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 Businesses 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 asylee/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.   

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel  

the aerospace industry forward.  

**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA**  

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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