Human Resources Generalist

About the Company

Real Fruit Bubble Tea began in Toronto in 2002 with a mission to make fresh fruit beverages healthier and easier for people to enjoy. The brand now operates across Canada and the United States and continues to expand quickly, offering strong potential for learning, growth, and career progression.

Role Overview

The Human Resources Generalist will report to the HR Director and help design, roll out, and improve HR policies, programs, and initiatives that support the company’s business goals and expansion plans. The role contributes to recruitment, employee relations, performance management, workforce planning, and immigration support for operations in both Canada and the U.S.

This is a practical, hands-on position that combines HR work with operational support. The selected candidate should be comfortable splitting time between an office and store environment and stepping in to support store operations when needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Help shape and put into practice HR policies, procedures, and best practices for the organization.
• Suggest ways to improve employee engagement, retention, and performance for store and management teams.
• Support hiring activities, including candidate sourcing, interviewing, reference verification, and drafting employment agreements.
• Coordinate probationary reviews, annual reviews, compensation reviews, and employee development plans.
• Advise Store Managers and Regional Managers on employee relations, attendance issues, performance concerns, disciplinary matters, and policy interpretation.
• Carry out workplace investigations and recommend suitable resolutions.
• Handle onboarding, orientation, and employee record management.
• Maintain the employee database and HR systems.
• Prepare and share reports on HR activity, workforce data, and recruiting efforts.
• Assist with payroll administration, budgeting, and other HR-related tasks.
• Support Canadian and U.S. immigration processes, including LMIA applications, employer-specific work permits, Francophone Mobility Program applications, L1A intra-company transfers, and other employment-based immigration matters.
• Work with outside immigration lawyers and consultants to manage applications and maintain compliance.
• Track work permit expiry dates and keep immigration compliance records up to date.
• Contribute to workforce planning for international hiring and talent mobility.
• Keep up with HR trends, employment laws, and current industry practices.
• Travel to store locations as needed for hiring, training, employee relations, and operational support.
• Assist in-store when necessary, including supporting frontline staff during busy periods, staffing gaps, store openings, and special projects.
• Prepare beverages, serve customers, and perform barista tasks when operational support is required.
• Take on other assigned duties and special projects.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Shows an entrepreneurial mindset and leads by example with a practical, hands-on style.
• Delivers results reliably, meets deadlines, and maintains accountability.
• Communicates clearly and professionally in both verbal and written forms.
• Builds productive working relationships and works well across teams.
• Takes initiative to improve processes and support business needs beyond the minimum requirement.
• Adapts well to a fast-moving environment and changing priorities.
• Understands the importance of customer service and operational support.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of progressive HR experience, preferably in retail, restaurants, hospitality, franchise, or multi-unit operations.
• Experience supporting both frontline hourly staff and management employees.
• Strong knowledge of HR functions such as hiring, employee relations, performance management, employment law, health and safety, and workforce planning.
• Experience with Canadian immigration programs, including LMIA applications, employer-specific work permits, and related processes.
• U.S. employment-based immigration experience, especially L1A transfers and visa administration, is highly desirable.
• Experience working with legal counsel and immigration consultants is an advantage.
• Understanding of Canadian employment standards; familiarity with U.S. employment practices is a plus.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building abilities.
• Excellent organization, time management, problem-solving, decision-making, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HR information systems.
• Willingness and ability to work in-store and perform frontline operational duties when needed.
• Ability to travel between store locations as required.
• Background in a fast-paced retail, food service, restaurant, or franchise setting is strongly preferred.
• CHRP designation is an asset.

Work Environment

This position requires flexibility and frequent coordination with both corporate and store teams. The successful candidate will balance strategic and administrative HR responsibilities with direct operational assistance. Duties may include working in-store, preparing drinks, serving guests, helping with store openings, covering staffing shortages, and contributing to operational projects when needed.