Director of Human Resources

About nuEra

At nuEra, we’re not just building a business; we’re shaping an industry. Our mission is to redefine excellence through quality, innovation, and a commitment to our communities.

We’re looking for bold thinkers, boundary-pushers, and team players ready to be part of something extraordinary. Whether you’re passionate about operations, creativity, or leading teams, there’s a place for you here to thrive, learn, and make an impact.

Ready to grow with us? Let’s create a future we can all be proud of—together.

Position Summary

nuEra is seeking a people-centered Director of Human Resources with the ability to be strategic and hands-on during a period of growth. Overseeing all HR operations across 12 retail locations and two cultivation and production facilities (IL and KY). This role is responsible for building high-impact people practices that align with business objectives while ensuring compliance in a heavily regulated industry.

Reporting to the COO, the HR Director will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, and partner cross-functionally to shape an exceptional employee experience. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned HR leader to architect and drive the people strategy at one of the most exciting and fast-growing 300 person cannabis management companies in the Midwest.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & People Operations

• Lead the development and execution of HR strategies that support business growth, talent development, and operational excellence across all locations.
• Translate company goals into people priorities, partnering with senior leaders to align workforce planning, organizational design, and talent development initiatives.
• Lead and develop a high-performing HR team with a clear focus on stakeholder collaboration, employee experience and foundational HR practices.
• Serve as a thought partner to leadership on company culture, workforce dynamics, and change management during periods of expansion.

Employee Relations & Culture

• Oversee complex employee relations matters across multiple states, ensuring consistency, compliance, and a values-aligned approach.
• Shape an inclusive and engaged workplace culture through initiatives that promote feedback, growth, and employee recognition.
• Lead workplace investigations, ensure timely resolution of issues, and promote fair and consistent employee treatment.
• Champion DEI practices across the employee lifecycle, from recruitment to advancement.

Talent Acquisition & Development

• Guide hiring strategy for retail and facility operations, ensuring talent pipelines meet business needs and reflect our commitment to diversity and equity.
• Oversee workforce planning and succession strategies for key roles across the organization.
• Launch learning and development programs for managers to cultivate internal talent and develop skills necessary for business growth.
• Partner with department heads to assess team capabilities and implement targeted development plans.

Compliance & HR Infrastructure

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state (IL and KY), and cannabis-specific labor laws and safety regulations.
• Lead audits, policy reviews, and implementation of compliant, employee-friendly practices.
• Establish data-driven systems for tracking HR metrics, analyzing trends, and presenting insights to leadership.
• Identify and deploy HR technologies that streamline processes, improve decision-making, and enhance employee experience.

Performance Management & Organizational Effectiveness

• Oversee performance management, including goal-setting, feedback, coaching, and recognition programs.
• Implement systems that drive accountability, align individual contributions with organizational success, and reinforce a high-performance culture.
• Support leaders in navigating change and restructuring as business needs evolve.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field required; Master’s degree or HR certifications (SPHR, SHRM-SCP) preferred.
• 7 years of progressive HR experience, including 3 years in a leadership role overseeing multi-site operations (retail or regulated industry preferred).
• Proven experience managing HR teams and serving as a strategic advisor with hands-on expertise.
• Deep expertise in employment law, employee relations, talent strategy, and organizational development.
• Demonstrated success scaling HR systems and practices in fast-growing environments.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization and collaborate cross functionally.
• Experience working in a highly regulated industry (cannabis, healthcare, pharma, etc.) strongly preferred.
• Ability to travel between IL and KY locations up to 25% of the time.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and able to pass all required state background checks.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $120,000 – $145,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive benefits package, including:
• Medical, dental, retirement (401K) and vision insurance
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Employee discounts
• Professional development opportunities

nuEra is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60612

Salary : $120,000 - $145,000