Human Resources & Office Manager

A prestigious and rapidly growing Santa Barbara wine brand is seeking a full-time Human Resources & Office Manager to join its team. Reporting directly to Ownership, this position will oversee Human Resources, office operations, and light accounting responsibilities across multiple affiliated entities.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, organized, and people-focused professional with a nurturing, approachable, and supportive leadership style. This individual will enjoy guiding employees, improving processes, fostering a positive workplace culture, and supporting a growing organization.

Experience in luxury food, beverage, wine, hospitality, or other high-end consumer brands is highly desirable.

Human Resources Responsibilities

- Manage daily Human Resources functions across multiple affiliated entities.
- Lead recruiting, including job postings, candidate screening, interviews, and hiring coordination.
- Oversee employee onboarding and offboarding, including documentation, orientation, and training.
- Serve as a trusted, approachable resource for employees, providing guidance, encouragement, and support.
- Manage employee relations, performance reviews, workplace concerns, conflict resolution, and disciplinary matters with empathy and professionalism.
- Advise Ownership and management on staffing, compensation, employee development, performance management, and terminations.
- Manage PTO, personnel files, employee records, internal communications, and employee engagement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with federal, California, and local employment laws and company policies.
- Administer employee benefits, including enrollment, renewals, provider coordination, and employee assistance.
- Coordinate workers' compensation, payroll administration, and compensation records.
- Manage and maintain the Rippling HR platform.
- Serve as Safety Officer, coordinating workplace safety, training, inspections, OSHA compliance, and accident investigations.
- Develop and update HR policies, procedures, job descriptions, and employee handbook materials.
- Support employee training, professional development, and retention initiatives.
- Foster a welcoming, respectful, and collaborative workplace where employees feel valued and supported.
- Maintain confidentiality and sound judgment when handling sensitive employee matters.

Office Management & Administrative Responsibilities

- Oversee daily office operations, maintaining an organized, efficient, and welcoming workplace.
- Serve as a central resource for employees, management, and Ownership regarding administrative needs.
- Coordinate office supplies, equipment, purchasing, vendors, maintenance, and facility matters.
- Maintain filing systems, company records, correspondence, and administrative procedures.
- Assist with scheduling, meetings, communications, and administrative support for Ownership.
- Coordinate company registrations, licenses, insurance documentation, and renewals as needed.
- Improve office efficiency, communication, and organizational processes.
- Provide hands-on administrative assistance and support special projects as assigned.

Light Accounting Responsibilities

- Provide basic bookkeeping support in coordination with Ownership and external accountants.
- Assist with accounts payable and receivable, including invoices, payment tracking, and documentation.
- Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
- Assist with expense reports, reconciliations, spreadsheets, and basic financial reporting.
- Coordinate with accountants, bookkeepers, and payroll providers.
- Maintain confidentiality and accuracy when handling financial information.

Preferred Qualifications

- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- Minimum three years of HR experience, preferably in an HR management or generalist role.
- Experience with recruiting, employee relations, benefits, payroll coordination, performance management, and HR compliance.
- Knowledge of federal, California, and local employment laws.
- Experience with office management, administration, and basic bookkeeping.
- Experience with Rippling or similar HRIS platforms highly desirable.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; QuickBooks experience is a plus.
- Experience in a growing, entrepreneurial, or multi-entity organization preferred.
- Background in luxury food, beverage, wine, hospitality, or high-end consumer brands is a plus.
- Excellent communication, organizational, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
- A warm, nurturing, patient, and supportive personality, balanced with professionalism, sound judgment, and accountability.
- Ability to build trusting relationships, guide employees through challenges, and support management with discretion.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, adaptable, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
- Proactive, hands-on approach and willingness to assist wherever needed.
- Valid driver's license with a safe driving record.
- Successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screening, consistent with applicable law.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time salaried position offering competitive compensation based on experience. Benefits include medical and dental insurance, paid vacation, and sick leave.