Manager-People & Culture Business Partner

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. • San Luis Obispo, CA

5d • $106,500 - $151,200 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in Human Resources, Organizational Development or Businesses required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• 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
• 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.
• Must be able to pass background check and drug test.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree, MBA or MS is preferred
• 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

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.
• 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.
• $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
• Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
• 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
• Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager