Senior Human Resources Operations Manager

Whisper Aero • Crossville, TN

49d • Onsite

About The Position

Whisper Aero is on the search for a Senior Human Resources Operations Manager to work onsite in Crossville or Nashville, TN. The Senior Human Resources Operations Manager will serve as a strategic advisor to leadership and a hands-on operator responsible for HR systems, compliance, and talent programs. This role will own key areas such as policy development, performance management, employee relations, compensation oversight, onboarding, and culture initiatives - building scalable HR infrastructure that supports our aerospace and defense operations.

Requirements

• Requires a bachelor's degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's preferred) and a minimum of 8 years of progressive experience ideally in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or a high-growth technology environment.
• Requires experience in a startup environment.
• Strong understanding of HR principles, employment law (local/state/federal), and compliance frameworks for government contractors (FAR/DFARS).
• Knowledge of compensation tools and pay banding frameworks (e.g., Carta Total Comp).
• Proven ability to partner with leadership on organizational and talent strategies.
• Demonstrated success implementing HR systems and scalable processes in a growing organization.
• Must have strong project management skills and experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in HRIS tools and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Strategic HR Leadership
• Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with Whisper Aero's mission, business goals, and government contracting requirements.
• Act as a trusted business partner to leadership, advising on organization design, performance management, and workforce planning.
• Build and manage the HR team, ensuring alignment with company growth and cross-functional goals.
• Diagnose organizational needs and design creative, data-driven solutions to improve performance, culture, and engagement.
• Policy, Compliance & Risk Management
• Develop, codify, and administer HR policies that reflect company values while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Support all compliance requirements for government contracting (FAR, DFARS, and related standards).
• Ensure adherence to employment legislation and company standards in all HR practices.
• Oversee accurate record-keeping, employee documentation, and HRIS data integrity.
• Oversee Safety and Osha Compliance.
• Performance & Compensation Management
• Implement and maintain performance appraisal systems that promote accountability and growth.
• Partner with leadership on compensation benchmarking, pay equity reviews, and job leveling structures.
• Review and update evaluation and reward programs to ensure alignment with company goals and market competitiveness.
• Employee Relations & Culture
• Serve as the lead HR business partner for all employee relations matters, fostering a transparent and collaborative culture.
• Provide coaching to managers on performance feedback, conflict resolution, and career development.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen inclusion, engagement, and communication across teams.
• Coordinate cross-office events and training programs that reinforce Whisper Aero's culture and values.
• Training & Development
• Partner with department heads to assess learning needs and design training programs that build technical and leadership capability.
• Manage onboarding and assimilation for new hires, ensuring a smooth and mission-driven employee experience.
• Support ongoing professional development, career pathing, and leadership training initiatives.
• HR Systems & Analytics
• Leverage HR technology platforms to automate and optimize HR workflows.
• Generate HR dashboards and reports to guide data-informed decisions around retention, performance, and engagement.
• Identify trends and risks across teams and recommend proactive interventions.
• Collaboration & Special Projects
• Collaborate closely with recruiting, finance, and operations to align HR initiatives with overall business strategy.
• Manage special projects related to diversity, inclusion, wellness, and organizational development.
• Provide support on visa processes, immigration compliance, and relocation programs as needed.

Benefits

• Top-tier Benefits: 100% paid Medical, dental, and vision for employees, 75% paid for dependents
• PTO & Federal Holidays: Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days
• Competitive Salary: Value-based compensation, plus enjoy Tennessee's no-income-tax life
• End of Year Bonuses: For eligible employees
• We always have beverages and snacks available to energize you throughout the day, with paid team meals based on office demands.
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Professional Development Stipend

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees