Chief Human Resources Officer

Photonic Inc.

. Serve as the CEO’s trusted partner and a leading voice on the executive team .

Posted 11/11/2026full-timeCoquitlam • CanadaLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive HR leadership experience with a focus on strategic talent acquisition, organizational design, and executive compensation. Proven ability to align people strategies with business outcomes in a high-growth technology environment across multiple geographies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

15+ Years Of Progressive HR Leadership ExperienceExperience Leading HR Function At Senior Leadership LevelCPHR Designation Or EquivalentStrong Knowledge Of Canadian Employment LawExperience Advising A Board Or Compensation Committee

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Talent Acquisition StrategyOrganizational DesignExecutive Compensation StrategyHR Process DevelopmentEmployment Law ComplianceWorkforce PlanningPerformance ManagementSuccession PlanningChange ManagementGlobal HR Strategy

Soft Skills

Trusted AdvisorExecutive PresenceStrategic ThinkingBias To ActionCoaching

Certifications & Qualifications

CPHRSHRM-SCPCIPD

Industry Keywords

Scaling TechnologyDeep Tech EnvironmentGlobal Employer Of ChoiceInvestor ScrutinyEmployment Regulations

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the CEO’s trusted partner and a leading voice on the executive team
Shape decisions regarding hiring, leadership, rewards, and organizational readiness for investor, acquirer, or public-market scrutiny
Advise the CEO on company strategy, organizational design, and people decisions
Represent people and culture in the boardroom and advise the Board and committees on executive compensation, succession, and talent risk
Coach the executive team through growth, transformation, and high-stakes decisions
Translate business strategy into a multi-year workforce plan
Set talent acquisition strategy for specialized scientific and engineering talent, including PhDs, quantum, and photonics professionals
Build leadership bench and succession pipeline
Establish Photonic as a global employer of choice
Define global rewards philosophy across Canada, the US, and the UK
Steward equity and executive compensation strategy
Partner with the CEO and CFO to align people investment with financial strategy
Build people governance and compliance framework
Manage employment, regulatory, and reputational risk during global expansion
Scale people infrastructure ahead of business growth
Champion company values across borders
Build and lead HR organization across talent acquisition, HR operations, total rewards, and business partnership
Own engagement, performance, and retention strategy and hold leaders accountable

Requirements

What you’ll need

15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience
At least 5 years leading an HR function at the senior leadership level in a scaling technology or deep tech environment
Bachelor’s degree in HR, BA, or a related field, with an MBA or equivalent advanced degree
CPHR designation or equivalent, such as SHRM-SCP or CIPD
A combination of education and senior executive experience will be considered
Proven experience as a trusted advisor to CEOs and boards, with executive presence and judgment
Proven ability to build and scale HR processes and teams through rapid growth from 100 to 500+ employees
Strategic, enterprise-level thinking connecting people decisions to business outcomes and investor expectations
Experience leading HR across multiple geographies; Canada required, US and/or UK strongly preferred
Strong knowledge and command of Canadian employment law
Familiarity with US and UK employment regulations is a significant asset
Comfort with pace, ambiguity, and shifting priorities in a high-growth company
Bias to action and genuine love of building
Alignment with the values of Fearless Ambition, Accountability, Growth, and Respect
Experience scaling an organization through rapid growth and preparing it for investor, acquirer, or public-market scrutiny
Experience leading organizational design and change through transition from research to commercialization
Experience advising a Board or compensation committee, including equity strategy
Working knowledge of US and UK employment frameworks
Cover letter must be included with resume in one file

Benefits

Comp & perks

Work closely with some of the brightest innovators in quantum technologies to drive breakthroughs that redefine computing
Join at a pivotal moment and help shape and lead an organization through one of the most exciting phases a company can experience
Inclusive company culture that values collaboration
Clear career paths, with 80% of our managers and directors promoted from within
Regular social events and fun activities keep our global team connected
Competitive compensation package including stock options and relocation assistance for global talent
Comprehensive benefits including extended health, dental, life, long term disability, an employee assistance program, parental leave top-ups, a flexible spending account, and unlimited wellness leave
Accommodations available throughout the hiring process