Compliance Specialist

Position Summary

The Compliance Specialist is responsible for coordinating and supporting key compliance processes across the organization. Reporting to the Senior HR Business Partner, this role ensures the consistent execution of compliance activities related to background checks, E-Verify, I-9 documentation, and mandatory training programs on harassment and discrimination prevention, as well as other compliance processes and procedures in human resources and risk management.

The role is project-focused and highly collaborative, requiring regular interaction with HR partners, Legal, Risk Management, and field leaders. Primary responsibilities include implementing communication plans, tracking compliance metrics, supporting audits, and providing day-to-day guidance to ensure alignment with internal policies and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate brings strong attention to detail, solid project coordination skills, and a proactive service-oriented approach.

Essential Functions

May perform any or all of the following duties:

• Leads strategic initiatives, including the annual review and update of company policies, and advises leadership on best practices for compliance and process improvement.
• Operates autonomously in determining best practices for partnering with field teams and implementing effective processes.
• Drives the overall compliance strategy for certain key areas of the business, proactively driving initiatives in collaboration with departments across the organization.
• Coordinates compliance processes for background checks and I-9 documentation across corporate and field operations.
• Supports the administration of mandatory training programs, including those focused on preventing harassment and discrimination.
• Develops and implements communication strategies to reinforce compliance expectations and timelines.
• Monitors, tracks, and reports compliance data and personnel files to HR and Legal stakeholders.
• Partners with HR Business Partners to support field compliance and follow up with non-compliant individuals.
• Provides routine guidance and reminders to employees and leaders regarding compliance procedures.
• Supports legal and HR initiatives related to audits, documentation requests, and process updates.
• Collaborates with cross-functional partners to improve compliance workflows and systems.
• Maintains current knowledge of applicable employment laws and internal compliance standards.
• Prepares and maintains documentation to support internal and external compliance reviews.
• Handles administration activities (including initial screening of applications) of the Shining Star Foundation (“SSF”) in partnership with the SSF Board.
  
  

Position Qualifications/Core Competencies

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in HR compliance, project coordination, or a related administrative field.
• Familiarity with employment law and regulatory compliance areas (e.g., I-9, EEO, Title VII).
• Strong organizational and project tracking skills; able to manage multiple deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to influence outcomes without direct authority; strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive data with discretion and confidentiality.
• Experience supporting a field-based or geographically dispersed workforce is a plus.
  
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Restaurant Support Center that operates in a fast-paced setting with a high volume of activity and a deadline-driven environment. The role follows a hybrid work model, requiring on-site presence in the office every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, regardless of the supervisor's or functional leadership's location.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Occasional overnight travel (approximately 10%)
• Constant interaction with internal and external partners by phone and/or electronic communications