Manager, Total Rewards & HR Operations

At Caribou Coffee we create day-making experiences that spark a chain reaction of GOOD! This is our purpose. Our team brings this to life by focusing on what's really important around here - TEAM, GUEST, BUSINESS! It's that simple. If you're ready to work somewhere you can be yourself while making an impact on your community, creating life-long relationships, and serving the best coffee around, join our herd! Apply today and be part of the 'Bou Crew!

Position Overview:

As Manager, Total Rewards & HR Operations at Caribou Coffee, you will be a strategic leader and key partner in execution, responsible for designing, implementing, and continuously evolving compensation, benefits, and HR programs that attract, retain, and motivate top talent while optimizing operations and enhancing the team member experience. You will lead a team of analysts and coordinators to deliver high-quality, compliant, and engaging total rewards and HR services across the full team member lifecycle.

Success in this role requires strategic thinking, change management expertise, and the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization.

Core Responsibilities:

Compensation

• Develop and lead Caribou Coffee's compensation programs aligned with business goals and market competitiveness.
• Partner with the CHRO and consultants to refine equitable pay structures and incentive plans.
• Lead executive compensation planning, including benchmarking and program design.
• Oversee annual compensation cycles (merit and incentive planning) with strong financial stewardship.
• Ensure compliance with FLSA, pay equity, and other regulations through audits and reporting.
• Conduct market analysis to maintain competitive positioning and inform plan design.
• Establish clear governance, policies, and communication for all compensation programs.
• Educate and support leaders on compensation philosophy, pay practices, and program administration to ensure understanding and consistent application across the organization.
• Champion a pay-for-performance philosophy that rewards results, reinforces accountability, and aligns individual contributions with organizational goals.

Benefits

• Oversee the development and administration of health, wellness, retirement, and other benefit programs that meet the diverse needs of a coffeehouse workforce, ensuring competitiveness and cost-effectiveness.
• Champion a philosophy that supports team member well-being, engagement, and holistic care, reinforcing Caribou's commitment to a positive employee experience.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including ACA, ERISA, pay equity, FLSA, and other HR-related laws, through audits and filings.
• Manage vendor selection, contract negotiations, and relationships to ensure service quality and alignment with company goals.
• Leverage HR technology to streamline administration and improve accessibility.
• Develop communication strategies to educate leaders and team members, driving clarity and engagement.
• Evaluate program performance and utilization for continuous improvement.

HR Operations

• Oversee HR systems and ticketing processes to ensure data integrity and efficiency.
• Coordinate audits, compliance filings, and system upgrades.
• Maintain documentation standards for employment verifications, unemployment claims, and regulatory reporting.
• Collaborate with IT and vendors to enhance system functionality and support evolving business needs.
• Track HR ticketing data to identify patterns and trends, using insights to drive process improvements and enhance the team member experience.
• Promote a philosophy of operational excellence focused on efficiency, compliance, and a seamless team member experience.

People Leadership

• Lead, direct, and mentor a team of direct reports, ensuring they have the guidance and strategic direction needed to perform their duties effectively and in alignment with organizational goals and priorities.
• Take ownership of the team's deliverables, ensuring high-quality work that meets business needs and aligns with organizational priorities.
• Set performance expectations and regularly monitor progress, providing constructive feedback and coaching as needed.
• Foster a positive team culture that encourages collaboration, accountability, and adherence to Caribou's core values, leading by example in demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and a strong work ethic.
• Serve as a champion for organizational change, effectively communicating the vision, rationale, and benefits of transformation initiatives. Lead a team through periods of change with clarity and confidence, fostering resilience and adaptability.

Skills and Requirements:

• Demonstrate Caribou's Core Values: Support One Another, Make Fun Happen, Be Yourself, Take Ownership, Serve with Love.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret data and make informed recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills for employee education and vendor coordination.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and annual cycles with accuracy and compliance.
• Responsive, empathetic, and comfortable partnering across functions.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive HR experience.
• Proven experience leading compensation and benefits strategy, including executive compensation.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing teams.

Preferred:

• Experience in multi-state retail or QSR environment.
• Workday or similar HRIS experience.

The duties of this position may change from time to time. Caribou reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Caribou or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Caribou Coffee Operating Company, Inc. and itsaffiliatesare proud to be Equal Opportunity Employersto all applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on any characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

Compensation Range:

*Starting pay is subject to Local and State Minimum Wage regulations.

**Ranges reflect what employer reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for such position.

The physical demands for this position are reaching, lifting up to 50 pounds, sitting, standing, for 4 to 8 hours, bending, and moving intermittently during working hours. These physical demands may be accomplished with or without reasonable accommodations.

The duties of this position may change from time to time. Caribou Coffee reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of the company or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Caribou Coffee Operating Company, Inc. and its affiliates are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers to all applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on any characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.

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