Head Of People Operations Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Head of People Operations roles attract H-1B visa and O-1 visa sponsorship from mid-size and enterprise employers, particularly in tech and healthcare. Most require a bachelor's degree in HR, business, or organizational psychology, with senior experience typically substituting for advanced credentials. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition: Director, Head of Human Resources
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Our Blend
Since opening our first store in 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® has grown into a global specialty coffee and tea brand with more than 1,000 cafés worldwide, supported by our Global Headquarters in Singapore.
Our purpose is to help people Find Their Flavor through uplifting experiences that make their day better. Guided by our vision to deliver "Simply the Best" coffee and tea experience in every community we serve, we're committed to creating meaningful experiences for our guests, partners, and one another.
As part of our Brew Crew, you’ll find an environment where you can be your best, belong and grow.
This is where you Find Your Flavor.
Brew Crew Opportunity
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is looking for an experienced Director, Head of Human Resources to lead Human Resources for the Americas. You will join the Americas Executive Team, work as part of our global HR community, and shape how our people and our business grow. You will help our people find their flavor, so they can help our guests find theirs, and bring our purpose and vision to life in every community we serve. You will be as credible with café leaders in the field as you are at the leadership table.
You will lead HR for about 2,000 employees across the Americas. You own the full employee lifecycle and the US employee relations process and policies. You are the leadership team's partner on org design, succession, retention and talent development. You will also spend time in the field, partnering directly with the Operations leadership on key people issues.
You will partner with Global HR to shape and deliver global priorities in the Americas, including org capability, talent management, rewards, succession planning, employer brand and franchisee success.
You will be based at our Downtown Los Angeles headquarters, and will travel regularly to cafés across the region. This role will report to the Head of Americas, with a strong dotted line to the VP, Global Head of HR, based in Singapore.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Partner with the Americas Executive Team on org design, staffing levels and succession planning
- Lead HR strategy, policies and programs for the US business including our Cafes, Support Center, and Roasting Facility, aligned to global priorities
- Ensure compliance with labor laws, safety regulations, and industry standards
- Lead recruitment, corporate learning, and talent programs across Americas
- Partner with Operations and Americas L&D on leadership development and succession for district and café leaders
- Run training programs including harassment prevention, coaching, performance evaluation and safety
- Oversee compensation and benefits programs, ensuring compliance and competitive pay
- Own US employee relations, including senior-level investigations, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local law
- Partner with Operations leadership on field people strategy, employee relations and performance
- Work closely with internal and external legal counsel
- Use HR and employee relations data to spot issues and propose solutions
- Lead culture and employer brand, and bring our values to life
- Foster a positive organizational culture that promotes employee satisfaction, retention, and diversity
- Coordinate equal opportunity programs in support of diversity goals
- Manage the HR budget and improve HR systems and processes
- Lead, coach and develop the HR team
Your Ingredients
- Bachelor's degree, or equivalent education and experience
- Extensive progressive HR experience, and at least 5 years in HR leadership in a similar role
- Expert knowledge of federal, state and local employment law
- Experience managing budgets and leading annual and long-term planning
- Experience in multi-unit, multi-state, multi-functional organizations
- Hands-on HR experience in multi-unit restaurant or retail operations, including employee relations and investigations, and supporting district and café leaders in the field
- Food and beverage or hospitality experience highly preferred
- Proven track record of leading and developing teams
- Strategic thinker with integrity and sound judgment on sensitive and confidential matters
- Excellent written, spoken and presentation skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
Performance & Rewards
At The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, we embrace a high-performance culture that rewards and encourages our values of teamwork, ownership, and respect for one another.
- Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pet, Accident, Life, Long-Term & Short-Term Disability, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, EAP programs including Legal, ID Theft, and more
- Discounts on our Coffee and Tea
- Pay Range: $130,000-$200,000 annually and eligible for 20% bonus
- Observed Holidays
- Vacation Pay
- Sick Pay
This is a hybrid position: Monday-Wednesday in our Downtown Los Angeles office and Thursday and Friday remote.
Our ‘FROTH’ VALUES
We believe in the fundamental truths that guide us through our daily lives:
- FRIENDLINESS - We go above and beyond in everything we do. Friendliness and customer-centricity is embedded in our culture.
- RESPECT - We are inclusive and honor each other’s values, opinions and diversity.
- OWNERSHIP - We take ownership and accountability for our individual, team and business results, every day.
- TEAMWORK - As a team, we collaborate, innovate, and leverage our diverse strengths to grow the business.
- HONESTY - We live up to the highest levels of integrity by being truthful and transparent with each other, the business and ourselves.
At The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, we are a global company committed to representing the neighborhoods we serve. We welcome all to apply to our Brew Crew and we value the impact of diversity on our culture and in our work.
International Coffee & Tea, LLC dba The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, sex, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetics, or any other status protected by state or federal law. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® expressly prohibits any form of employee harassment or discrimination any such protected status.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This policy was intended to comply, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the Company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.
Position: Director, Head of Human Resources
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Our Blend
Since opening our first store in 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® has grown into a global specialty coffee and tea brand with more than 1,000 cafés worldwide, supported by our Global Headquarters in Singapore.
Our purpose is to help people Find Their Flavor through uplifting experiences that make their day better. Guided by our vision to deliver "Simply the Best" coffee and tea experience in every community we serve, we're committed to creating meaningful experiences for our guests, partners, and one another.
As part of our Brew Crew, you’ll find an environment where you can be your best, belong and grow.
This is where you Find Your Flavor.
Brew Crew Opportunity
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is looking for an experienced Director, Head of Human Resources to lead Human Resources for the Americas. You will join the Americas Executive Team, work as part of our global HR community, and shape how our people and our business grow. You will help our people find their flavor, so they can help our guests find theirs, and bring our purpose and vision to life in every community we serve. You will be as credible with café leaders in the field as you are at the leadership table.
You will lead HR for about 2,000 employees across the Americas. You own the full employee lifecycle and the US employee relations process and policies. You are the leadership team's partner on org design, succession, retention and talent development. You will also spend time in the field, partnering directly with the Operations leadership on key people issues.
You will partner with Global HR to shape and deliver global priorities in the Americas, including org capability, talent management, rewards, succession planning, employer brand and franchisee success.
You will be based at our Downtown Los Angeles headquarters, and will travel regularly to cafés across the region. This role will report to the Head of Americas, with a strong dotted line to the VP, Global Head of HR, based in Singapore.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
- Partner with the Americas Executive Team on org design, staffing levels and succession planning
- Lead HR strategy, policies and programs for the US business including our Cafes, Support Center, and Roasting Facility, aligned to global priorities
- Ensure compliance with labor laws, safety regulations, and industry standards
- Lead recruitment, corporate learning, and talent programs across Americas
- Partner with Operations and Americas L&D on leadership development and succession for district and café leaders
- Run training programs including harassment prevention, coaching, performance evaluation and safety
- Oversee compensation and benefits programs, ensuring compliance and competitive pay
- Own US employee relations, including senior-level investigations, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local law
- Partner with Operations leadership on field people strategy, employee relations and performance
- Work closely with internal and external legal counsel
- Use HR and employee relations data to spot issues and propose solutions
- Lead culture and employer brand, and bring our values to life
- Foster a positive organizational culture that promotes employee satisfaction, retention, and diversity
- Coordinate equal opportunity programs in support of diversity goals
- Manage the HR budget and improve HR systems and processes
- Lead, coach and develop the HR team
Your Ingredients
- Bachelor's degree, or equivalent education and experience
- Extensive progressive HR experience, and at least 5 years in HR leadership in a similar role
- Expert knowledge of federal, state and local employment law
- Experience managing budgets and leading annual and long-term planning
- Experience in multi-unit, multi-state, multi-functional organizations
- Hands-on HR experience in multi-unit restaurant or retail operations, including employee relations and investigations, and supporting district and café leaders in the field
- Food and beverage or hospitality experience highly preferred
- Proven track record of leading and developing teams
- Strategic thinker with integrity and sound judgment on sensitive and confidential matters
- Excellent written, spoken and presentation skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
Performance & Rewards
At The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, we embrace a high-performance culture that rewards and encourages our values of teamwork, ownership, and respect for one another.
- Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pet, Accident, Life, Long-Term & Short-Term Disability, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, EAP programs including Legal, ID Theft, and more
- Discounts on our Coffee and Tea
- Pay Range: $130,000-$200,000 annually and eligible for 20% bonus
- Observed Holidays
- Vacation Pay
- Sick Pay
This is a hybrid position: Monday-Wednesday in our Downtown Los Angeles office and Thursday and Friday remote.
Our ‘FROTH’ VALUES
We believe in the fundamental truths that guide us through our daily lives:
- FRIENDLINESS - We go above and beyond in everything we do. Friendliness and customer-centricity is embedded in our culture.
- RESPECT - We are inclusive and honor each other’s values, opinions and diversity.
- OWNERSHIP - We take ownership and accountability for our individual, team and business results, every day.
- TEAMWORK - As a team, we collaborate, innovate, and leverage our diverse strengths to grow the business.
- HONESTY - We live up to the highest levels of integrity by being truthful and transparent with each other, the business and ourselves.
At The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, we are a global company committed to representing the neighborhoods we serve. We welcome all to apply to our Brew Crew and we value the impact of diversity on our culture and in our work.
International Coffee & Tea, LLC dba The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, sex, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetics, or any other status protected by state or federal law. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® expressly prohibits any form of employee harassment or discrimination any such protected status.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This policy was intended to comply, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the Company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity.
See all 1,034+ Head Of People Operations Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Head Of People Operations roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Head Of People Operations Jobs
Target employers with 500+ employees
Larger companies have dedicated HR infrastructure and legal budgets to support H-1B sponsorship. Mid-size and enterprise firms in tech, healthcare, and professional services sponsor People Operations leaders far more consistently than startups or small businesses.
Emphasize your specialty occupation credentials
USCIS scrutinizes HR leadership roles for specialty occupation status. A bachelor's or master's degree in human resources, organizational psychology, or business administration strengthens your petition considerably. Generalist credentials with no field-specific degree invite RFEs.
Document your strategic scope, not just day-to-day tasks
H-1B approvals for People Operations heads hinge on demonstrating that the role requires specialized degree-level knowledge. Offer letters and support letters should highlight workforce strategy, organizational design, and executive-level HR functions, not administrative tasks.
Ask about cap-exempt employer options
Universities, nonprofits affiliated with higher education, and qualifying research institutions are cap-exempt H-1B employers. People Operations roles exist at these organizations, and cap-exempt petitions can be filed year-round without lottery risk.
Explore O-1A if you have a strong professional record
If you've built HR programs that earned industry recognition, spoken at conferences, held board or advisory roles, or published thought leadership, the O-1A visa for extraordinary ability bypasses the H-1B lottery entirely and is employer-sponsored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Head of People Operations role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, but approval depends on how the role is defined. USCIS requires that the position qualify as a specialty occupation, meaning it normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. Head of People Operations roles supported by a degree in human resources, organizational psychology, or business administration are generally approvable. Vaguely defined HR generalist roles without a specific degree requirement are more likely to receive a Request for Evidence.
Does my degree field matter for H-1B sponsorship in this role?
It matters significantly. USCIS evaluates whether your degree directly relates to the duties of the role. A degree in human resources, industrial-organizational psychology, organizational behavior, or business administration aligns well with a Head of People Operations position. A degree in an unrelated field, even at the graduate level, can complicate the petition. Your employer's immigration attorney will typically advise on how to frame the degree-to-role connection in the H-1B visa support letter.
How do I find employers sponsoring Head of People Operations roles?
Migrate Mate is the most targeted way to find People Operations leadership roles where employers are actively open to visa sponsorship. Filtering by role seniority and sponsorship willingness saves significant time compared to broad job searches that rarely surface this detail upfront. Focusing on tech companies, healthcare systems, and professional services firms also improves your odds, as these industries sponsor at higher rates.
Are there visa options if I don't win the H-1B lottery?
Yes. If your employer is a university, nonprofit affiliated with higher education, or qualifying research organization, they can file a cap-exempt H-1B petition without lottery participation. Separately, if you have documented recognition in your field, the O-1A visa is a lottery-free alternative. Australian citizens may also qualify for the E-3 visa. TN visa status covers Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying management and professional categories, though People Operations leadership roles require careful review against TN's defined profession list.
Will sponsoring a Head of People Operations role trigger extra scrutiny from USCIS?
HR and people leadership roles receive more scrutiny than technical roles because USCIS has historically questioned whether they meet the specialty occupation standard. Approval rates improve when the employer's support letter demonstrates that the role requires and actually uses specialized HR knowledge at a strategic level, the job description avoids administrative task language, and the petitioner holds a directly relevant degree. Working with an experienced immigration attorney on the petition drafts meaningfully reduces RFE risk.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Head Of People Operations jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.