Chief Human Resources OfficerApplication Deadline: 16 November 2026
Department: People & Culture
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: British Columbia, Canada (Hybrid)
DescriptionPhotonic is building the world's first commercial-scale quantum computer, and we are growing fast to do it. We are seeking an exceptional
Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to serve as the CEO's trusted partner and a leading voice on the executive team, shaping the decisions that determine who we hire, how we lead, how we reward, and how ready we are when investors, acquirers, or public markets look closely. This is not a back-office seat. It is a seat at the table for someone who can influence at the top, move quickly, and build. This role is based in Coquitlam, BC, with 2-3 days per week in the office.
Please include a cover letter with your resume (in one file) describing how you would be a great fit at Photonic and what attributes you could bring to our growing team.WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DOExecutive Partnership & Influence- Act as the CEO's thought partner on company strategy, organizational design, and the people decisions that shape Photonic's trajectory.
- Represent people and culture in the boardroom, advising the Board and its committees on executive compensation, succession, and talent risk.
- Advise and coach the executive team through growth, transformation, and high-stakes decisions with candour and credibility.
- Translate business strategy into a multi-year workforce plan, and give leadership the insight to act on it.
Talent Acquisition & Leadership Pipeline- Set the strategy for winning highly specialized scientific and engineering talent (PhDs, quantum, photonics) in a fiercely competitive global market.
- Build the leadership bench and succession pipeline that will carry Photonic through its next stages of growth, and protect our promote-from-within culture.
- Establish Photonic as a global employer of choice for the people who will build the future of computing.
Compensation, Benefits & Total Rewards- Define a global rewards philosophy across Canada, the US, and the UK that attracts and retains world-class talent.
- Steward equity and executive compensation strategy so it is competitive, defensible, and built to withstand investor and acquirer due diligence.
- Partner with the CEO and CFO to align people investment with financial strategy.
Organizational Readiness & Governance- Build the people governance and compliance framework that a company under investor, acquirer, or public-market scrutiny is expected to have.
- Anticipate and manage people-related risk, including employment, regulatory, and reputational risk, as we expand globally.
- Ensure our people infrastructure scales ahead of the business as headcount accelerates.
Culture & Organizational Leadership- Champion a culture rooted in our values of Fearless Ambition, Accountability, Growth, and Respect as we scale across borders.
- Build and lead a high-performing HR organization across talent acquisition, HR operations, total rewards, and business partnership.
- Own the strategy for engagement, performance, and retention, and hold leaders accountable for results.
WHAT YOU BRING TO OUR TEAM- 15+ years of progressive HR leadership, including 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 (e.g., SHRM-SCP, CIPD). A combination of education and senior executive experience will be considered.
- A proven trusted advisor to CEOs and boards, with the executive presence and judgment to match.
- Proven ability to build and scale HR processes and teams through periods of rapid growth (1001500+ employees).
- A strategic, enterprise-level thinker who connects people decisions to business outcomes and investor expectations.
- Experience leading HR across multiple geographies (Canada required; US and/or UK strongly preferred).
- Strong knowledge of Canadian employment law; familiarity with US and UK employment regulations is a significant asset.
- Strong command of Canadian employment law and the judgment to navigate complex, sensitive matters with discretion.
- Comfortable with the pace, ambiguity, and shifting priorities of a company at this stage of growth.
- A bias to action and a genuine love of building.
- A fit with our values: Fearless Ambition, Accountability, Growth, and Respect.
An Exceptional Candidate Will Bring- Experience scaling an organization through rapid growth (1001500+ employees) and preparing it for investor, acquirer, or public-market scrutiny.
- Experience leading organizational design and change through a transition from research to commercialization.
- Experience advising a Board or its compensation committee, including equity strategy.
- Working knowledge of US and UK employment frameworks.
WHY YOU SHOULD WORK WITH US- 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 base salary, 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
The description above is what we think an ideal candidate would look like for this role. At Photonic, we understand that everyone has a different work and life journey. If you feel your experience is close to what we've described, but you might not meet all the requirements, please still apply! We are also committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We embrace and encourage our employees' differences, knowing that these very differences inspire innovation and build better teams. If there are any accommodations our team can make throughout our hiring process, please let us know.
