Human Resources (HR) Manager

Overview

The Human Resources Manager at King City Gardens is responsible for leading the HR function, managing the complete employee lifecycle within licensed cannabis cultivation and retail environments. Reporting directly to the Director of HR, the manager oversees recruitment, credentialing, employee relations, investigations, and offboarding while guiding the HR team and ensuring compliance with Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) regulations, Ohio Administrative Code 1301:18, and relevant employment laws.

Primary Duties

• Design and execute recruitment strategies for cultivation, production, packaging, retail, and administrative positions, supervising the HR Generalist's execution of daily operations
• Ensure strict adherence to federal laws on I-9 employment eligibility verification at all company sites
• Manage Ohio DCC background checks, employee credentialing, and maintain tracking systems to notify leadership of credential expirations
• Develop and oversee onboarding processes that encompass compliance orientation including METRC seed-to-sale rules and Ohio cannabis regulations
• Work collaboratively with department managers to confirm role-specific safety and standard operating procedure (SOP) training prior to employees performing unsupervised tasks
• Act as a senior confidential advisor for employee concerns and escalations beyond the HR Generalist’s scope
• Guide and support managers through performance improvement protocols, disciplinary actions, and corrective processes aligned with legal and company standards
• Implement stay and exit interview programs, analyze turnover data, and propose retention strategies to senior leadership
• Promote a work environment that is equitable, respectful, and psychologically safe across all teams and shifts
• Supervise and mentor HR Generalist and other team members, overseeing their development and performance management
• Lead or supervise comprehensive investigations into complaints involving harassment, discrimination, misconduct, or policy breaches, ensuring impartiality and compliance with all legal and regulatory standards
• Establish investigative procedures, review evidence collection and interviewing conducted by HR team members, and deliver clear, objective reports with recommendations
• Coordinate with legal counsel on cases with legal risk and follow up on corrective actions post-investigation to identify systemic issues requiring intervention
• Maintain accurate, confidential personnel records including licensing and disciplinary documentation, upholding DCC and employment law compliance
• Ensure all HR documentation such as policies, job descriptions, and contracts adhere to Ohio cannabis laws and applicable federal statutes
• Manage DCC license renewal tracking and communication with employees and supervisors
• Create, update, and distribute HR policies and employee handbooks in partnership with the Director of HR
• Lead responses to regulatory inspections and internal audits by preparing detailed and organized records
• Oversee benefits strategy and vendor relations, including enrollment and changes, while the HR Generalist handles employee inquiries
• Collaborate with payroll to ensure accuracy in timekeeping, wage adjustments, and employment status updates
• Manage leave administration including FMLA, Ohio-mandated leaves, and company-specific leave policies, addressing complex cases
• Steer mandatory compliance trainings on regulatory updates, harassment prevention, safety, and investigation awareness, tracking completion and addressing gaps
• Enhance managerial capabilities via HR best practices, coaching, and professional development initiatives, mentoring the HR Generalist directly

Qualifications

• At least 21 years old
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent progressive HR experience considered
• Five to seven years of advancing HR experience with a minimum of two years in supervisory roles, preferably within regulated sectors such as cannabis, healthcare, or agriculture
• Experience in retail HR is highly advantageous to support dispensary staffing and customer service standards
• Proven background in conducting or overseeing workplace investigations including complaint management and report writing
• Experience managing HR staff, setting priorities, and evaluating their outputs
• Comprehensive knowledge of federal and Ohio employment regulations (FLSA, ADA, FMLA, Title VII, EEO, at-will employment) with sound judgment in application
• Ability to clear required background screenings and obtain Ohio DCC cannabis employee credentials
• Proficiency with HRIS, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Strong communication skills, capable of handling sensitive issues discreetly and advising leadership confidently

Preferred Credentials

• Certifications such as SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR, or equivalent
• Formal training or certification in workplace investigations (e.g., AWI, HRCI, SHRM)
• Awareness of Ohio Administrative Code 1301:18 and METRC seed-to-sale system
• Experience managing DCC employee credentialing or similar licensing programs
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is an asset

Physical and Work Environment

• Work primarily in an office setting within a licensed cannabis cultivation and processing facility, engaging regularly with cultivation, production, packaging, retail, and security teams
• Ability to move around facility environments and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
• Willingness to occasionally work evenings or weekends during peak operational periods or critical investigations
• Compliance with hygiene, safety, and regulatory protocols is mandatory, including exposure to cannabis plant material and allergens with provided personal protective equipment (PPE)