Human Resource Manager

Kiva Brands, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Kiva Sales & Service (KSS) is seeking an HR Manager who partners with the leadership team to execute HR strategy across talent, compliance, and culture in a heavily regulated distribution environment. You will own full employee lifecycle from payroll to onboarding, while building and leading a small HR team.

Must reside in California and have considerable experience in a cannabis distribution setting, including PEO experience and knowledge of employment laws.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in HR, business admin, or equivalent.
• 5+ years HR experience, distribution setting.
• PEO experience required.
• Experience in a heavily regulated cannabis distribution environment.
• Knowledge of employment law, compensation, planning, recruitment, org development, and employee relations.
• Leadership/people management experience including coaching and performance management.
• SHRM/PHR certification is a plus.
• Cannabis industry experience required.

Responsibilities

• Drive HR Strategy & Talent Planning with leadership to address current and future talent needs.
• Administer core HR programs: benefits, leave, onboarding/offboarding, performance management, and training.
• Oversee payroll and ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Champion a people-first culture with events and partnerships across the organization.
• Manage vendors and build the HR team, including a PEO partnership and direct report.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or equivalent experience

Tools

Google Suite

Job description

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…

Drive HR Strategy & Talent Planning

• 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.

Administer Core HR Programs

• 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.

Ensure Compliance & Oversee Payroll

• 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.

Champion Culture & People Partnership

• Continuously improve our people-first culture by planning and executing culture events, both virtual and in-person.
• Become a trusted liaison with our people.

Manage Vendors & Build the HR Team

• 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.

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.

$110,000 - $110,000 a year

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.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.