What term describes the party responsible for hiring employees to perform specific work?

The term that describes the party responsible for hiring employees to perform specific work is "employer." An employer is typically an individual, organization, or corporation that engages in the practice of recruiting individuals for jobs and compensating them for their labor. Employers provide the necessary resources and working environment for employees to complete their tasks, and they also establish the terms of employment including duties, work hours, and remuneration.

In the context of workplace relationships, the employer holds legal obligations regarding labor laws, employee rights, and workplace safety standards. This relationship is foundational in employment law, where the employer-employee dynamic is critical for defining roles, responsibilities, and legal rights.

The other terms provided do not fit this definition. An estate refers to the total assets owned by an individual, usually in the context of inheritance. An endorsee is a person who receives a transfer of rights, typically in financial transactions involving checks or contracts. An employee, while a crucial part of the employer-employee relationship, is the individual performing the work, not the one hiring them.