The HR Manager leads the people function at King City Gardens, owning the full employee lifecycle across licensed cannabis cultivation and retail operations and directing the work of the HR Generalist and broader HR team. Reporting to the Director of HR, this role sets HR strategy and process for recruitment, credentialing, employee relations, workplace investigations, and offboarding, while serving as the senior HR point of escalation for managers and leadership. Compliance with Ohio Division of Cannabis Control (DCC) requirements, Ohio Administrative Code 1301:18, and applicable employment law is woven into every facet of this position.

Recruitment & Onboarding

Own full-cycle recruitment strategy for cultivation, production, packaging, retail, and administrative roles—from workforce planning through signed offer letter—directing the HR Generalist's day-to-day execution
Ensure I-9 employment eligibility verification is administered in strict compliance with federal law across all sites
Oversee Ohio DCC background screening and employee credentialing for all new hires; own the credential-status tracking system and escalate expiration risk to leadership
Design and govern structured onboarding programs that include regulatory compliance orientation, METRC seed-to-sale awareness, and Ohio Administrative Code 1301:18 overview
Partner with department leads and site management to ensure role-specific safety and SOP training is completed before unsupervised duties begin

Employee Relations & Performance

Serve as the senior trusted, confidential resource for employee concerns, questions, and workplace issues, and as the point of escalation beyond the HR Generalist
Coach and train managers through performance improvement plans (PIPs), corrective actions, and disciplinary processes consistent with Ohio employment law and company policy
Direct stay-interview and exit-interview programs; synthesize turnover data into actionable retention strategy presented to the Director of HR and leadership
Own the strategy for an equitable, respectful, and psychologically safe work environment across all departments and shifts
Supervise, mentor, and set priorities for the HR Generalist and any additional HR team members, including performance management and professional development

Workplace Investigations

Lead or oversee thorough, impartial investigations into allegations of harassment, discrimination, workplace misconduct, policy violations, and interpersonal conflict, including the most sensitive or high-risk cases
Set investigation methodology and quality standards; review investigation plans, evidence handling, and structured interviews conducted by the HR Generalist
Prepare and approve clear, objective investigation reports with findings and recommended remedial action; present conclusions to the Director of HR and executive leadership
Ensure all investigations comply with federal and Ohio employment law, DCC regulatory requirements, and company investigation protocols
Serve as the primary liaison with legal counsel when allegations carry legal exposure or require escalation
Own corrective-action follow-through post-investigation and track outcomes to identify systemic patterns requiring policy or training intervention

HR Compliance & Recordkeeping

Own recordkeeping standards for accurate, confidential personnel files including DCC credential documentation, training certifications, and disciplinary records
Ensure HR policies, job descriptions, offer letters, and employment agreements comply with Ohio cannabis regulations and applicable federal and state law (FLSA, ADA, FMLA, EEO, OSHA)
Own the DCC employee license renewal tracking process and ensure timely communication to employees and supervisors
Develop, update, and own distribution of HR policies, employee handbooks, and SOPs in coordination with the Director of HR
Lead HR's response to DCC regulatory inspections and internal audits, ensuring accurate, organized records are produced on request

Benefits & Payroll Support

Own benefits strategy and vendor relationships; oversee enrollment, changes, and terminations, with the HR Generalist handling employee-facing questions
Partner with payroll leadership to ensure accurate processing of timekeeping, wage changes, and employment status updates
Oversee leave administration including FMLA, Ohio-mandated leave, and company leave of absence policies, resolving escalated or complex cases

Training & Development

Direct mandatory compliance training programs including DCC regulatory updates, anti-harassment, workplace safety, and investigation-awareness programs
Own training completion reporting across all departments; drive closure of gaps with department leadership and the Director of HR
Build manager capability through HR best practices, coaching frameworks, and professional development programs; develop the HR Generalist's skills directly

Requirements

Must be 21 years of age or older
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field required; equivalent progressive HR experience considered in lieu of degree
Minimum 5-7 years of progressive HR experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or people-management capacity, preferably in cannabis, healthcare, agriculture, or another regulated industry
Retail HR experience strongly preferred, to support the staffing, scheduling, customer-facing conduct standards, and day-to-day people needs of the dispensary function
Demonstrated experience leading or overseeing workplace investigations, including complaint intake, evidence gathering, structured interviews, and written findings
Experience directly managing or mentoring HR staff, setting priorities, and reviewing their work product
Strong working knowledge of federal and Ohio employment law (FLSA, ADA, FMLA, Title VII, EEO, at-will doctrine), with the judgment to apply it to novel situations
Ability to pass all required background checks and obtain an Ohio DCC cannabis employee credential
Proficiency with HRIS systems, ATS platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Exceptional written and verbal communication; ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism, and to advise leadership with confidence

Preferred Qualifications

SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP, PHR/SPHR, or equivalent HR certification
Formal training or certification in workplace investigations (e.g., AWI, HRCI, SHRM investigation courses)
Familiarity with Ohio Administrative Code 1301:18 and the METRC compliance environment (awareness level)
Prior experience managing DCC employee credentialing or comparable state-issued licensing programs
Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills are a plus

Physical Requirements

Primarily desk-based with regular movement throughout cultivation, production, and retail environments
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally
Flexibility for occasional evenings or weekends during operational peaks or time-sensitive investigations

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role operates in an office setting within a DCC-licensed cannabis cultivation and processing facility. The HR Generalist interfaces daily with cultivation, production, packaging, retail, and security teams. All employees must follow applicable hygiene, safety, and compliance protocols at all times. Exposure to cannabis plant material and related allergens is possible when entering production areas; PPE is provided and required

King City Gardens vacatures

Human Resources (HR) Manager

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