Operations, Payroll & HR Manager

Location: New Jersey South

Note: Due to the operational nature of our business, this role requires flexibility and regular availability across a six-day operational schedule, including occasional in-store support.

About Us

Founded in Toronto in 2002, Real Fruit Bubble Tea has grown from a single shop into a fast-growing international brand with 100 locations across Canada and the U.S.

We are driven by a simple mission: to make fresh fruit drinks healthy, accessible, and enjoyable for everyone.

As we continue expanding across North America, we are building a strong U.S. operations and people infrastructure—and we are looking for someone who wants to grow with us, take ownership, and make a real impact in a fast-moving environment.

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on, experienced U.S. People & Operations Manager to support and strengthen our U.S. business across HR operations, payroll, compliance, and day-to-day store support. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working across multiple areas of People & Operations, not just HR in isolation but also payroll, compliance, and operational problem-solving.

You will act as a key partner in ensuring our employees are supported, our payroll and compliance processes run smoothly, and our U.S. operations remain aligned with local regulations and company standards.

A key part of this role includes supporting U.S. employment compliance and cross-border immigration coordination (including L1A and work authorization processes) in partnership with legal and external advisors.

Key Responsibilities

1. People & HR Operations (Core Focus)

• Oversee day-to-day HR operations for U.S. employees
• Support onboarding, offboarding, and employee documentation
• Maintain accurate HR records and ensure compliance with U.S. labor standards
• Support employee relations and provide guidance on policies and procedures
• Assist leadership with HR coordination and workforce planning support
• Ensure a consistent and positive employee experience across store teams

2. Payroll & Compliance

• Manage and support U.S. payroll processing (in partnership with payroll providers)
• Oversee payroll accuracy, adjustments, and employee payroll inquiries
• Support payroll tax filings (W-2s, 1099s, remittances, reporting)
• Coordinate responses to IRS, state, and other government notices
• Partner with external accountants and tax advisors as needed
• Assist with month-end and year-end payroll and reconciliation activities

3. U.S. Immigration & Cross-Border Employment Support

• Support U.S. work authorization and cross-border employment processes
• Coordinate L1A and intra-company transfer documentation with external immigration counsel
• Assist with employee visa-related administration and renewals
• Ensure proper documentation and compliance for cross-border employees
• Act as a key internal coordinator between HR, leadership, and legal partners

4. Operational & Store Support

• Support store operations
• Assist with staffing gaps, new store openings, and training coordination
• Provide in-store support (including barista/store operations when required)
• Travel between store locations as needed to support operational execution
• Help resolve day-to-day operational issues in collaboration with store leaders

5. Business & Administrative Compliance

• Support business licensing, permits, insurance renewals, and filings
• Maintain organized records for audits, compliance, and reporting purposes
• Liaise with government agencies, landlords, and external vendors when required
• Support general administrative coordination for U.S. operations

What We’re Looking For

• 5–10 years of experience in HR operations, payroll, or people & compliance roles
• Strong understanding of U.S. payroll, HR compliance, and employment standards
• Experience working with payroll systems (e.g., ADP or similar)
• Exposure to immigration processes (L1A / intra-company transfers strongly preferred)
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, multi-location retail or operations environment
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Willingness to be hands-on and support store operations when needed

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to travel between store locations
• Flexible availability based on operational needs
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information professionally

What We Offer

• Opportunity to build and shape U.S. HR and People operations in a growing company
• Exposure to cross-border operations and immigration processes
• High-impact role with direct visibility to leadership
• Growth opportunities as the U.S. business expands

Salary Range: $90K - 130K/annum

We’re committed to being transparent and fair about pay. The salary range provided is a guideline and not a guaranteed offer. Final compensation is determined based on responsibilities of the role, market data, internal equity, and individual factors including experience, skills, and location.

Additional Information

Real Fruit Bubble Tea Inc. is committed to inclusive and accessible employment practices. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment selection process.

AI Usage:

As part of our recruitment process, we may use technology-assisted tools, including automated systems, to help review and assess applications. These tools do not make final decisions. All screening, interviewing, and hiring decisions are made by our human resources and hiring team.

Please note:

• All job postings at Real Fruit Bubble Tea Inc. are intended to fill existing vacancies within our organization.