HR Generalist (Multi-State Human Resources & Payroll)
Department: Human Resources
Reports To: Chief Operations Officer / Chief Executive Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location: Corporate (Travel Required Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, and future markets)
Position Summary
NOBO is seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands-on HR Generalist to lead all Human Resources and Payroll functions across our rapidly growing multi-state cannabis organization. This role is responsible for developing and executing HR strategies that support the company's operational objectives while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.
As a key member of the leadership team, the HR Generalist will oversee all aspects of Human Resources including payroll, employee relations, talent acquisition, benefits administration, compliance, performance management, policy development, organizational development, training, and HRIS administration. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment and is passionate about building a positive workplace culture while maintaining operational excellence.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Human Resources Leadership
Lead and oversee all Human Resources operations across multiple states.
Serve as the primary HR business partner to executive leadership and field management.
Develop HR strategies that support organizational growth and employee engagement.
Build scalable HR processes to support expansion into additional states.
Foster a culture centered on accountability, inclusion, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Maintain confidentiality regarding employee and company information.
Payroll Administration
Manage end-to-end payroll processing for all company employees utilizing Wurk and other payroll platforms as needed.
Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing, tax withholding, garnishments, deductions, bonuses, commissions, and final pay.
Maintain compliance with multi-state wage and hour laws.
Coordinate payroll audits and resolve payroll discrepancies.
Partner with Finance on payroll reporting and labor analysis.
Manage year-end payroll activities including W-2 processing.
Compliance & Employment Law
Ensure compliance with:
Federal employment laws
Colorado employment regulations
Michigan employment regulations
Minnesota employment regulations
Illinois employment regulations
OSHA requirements
EEOC regulations
FMLA
ADA
PWFA
FLSA
Workers' Compensation
State paid leave programs
Cannabis industry employment regulations
Maintain employee records in accordance with legal requirements.
Coordinate responses to audits, investigations, unemployment claims, and employment verifications.
Monitor changing employment legislation across all operating states.
Employee Relations
Provide guidance to managers regarding:
Performance management & Corrective action
Investigations
Conflict resolution
Employee coaching
Documentation
Terminations
Conduct workplace investigations while maintaining confidentiality and neutrality.
Ensure consistent application of company policies.
Reduce organizational risk through sound HR practices.
Talent Acquisition & Onboarding
Lead recruiting efforts for corporate, retail, cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution operations.
Develop hiring strategies to support organizational growth.
Oversee onboarding and orientation programs.
Ensure successful completion of I-9s, background checks, licensing requirements, and onboarding documentation.
Develop employer branding initiatives.
Performance Management
Oversee annual performance review process.
Develop employee development programs.
Partner with leadership on succession planning.
Assist managers with coaching and employee improvement plans.
Develop career progression pathways.
Benefits Administration
Administer company benefit programs including:
Medical
Dental
Vision
Life Insurance
Disability
Retirement plans
Leave administration
Manage annual open enrollment.
Coordinate benefit renewals with brokers.
Assist employees with benefit questions and claims.
HRIS Administration
Maintain HRIS systems including:
Employee records
Payroll systems
Performance management
Timekeeping
Reporting
Generate workforce metrics and executive reporting.
Recommend system improvements and automation opportunities.
Policy Development
Develop, maintain, and update:
Employee Handbook
SOPs
HR Policies
Payroll Procedures
Compliance Documents
Employee Forms
Ensure consistency across all company locations while addressing state-specific requirements.
Training & Development
Develop and implement training programs for:
New managers
Compliance
Harassment prevention
Leadership development
Performance management
HR compliance
Coordinate mandatory state-specific training requirements.
Leadership Responsibilities
Coach and mentor HR team members.
Establish department goals and KPIs.
Manage HR department budget.
Partner cross-functionally with:
Operations
Finance
Compliance
Security
Retail
Cultivation
Manufacturing
Support mergers, acquisitions, and future market expansion.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
7+ years of progressive Human Resources leadership experience.
3+ years managing payroll.
Multi-state HR experience.
Strong knowledge of employment law.
Experience administering HRIS and payroll systems.
Experience managing employee relations and investigations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical and organizational abilities.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Valid driver's license and ability to travel up to 25%.
Preferred
SHRM-SCP or SPHR certification.
Cannabis industry experience.
Experience with Wurk HRIS/Payroll.
Experience supporting organizations with 200+ employees.
Experience supporting multi-location operations.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Extensive knowledge of federal and multi-state employment laws.
Payroll administration expertise.
HRIS proficiency.
Benefits administration.
Recruiting and talent acquisition.
Organizational development.
Performance management.
Conflict resolution.
Investigative interviewing.
Change management.
Leadership coaching.
Policy development.
Advanced Microsoft Office and Google Workspace proficiency.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Physical Requirements
Ability to sit, stand, and work on a computer for extended periods.
Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
Ability to travel by automobile and airplane.
Ability to visit retail, cultivation, manufacturing, and warehouse facilities.
Why Join NOBO?
At NOBO, we're building one of the Midwest's most respected cannabis organizations. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we're looking for an HR leader who will help shape our culture while supporting continued expansion into new markets. This is an opportunity to build scalable HR programs, influence executive decision-making, and make a meaningful impact on a rapidly growing organization.
Benefits
Competitive Salary
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
Company Paid Life Insurance
Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Employee Discount
401(k) (where applicable)
Professional Development Opportunities
Career Growth in a Rapidly Expanding Multi-State Cannabis Company
NOBO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
