HR Manager – Build & Lead HR Function for Restaurant Expansion

About the role

We are seeking an autonomous, hands‑on HR Manager to build and lead the Human Resources function for a multinational restaurant group expanding in Portugal. Reporting to the Country Manager, you will be responsible for all HR matters, with a strong focus on Portuguese labour law, employee relations and recruitment for new restaurant openings.

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement and continuously improve HR processes, policies and the overall function.
• Act as the primary HR advisor to the Country Manager and Operations team.
• Ensure full compliance with Portuguese labour legislation, handling contracts, employee relations, disciplinary actions and terminations.
• Coordinate external payroll and labour administration providers and review payroll data.
• Lead end‑to‑end recruitment for store managers, assistant managers and restaurant staff, managing high‑volume hiring campaigns for new locations.
• Oversee onboarding and key HR processes for new hires, ensuring each restaurant is fully staffed on schedule.
• Monitor HR metrics such as turnover, absenteeism and staffing needs, establishing scalable processes as the business grows.

Required profile

• 5–8 years of experience in a generalist HR role.
• Strong knowledge of Portuguese labour law and employment practices.
• Proven experience managing employee relations, contracts, disciplinary matters and terminations.
• Experience coordinating external payroll or labour administration providers.
• Demonstrated ability to run high‑volume recruitment, preferably in multi‑site environments such as restaurants, QSR, hospitality or retail.
• Highly autonomous, pragmatic and solution‑oriented with independent decision‑making capability.
• Native or fully fluent Portuguese and good command of Spanish or English.

Required skills

• Portuguese labour law expertise
• Payroll coordination and review
• High‑volume recruitment