Senior HR Specialist

Department: People Services

Reports to: Associate Relations Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Location: Columbus, Ohio

Company: GOSH Enterprises

Salary: $58000-$65000

Position Summary

The Senior HR Specialist plays a vital role in People Services, leveraging strong HR operations expertise, sound judgment, and a proactive approach to support core processes, compliance, employee relations intake, and organizational initiatives. This position suits professionals ready to move beyond entry-level HR, taking on greater responsibility and complexity while progressing toward HR Manager or Business Partner roles. Working closely with HR leadership, the Senior HR Specialist ensures accurate process execution, early issue identification, and a consistent, compliant employee experience.

What You’ll Own (Core Responsibilities)

HR Operations & Process Execution

• Independently manage day-to-day HR operations with a high degree of accuracy and follow-through
• Serve as a primary point of contact for routine employee and leader HR inquiries, escalating complex issues appropriately
• Maintain and continuously improve HR SOPs, templates, and process documentation
• Support audits, internal reviews, and process checks to ensure consistency and compliance

Compliance & File Management

• Lead I-9 and E-Verify processing, audits, and ongoing compliance efforts
• Maintain employee files and records in accordance with federal, state, and company requirements
• Support compliance-related documentation including terminations, unemployment claims, and record retention
• Proactively identify compliance gaps or risks and partner with HR leadership on solutions

Employee Relations Support

• Provide Tier 1 employee relations support,including intake, documentation, and issue tracking
• Support HR leadership with investigation preparation, documentation, and follow-up tasks
• Maintain discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality when handling sensitive matters

Onboarding & Employee Lifecycle Support

• Oversee onboarding logistics for corporate and restaurant employees
• Support a smooth, timely, and welcoming onboarding experience across the organization
• Support employee changes including transfers, promotions, and offboarding

HR Systems & Reporting

• Maintain accurate data within the HRIS (UKG preferred)
• Conduct data audits and resolve discrepancies
• Support recurring and ad hoc reporting requests

Projects & Continuous Improvement

• Support and independently manage HR projects and initiatives
• Track deliverables, deadlines, and dependencies
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, and employee experience

What Good Looks Like

You’ll be successful in this role if you are:

• Highly detail-oriented and compliance-minded
• Confident operating independently while knowing when to escalate
• Service-driven, approachable, and professional
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable handling sensitive employee matters
• Curious, proactive, and continuously improving

What You Bring (Qualifications)

Required

• 3–5 years of progressive HR or People Services experience
• Strong working knowledge of HR operations, compliance, and employee lifecycle processes
• Experience managing I-9s, audits, and HR documentation independently
• Exposure to employee relations intake and documentation
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High level of discretion and professionalism
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HR systems (UKG preferred)

Preferred

• Experience in a multi-location, franchise, or hourly workforce environment
• Familiarity with compliance training, audits, or HR process design
• HR certification or coursework (PHR, SHRM-CP)
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred