• Familiarity with employee benefits administration and leave of absence coordination
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and change in a scaling startup or operations-driven environment
• Proficiency with tools such as Notion, Google Sheets, Monday.com, Rippling

Benefits

🩺  Health Insurance coverage

🌅 401k Plan

📈 We grow, you grow: Stock Options Plan granted on Day 1

⛱ Unlimited PTO policy and paid sick days

🗓️ 5- year Sabbatical: After 5 years with CookUnity, you get a 4-week paid sabbatical

🐣 Paid Family leave

🕯 Compassionate Leave: 3-5 days each time the need arises

🥘 A generous amount of CookUnity credits to enjoy our amazing meals, added to your account, monthly

🧘🏽‍♀️ Wellness perks: access to fitness subsidies to build a healthy lifestyle

👩🏾‍🏫 Personalized Spanish coach

🚀 Awesome opportunity to join a company that is looking to change how we eat and how chefs work!