Director of HR Operations - The Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store

DIRECTOR OF HR OPERATIONS

Job Title: Director of HR Operations - The Travel Agency

Location: New York City, NY

About The Travel Agency: The Travel Agency is a licensed cannabis retailer with multiple New York City locations in Union Square, Downtown Brooklyn, and Fifth Avenue. Our mission is to expand the way the world sees cannabis by reshaping its role into a valued, transformative, and natural part of a balanced contemporary lifestyle —free from stigma and full of possibility.

Through vibrant spaces and empowering experiences, we inspire individuals to explore cannabis’ potential, foster meaningful connections, and drive positive change. By leading with inclusivity, education, and innovation, we aim to elevate perceptions and set a new standard for cannabis in modern life.

Position Overview: The Director of HR Operations will design and lead a scalable HR infrastructure to support The Travel Agency’s rapid growth and multi-unit operations. This role oversees HR operations, employee relations, learning & development, and compliance while aligning HR strategies with our mission of innovation and inclusivity. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing unionized environments, driving culture transformation in retail startups or fast-growing companies, and creating meaningful workforce development programs.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop HR strategies and plans aligned with company goals to support rapid expansion and cultural growth.
• Partner with senior leaders to implement workforce planning and talent acquisition strategies.
• Act as a champion for inclusivity, innovation, and operational excellence across all HR functions.

HR Operations and Compliance

• Oversee the design, execution, and continuous improvement of HR systems, including payroll, benefits, and HRIS.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal labor laws, as well as industry-specific regulations in cannabis retail.
• Maintain robust policies and procedures, ensuring they align with company culture and mission.

Learning, Development, and Employee Experience

• Implement advanced performance management systems, such as the Nine Box framework, to evaluate and develop talent.
• Design and deliver L&D programs with a focus on leadership growth, employee advancement, and operational efficiency.
• Develop and oversee train-the-trainer programs to ensure consistent training delivery across the organization.
• Conduct in-person training sessions in stores at least three times a week, focusing on selling strategies, product knowledge, and operational procedures for store-level staff, including cashiers and dispensary associates.
• Foster a culture of engagement and retention through DEI initiatives, employee recognition, and robust communication.

Union and Labor Relations

• Lead labor relations strategies, addressing grievances, managing negotiations, and ensuring adherence to collective bargaining agreements.
• Act as a trusted partner to store leadership in managing unionized teams effectively and equitably.

Change Management

• Lead HR initiatives to support organizational change, ensuring alignment with business goals during hyper-growth phases.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to implement strategies that drive cultural and operational transformation.

DEI and Community Engagement

• Develop and execute programs that foster diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization.
• Collaborate with community and advocacy groups to support our mission of empowering underrepresented individuals.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 8+ years of HR leadership experience, ideally in multi-unit environments within cannabis, beauty, food, or CPG industries.
• Proven experience managing unionized workforces and resolving labor disputes.
• Expertise in performance management systems, including Nine Box frameworks.
• Strong background in L&D program creation and leadership development.
• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering training programs for retail environments, including customer service, operational functions, and leadership development.
• Knowledge of compliance requirements in regulated industries, with a focus on cannabis retail.
• Advanced proficiency in HRIS, payroll systems, and analytics tools.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong accountability, multitasking, and independent prioritization.
• Proactive problem solver with creative approaches.
• Strong interpersonal skills; direct yet diplomatic.
• Consistent high performer with a proven track record in achieving objectives within complex organizations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the cannabis industry or other highly regulated industries.
• Familiarity with adult learning theories, instructional design, and e-learning platforms.

Job Types: Full-time / Exempt / Salaried

Salary: 150K

Work Location: Hybrid, New York City