Manager, 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!

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…