Senior Manager, Human Resources

Please note, this position also requires working in store operations as a barista when operationally required.

Founded in Toronto, Real Fruit Bubble Tea has been committed to making fresh fruit beverages healthy and accessible for everyone since 2002. With locations across Canada and the United States, we continue to grow rapidly and are looking for exceptional people to grow with us.

At Real Fruit Bubble Tea, we believe our people are the foundation of our success. We are seeking an experienced, hands-on HR leader who enjoys balancing strategic Human Resources leadership with frontline operational support.

Position Summary

Reporting to the HR Director, the Senior Manager, Human Resources is responsible for leading the execution of the Company's Human Resources strategy while ensuring compliance with Canadian and U.S. employment legislation.

This position serves as a trusted business partner to senior leadership, Regional Managers, and Store Managers by providing expert guidance on employee relations, employment law, talent acquisition, immigration, performance management, organizational development, workforce planning, investigations, policy development, and HR compliance.

The successful candidate must possess strong employment law knowledge, experience managing Canadian and U.S. employment-based immigration programs, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced retail environment.

This is a highly operational leadership role. The successful candidate must be willing to work in-store when required, including preparing beverages, serving customers, supporting store openings, training employees, and assisting stores during staffing shortages.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources Leadership

• Support the execution of the Company's Human Resources strategy to align with business objectives and continued organizational growth.
• Partner with the HR Director and executive leadership on strategic HR initiatives.
• Lead and continuously improve HR policies, procedures, programs, and best practices.
• Develop and implement initiatives that improve employee engagement, retention, performance, and workplace culture.
• Analyze HR metrics and recommend strategies to improve organizational effectiveness.
• Assist with workforce planning and organizational development initiatives.

Employment Law & HR Compliance

• Serve as the Company's subject matter expert on Canadian employment legislation and provide guidance regarding applicable U.S. employment laws.
• Ensure compliance with Employment Standards legislation, Human Rights legislation, Occupational Health & Safety legislation, privacy legislation, and other applicable employment laws.
• Advise leaders on disciplinary action, progressive discipline, attendance management, accommodations, disability management, leaves of absence, performance improvement plans, terminations, and workplace conflict.
• Conduct complex workplace investigations involving harassment, discrimination, misconduct, retaliation, policy violations, and employee complaints.
• Prepare investigation reports and recommendations.
• Support legal matters and coordinate with external employment counsel when required.
• Review employment agreements, policies, handbooks, and HR documentation to ensure legal compliance.

Talent Acquisition

• Lead full-cycle recruitment for corporate, retail management, and key operational positions.
• Develop recruitment strategies to support rapid business growth.
• Oversee interview processes and selection decisions.
• Build talent pipelines for future organizational needs.
• Support succession planning initiatives.

Performance Management & Leadership Development

• Oversee performance management programs across the organization.
• Coach Regional Managers and Store Managers on leadership effectiveness.
• Support employee development and career progression initiatives.
• Recommend learning and development programs.
• Assist with compensation reviews and talent calibration discussions.

Employee Relations

• Serve as the senior HR advisor for complex employee relations matters.
• Coach managers on difficult employee conversations.
• Resolve workplace disputes using sound HR judgment and legal compliance.
• Promote a respectful, inclusive, and positive workplace culture.

Immigration & Global Mobility

• Lead the Company's Canadian and U.S. employment-based immigration programs.
• Manage LMIA applications, employer-specific work permits, Francophone Mobility Program applications, Global Talent Stream applications, LMIA-exempt work permits, and permanent residence support where applicable.
• Coordinate U.S. immigration matters including L-1A transfers and other employment-based visa programs.
• Liaise with immigration lawyers, consultants, and government agencies.
• Monitor work permit expiry dates and ensure ongoing compliance with immigration legislation.
• Develop internal immigration tracking and compliance processes.

HR Operations

• Oversee employee onboarding and orientation programs.
• Maintain employee records and HRIS data integrity.
• Support payroll administration and HR reporting.
• Prepare workforce analytics and executive reports.
• Recommend improvements to HR systems and operational processes.

Operational Support

Real Fruit Bubble Tea believes leaders should understand and support frontline operations.

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Work in stores when operationally required.
• Prepare beverages and perform barista duties.
• Serve customers while maintaining exceptional service standards.
• Assist during staffing shortages and peak business periods.
• Support new store openings.
• Train employees on company policies and workplace expectations.
• Travel to store locations throughout Canada and the United States as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• CHRP or CHRL designation strongly preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• Minimum 3 years in an HR leadership or management role.
• Experience supporting multi-unit retail, restaurant, hospitality, franchise, or food service operations.
• Extensive knowledge of Canadian employment legislation across multiple provinces.
• Working knowledge of U.S. employment law and HR practices.
• Demonstrated experience conducting workplace investigations.
• Strong knowledge of employment law, human rights legislation, occupational health and safety legislation, accommodations, disability management, and workplace compliance.
• Significant experience managing Canadian employment-based immigration programs, including LMIA applications, employer-specific work permits, Francophone Mobility, Global Talent Stream, and related immigration processes.
• Experience supporting U.S. employment-based immigration matters, including L-1A transfers and visa administration.
• Experience working with external legal counsel and immigration lawyers.
• Strong employee relations background with experience managing complex workplace issues.
• Experience developing HR policies and procedures.
• Experience supporting organizational growth and change management initiatives.
• Excellent communication, conflict resolution, and coaching skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and decision-making abilities.
• Advanced Microsoft Office and HRIS proficiency.
• Ability to travel regularly between store locations.
• Willingness to perform operational and barista duties when required.
• Mandarin and/or Cantonese is considered an asset.

Work Environment

This position combines strategic Human Resources leadership with operational support responsibilities. The successful candidate will divide their time between the corporate office and retail locations and should expect regular travel to stores.

This role requires flexibility and a willingness to support store operations, including performing barista duties, assisting customers, supporting store openings, covering operational gaps, and helping frontline teams during periods of high business demand.

Salary Range:

CAD $90,000–$120,000

We’re committed to being transparent and fair about pay. The salary range provided is a guideline and not a guaranteed offer. Final compensation is determined based on the responsibilities of the role, market data, internal equity, and several individual factors, including overall and relevant experience, education, certifications, skills, expertise, and the location of the position.

Please note:

All job postings at Real Fruit Bubble Tea Inc. are intended to fill existing vacancies within our organization.

AI Usage:

As part of our recruitment process, we may use technology-assisted tools, including automated systems, to help review and assess applications. These tools do not make final decisions. All screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions are made by our human resources and hiring team.

Industry

Food and Beverage Services

Employment Type

Full-time

Real Fruit Bubble Tea is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. Accommodation is available, upon request, for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment selection process

Real Fruit Bubble Tea is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and accessible workplace. Accommodation is available upon request throughout all stages of the recruitment process.