Manager, People Operations

Who are we?

Kodiak is one of the fastest growing food companies that is disrupting the industry with its better-for-you breakfast and snacking options. Our journey with food began by restoring the tradition of whole grain flapjacks and adding some protein to fuel folks' adventures. In the process, we discovered that foods made closer to nature are not only fueling but taste better. So, we set out to inspire wilder, wide-open lives by feeding epic days through real breakfasts. That's one of the reasons we're in the scenic Rocky Mountains of Park City, Utah: to live our purpose and be close to nature.

Our mission is to become the most loved, next generation food brand, and we're well on our way. We craft the best-selling whole grain flapjack mix in the nation along with toaster waffles, baking mixes, oatmeal, syrup, and snacking options at all major retailers. We're expanding rapidly as our business continues to grow year-after-year and need to build our team with people that share our passion for the outdoors, bring industry experience, thrive in an entrepreneurial culture, and want to make an impact in the food space. We believe that eating real, good-for-you food, being active outdoors, and preserving nature will restore balance generations before us worked so hard to forge. We embrace the spirit of the Kodiak – a pristine wilderness with a rich ecosystem – and we rely on that spirit of the Kodiak to inspire the work we do, the food we eat, and the way we play.

Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried (Exempt) - $110,000 - $120,000

Job Location: Strongly prefer – On-Site/Hybrid, commutable to Kodiak HQ in Park City, UT or Open to Relocation (we offer relocation assistance) / Remote eligible for the right candidate.

Individual base salary for this role ultimately will depend on numerous factors, including but not limited to experience, job-related skills, relevant education or training, certifications, etc. As such, pay for the successful candidate could fall anywhere within the stated range. Beyond base salary, we offer competitive health, dental, 401k, and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment. This role also is eligible to participate in Kodiak's annual discretionary bonus program, which is dependent on various factors, including individual and company performance.

The Manager, People Operations is a key leader driving operational excellence, compliance, and employee experience across Kodiak. This role will ensure that our systems, policies, and processes not only run smoothly but also reflect our values and enable our people to thrive.

You'll oversee the core People Operations functions: payroll, benefits, compensation, leave management, and policies, while continuously improving how we work and ensuring alignment with our Kodiak Code (our collective values). You'll serve as a strategic partner to leaders across the business to ensure our People infrastructure scales effectively as Kodiak grows, all in a proactive and people-first manner.

What will this position do?

Payroll & Compliance

• Oversee payroll processing and administration, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in partnership with Accounting.
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and local employment regulations, including filings and audits.
• Monitor regulatory changes and proactively adjust policies and processes to remain compliant.
  
  

Benefits & Compensation

• Lead the design, management, and evolution of Kodiak's benefits programs: health, dental, vision, 401(k), and employee perks.
• Continuously evaluate cost, competitiveness, and employee satisfaction to ensure our offerings remain best-in-class.
• Oversee compensation philosophy, structure, and administration; ensure equitable pay practices and enable leaders to communicate compensation effectively.
  
  

Policies & Employee Relations

• Develop, implement, and maintain People policies aligned with Kodiak's Code and culture.
• Serve as a trusted advisor for employees and leaders, addressing concerns with fairness, empathy, and discretion.
• Guide conflict resolution and employee relations matters in partnership with the P&C Business Partner and the Chief People Officer.
  
  

Leave Management

• Administer leave programs and tools, ensuring compliance with FMLA, ADA, and state-specific leave laws.
• Support employees and leaders through leave processes with clarity and care.
  
  

Systems & Data

• Oversee HRIS and People Operations systems to ensure accuracy, security, and usability.
• Drive data-informed decisions through reporting and analytics on workforce metrics.
  
  

Continuous Improvement

• Lead and support projects that enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and the overall employee experience.
• Build scalable processes that support Kodiak's evolving business and workforce needs.
  
  

What are we looking for?

We're looking for a proactive, business-minded People Operations leader who balances strategy and execution. You're energized by improving systems and processes, and you care deeply about the employee experience. You thrive in a fast-moving, growth environment, bring sound judgment and discretion, and can influence at all levels.

• 5+ years of HR or People Operations experience, with strong expertise in payroll, benefits, compliance, and employee relations.
• Deep understanding of federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Demonstrated ability to design and communicate policies that balance employee and business needs.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Experience with HRIS systems and data accuracy best practices.
• Passion for Kodiak's culture, values, and mission.
• Up to 10% travel required (company and department meetings several times per year).
  
  

What else do I need to know?  

This role is either based at our headquarters near the ski slopes and mountain trails of Park City, Utah, where we have a hybrid work schedule, or can be Remote for the right candidate. We offer competitive compensation and benefits that include: 

•  Medical/dental/vision plans
• 401k match
• FSA & HSA accounts
• Life & ADD Insurance
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Cell Phone & Internet Stipend
• Relocation assistance
• Annual performance bonus
• Employee Equity Plan
• A company fleet of snowboards and other equipment
• Wellness lifestyle allowance (B.E.A.R Bucks)
• Mental Health Therapy Benefit & the Calm app
• All-you-can-eat flapjacks
• Responsible Time Off
• Early-out Fridays
• Parental leave
• Casual dress code
• A variety of other Kodiak-unique perks 
  
  

Recognized by Inc and Utah as one of America's best places to work, we are known for our awesome work environment – a fun and authentic place where wins are celebrated, collaboration is king, work is balanced with life, and every individual makes a deep impact. We proactively search for ways to develop each individual along their career path here at Kodiak and beyond. We're inspired and committed to creating natural, authentic food with superior taste to fuel a healthy, active lifestyle. We feel encouraged by some of the trends in food today and believe that with a concerted effort we can make an enormous impact in building momentum for natural, better-for-you foods. We invite you to apply to join our team and leave your legacy on the future of food.

At Kodiak, we foster a truly inclusive community that encourages, supports, and celebrates what makes each of us unique. We bring our full authentic selves to work and leverage our diverse backgrounds and perspectives to create a culture of belonging that feeds epic days & wilder lives.