HR Kitchen Administrative Assistant

Led by dynamic owner Joe Gurrera—and driven by an unwavering commitment to superior quality—Citarella has evolved from a renowned NYC fish market into a full-scale Ultimate Gourmet Market with locations across New York City, the Hamptons, and Greenwich, Connecticut.

As a family-run business rooted in a passion for great food, we delight customers with the finest selection of fresh seafood, prime dry-aged beef, chef-prepared specialties, handcrafted pastries, international cheeses, imported groceries, and more. Join our team of seasoned professionals and become part of the fabric of the New York food scene.

Role & Responsibilities

The HR Administrative Assistant is an integral part of the Kitchen operations supporting daily organizational tasks and administration. They will be a key partner to the managers and HR team to support department efficiencies and communication. The HR Administrative Assistant will work directly with the Executive Chef, Department Managers, and HR team on key tasks including timekeeping, scheduling, attendance, and HR functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary HR point of contact for all kitchen team members, ensuring adherence to applicable labor laws, company policies, and regulations.
• Maintain daily employee files by uploading and managing all required documentation within ADP profiles.
• Act as a liaison between general staff and management, escalating employee needs, concerns, or requests as appropriate.
• Answer employee calls and inquiries, communicating scheduling updates or changes to management.
• Monitor scheduling best practices and ensure accurate timekeeping records for payroll processing.
• Track employee PTO, attendance, and probationary period infractions.
• Manage FMLA and PFL programs and ensure compliance. 
• Manage the Harassment Training compliance program, including certification tracking and departmental distribution.
• Support leadership with documentation of departmental processes and procedures.
• Write, review, and edit all departmental communications to ensure accuracy, clarity, proper grammar, and consistent messaging.
• Assist in the recruitment process for kitchen staffing needs, collaborating closely with the recruiting team.
• Support new hire onboarding and induction planning, including welcome coordination, locker assignments, facility tours, and daily schedules.
• Monitor new hire performance and probationary periods, providing updates to leadership.
• Identify organizational and administrative gaps within the department and propose solutions to improve efficiency and compliance.
• Perform additional ad hoc duties as required to support departmental and company objectives

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in an administrative role
• Federal, State and Local knowledge of compliance laws
• Previous experience using an HRIS platforms 
• Culinary knowledge
• Bi-lingual in English and Spanish is a must
• Experienced in Microsoft suite (outlook, word, excel, power point) 
• Excellent written and verbal communication

At Citarella, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. Citarella will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law. 

EOE/M/F/V/D