Global Human Resources Manager

About KioCafé

KioCafé is a growing B2B technology company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and deployment of autonomous robotic coffee kiosks, cold brew stations, and self-service beverage systems.

By combining innovative hardware, intelligent software, automation, and payment technology, KioCafé delivers fully integrated beverage solutions that help businesses streamline operations, reduce labor requirements, and provide convenient, high-quality beverage experiences.

With operations across Canada, the United States, and China, KioCafé is focused on advancing automated beverage technology and expanding its global presence.

This is an exciting time to join KioCafé as we enter our next phase of growth. As a growing startup, we offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, contribute to innovative products, and help shape the future of automated beverage technology.

Position Summary

KioCafé is seeking an experienced and proactive Global Human Resources Manager to oversee and manage HR operations across our offices in Canada, the United States, and China.

This role will be responsible for managing the full employee lifecycle, ensuring compliance with local employment laws, supporting organizational growth, and developing consistent HR policies and practices across all locations.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on HR professional with experience managing international teams, strong knowledge of employment legislation, and the ability to balance strategic HR initiatives with day-to-day operational responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Global HR Operations & Compliance

• Oversee day-to-day HR operations across Canada, the United States, and China.
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment laws, regulations, and statutory requirements in each country.
• Develop, implement, and maintain global HR policies, employee handbooks, and procedures while accommodating local legal requirements.
• Manage employee records, employment agreements, organizational charts, and HR documentation.
• Partner with external legal counsel and local HR representatives on employment-related matters.
• Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes and improve operational efficiency.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning

• Manage the full recruitment lifecycle, including job postings, candidate screening, interviews, offers, and onboarding.
• Partner with department leaders to identify staffing needs and develop recruitment strategies.
• Support workforce planning, organizational restructuring, and succession planning.
• Develop and maintain standardized onboarding and offboarding processes across all locations.
• Coordinate background checks, employment verification, and immigration or work authorization requirements where applicable.

Employee Relations & Performance Management

• Serve as the primary HR point of contact for employees and managers across all locations.
• Provide guidance on employee relations matters, workplace conflicts, disciplinary actions, and performance concerns.
• Conduct workplace investigations and ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant resolutions.
• Lead annual performance review processes, goal-setting initiatives, and employee development programs.
• Coach managers on performance management, employee engagement, and effective leadership practices.
• Manage employee terminations, resignations, and organizational changes in accordance with local legislation.

Compensation, Benefits & Payroll

• Oversee payroll administration and coordinate with internal finance teams and external payroll providers across all three countries.
• Ensure accurate processing of employee compensation, bonuses, commissions, and payroll changes.
• Administer employee benefits programs, including health insurance, retirement plans, and other regional benefits.
• Support annual compensation reviews, salary benchmarking, and pay equity assessments.
• Manage employee leave programs, vacation entitlements, statutory holidays, and other legally required benefits.
• Partner with benefits brokers and vendors to review coverage, renewals, and cost optimization opportunities.

HR Strategy & Organizational Development

• Partner with senior leadership to align HR initiatives with KioCafé's business objectives.
• Support organizational design, reporting structures, and workforce changes.
• Develop initiatives to strengthen employee engagement, retention, and company culture.
• Lead HR projects related to process improvements, policy development, and organizational growth.
• Support leadership development, employee training, and career progression initiatives.
• Promote consistent HR practices while respecting cultural and regional differences.

HR Systems, Reporting & Administration

• Manage HR information systems (HRIS), ensuring employee data accuracy and confidentiality.
• Maintain HR dashboards and reports related to headcount, turnover, recruitment, compensation, and other key HR metrics.
• Ensure proper documentation and record retention in accordance with local privacy and employment laws.
• Identify opportunities to automate and improve HR workflows.
• Prepare HR reports and updates for senior leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5–7+ years of progressive HR experience, including experience in an HR Manager or HR Business Partner role.
• Experience supporting employees across multiple countries or jurisdictions.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian employment legislation, with working knowledge of U.S. employment laws.
• Experience coordinating HR matters in China, including working with local HR teams or external advisors.
• Demonstrated experience in employee relations, recruitment, performance management, compensation, benefits, and HR compliance.
• Experience working with HRIS and payroll platforms.
• Strong communication, organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities across different time zones.

Preferred Qualifications

• CHRP, CHRL, SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or equivalent HR certification.
• Experience working in a global technology, manufacturing, or operations-focused organization.
• Experience supporting organizational growth, restructuring, or change management.
• Familiarity with international payroll and benefits administration.
• Experience working with distributed teams and cross-cultural environments.

Key Competencies

• Global HR Management
• Employment Law & Compliance
• Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution
• Strategic HR Business Partnership
• Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning
• Compensation & Benefits Administration
• Performance Management
• Organizational Development
• HR Analytics & Reporting
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• Confidentiality & Professional Judgment

What Success Looks Like

• Consistent and compliant HR operations across Canada, the United States, and China.
• Strong relationships with employees, managers, and senior leadership.
• Effective recruitment, onboarding, and retention practices.
• Accurate and timely payroll, benefits, and HR administration.
• Improved employee engagement and performance management processes.
• Scalable HR policies, systems, and processes that support KioCafé's continued growth.