The Role
Lead HR strategy and operations for a regulated cannabis distribution company. Own full employee lifecycle including payroll, benefits, onboarding/offboarding, compliance, employee relations, safety, vendor/PEO selection, and culture. Build and manage a small HR team and partner with leadership on talent planning, retention, and performance management.
Summary Generated by Built In
At Kiva Sales & Service (KSS), we’re proud to be at the forefront of California's cannabis distribution industry. As the exclusive distributor for a collection of partners that includes a carefully curated portfolio of premium cannabis brands, we ensure that dispensaries across the state have seamless access to the products their customers love. Founded on the principles of quality, reliability, and innovation, we provide unparalleled service through next-day deliveries, expert account management, merchandising support, and a robust logistics network. Every day, our team strives to elevate industry standards while empowering dispensaries to thrive in an ever-evolving market. Joining KSS means becoming part of a company that’s passionate about delivering excellence and driving sustainable growth in the cannabis space.
https://www.kivasales.com/
Job Summary
The HR Manager partners with the leadership team to execute HR strategy across talent, compliance, and culture in a heavily regulated, distribution-driven environment. This role owns the full employee lifecycle, from payroll and benefits administration to onboarding, off boarding, and employee relations while building and managing a small HR team and serving as a trusted, people-first partner to the organization.
MUST reside in California!
As KSS's Human Resources Manager, you will...
- Partner with the leadership team to understand and execute HR strategies, particularly as they relate to current and future talent needs, recruiting, retention and succession planning.
- Perform routine tasks required to administer and execute HR programs, including benefits, leave, disciplinary matters, performance and talent management, occupational health and safety, and training and development.
- Manage employee files, transfers, compensation changes, address changes, verifications, benefits administration, and documentation.
- Support onboarding and offboarding employees by completing administrative tasks.
- Maintain best practices with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
- Oversee payroll functions, ensuring pay is processed on time, accurately, and in compliance with government regulations.
- Continuously improve our people-first culture by planning and executing culture events, both virtual and in-person.
- Become a trusted liaison with our people.
- Evaluate and onboard new vendors, including sourcing and selecting a PEO (Professional Employer Organization) partner to support HR, payroll, and benefits administration.
- Hire, onboard, and manage a direct report, providing ongoing coaching, performance feedback, and development to build a high-functioning HR team.
Drive HR Strategy & Talent Planning
Administer Core HR Programs
Ensure Compliance & Oversee Payroll
Champion Culture & People Partnership
Manage Vendors & Build the HR Team
What we're looking for...
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or equivalent experience.
- 5+ years of Human Resources experience, including at least 1 year in a distribution setting.
- PEO experience required.
- Experience serving as HR for a distribution company operating in a heavily regulated industry, with a strong understanding of the compliance, licensing, and safety complexities that come with it.
- Knowledge and experience in employment law, compensation, organizational planning, recruitment, organization development, employee relations, safety, employee engagement, and employee development.
- Prior people management experience required, including hiring, coaching, and performance management of direct reports.
- SHRM/PHR certification is a plus.
- Google Suite experience recommended.
- Cannabis industry experience required.
- Must have a valid driver's license and be able to drive for extended periods of time.
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
- Ability to communicate clearly via phone, video, and in person.
- Regularly required to use hands to handle, type, or feel; reach with hands and arms.
- May require occasional standing, bending, or walking to file or retrieve materials.
Skills Required
- Must reside in California
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or equivalent experience
- 5+ years of Human Resources experience
- At least 1 year HR experience in a distribution setting
- Experience in the cannabis industry and regulated distribution compliance
- Knowledge of employment law, compensation, recruitment, org planning, employee relations, safety, and development
- Prior people management experience (hiring, coaching, performance management of direct reports)
- PEO experience
- Payroll administration and oversight experience
- Valid driver's license and ability to drive for extended periods
- Google Suite experience
- SHRM or PHR certification
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The Company
What We Do
Kiva was founded in 2010 with a clear mission - change how the world views and uses cannabis for the better. Frustrated by the inconsistent, low-quality edibles available at the time, a young couple began making chocolate bars out of their Bay Area home kitchen. Today, their award-winning chocolates, mints, and gummies are the most trusted, recommended, and sought after on the market. For this, Kiva has become the most recognized edible brand in cannabis with a loyal customer base throughout hundreds of dispensaries across seven states
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