Manager-People & Culture Business Partner

Manager-People & Culture Business Partner
Job Summary
The Manager-People & Culture Business Partner operates as a trusted consultant, balancing strategic partnership with hands‑on execution while ensuring compliance with government regulations, security requirements, and company policies. This role partners closely with the business to drive workforce planning, talent development, total rewards execution, organizational effectiveness, and culture initiatives that support mission‑critical outcomes.

Responsibilities and Duties

Partner with the business in developing an understanding of the people and organizational strategy needs and assist in designing and executing solutions in the areas of talent acquisition, change management, organizational design, business process improvement, performance management, and effective communication

Advise on organizational design, workforce planning, and talent optimization to support growth, restructuring, and program delivery

Lead performance management processes in partnership with P&C Talent Development team, including goal setting, reviews, and calibration, ensuring consistency and alignment with business priorities

Identify and recommend high‑potential talent development, and support succession planning for critical roles

Coach leaders on employee engagement, performance, leadership effectiveness, and communication strategies

Provide expert guidance on employee relations matters, conduct and support investigations in compliance with company policies and applicable employment laws

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as government contracting requirements (including ITAR), and maintain audit‑ready documentation

Analyze workforce data and trends (e.g., attrition, engagement, hiring) to inform decision‑making and proactive planning

Partner with Talent Acquisition on hiring strategies and workforce planning, including scenario modeling for program needs

Collaborate with Total Rewards to support salary planning, promotions, and equity reviews, ensuring competitive and compliant compensation practices

Lead and support employee engagement initiatives and action planning based on survey results; provide advice on issues affecting morale, performance, development and organization effectiveness, helping to determine root causes and recommending appropriate next steps

Drive communication and change management efforts, including support for business transformations and M&A integration as applicable

Lead and execute cross‑functional P&C initiatives and projects, (e.g., organizational redesigns, talent programs, system implementations, M&A integration support) from planning through delivery

Develop and manage project plans, timelines, and milestones; track progress, manage risks, and ensure alignment with business priorities

Partner with cross‑functional stakeholders (P&C, Legal, Finance, IT, and business leaders) to ensure effective execution of core people processes (e.g., onboarding, performance cycles, compensation reviews)

Utilize HR systems (e.g., Workday) to support data‑driven decision‑making and continuous process improvement

Manage multiple priorities effectively while maintaining attention to detail and follow‑through on commitments

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications and Skills

Bachelor’s degree required in Human Resources, Organizational Development or Business required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Advanced degree, MBA or MS is preferred

Minimum 8+ years of progressive HR experience, including 3–5+ years as a P&C Business Partner

Strong knowledge of employment law and HR practices

Experience in a regulated environment (e.g., aerospace, defense, government contracting)

Demonstrated ability to influence and partner with senior leaders

Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment

High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information

Desired Qualifications and Skills

HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR)

Experience supporting engineering, manufacturing, or program‑based organizations

Experience supporting international populations, including global mobility or expatriate programs

Experience with HRIS systems (e.g., Workday)

Prior experience supporting M&A integration or large‑scale transformation initiatives

Flexibility to support business needs during peak periods

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Strong analytical, time management and organizational skills

Strong computer skills and proficiency with office software and productivity tools

Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Works well with little or no supervision and exercises independent judgement on a regular basis

Strong ability to gain cooperation of others, conducting presentations of technical information concerning specific projects or schedules

Physical Demands

Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, etc. Hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer

May require travel to sites/program and special functions

Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance

Work is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating

May have some exposure to outside environment while traveling

Special Requirements

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylum/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks

Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer‑paid option covering both employees and their families.

Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.

Life Insurance: $25,000 employer‑paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.

Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.

Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax‑advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.

Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.

Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.

Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.

Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Company Overview
Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high‑quality, innovative, and cost‑effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting‑edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on‑time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.

This position is fully on‑site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA.

ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.

E‑Verify participation required for employment.

All ESAero positions require US citizenship or US resident status.

Must be able to pass background check and drug test.

Hiring Range: $106,500 - $151,200 Salary/Exempt

#J-18808-Ljbffr