Director of People Management

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The mission of People Operations is to provide strategies and organizational solutions that enable our workforce to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and mission. We are currently seeking a Director of People Management to lead strategic people management initiatives supporting our mission-critical work in space systems and national security.

In this role, you will lead the People Management Center of Expertise (COE) responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and administering policies, processes, programs, and systems for Performance Management and Employee Relations. This position reports into the Principal Director of Workforce Programs in People Operations.

This is a full-time on-site position located in Chantilly VA., Huntsville, AL., or El Segundo, CA.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop guidance regarding employment policies and employment practices; achieve resolution of complex issues such as misconduct, accommodation requests, and performance deficiencies

• Leading, mentoring and training two professional staff members

• Oversee and conduct investigations, recommendations, and the drafting of comprehensive reports

• Provide expert direction, guidance, and consulting on a wide range of complex employee relations issues

• Perform as subject matter expert (SME) and process owner in the performance evaluation processes; keep abreast of external performance management trends

• Develop and provide training on all aspects of goal setting, feedback, performance review preparation, and discussions, to include Workday systems usage

• Interpret and research policies and procedures, incorporating knowledge of state and federal employment laws (i.e., ADA, FMLA, EEO) and practices to recommend resolutions

• Partner with management, Strategic People Partners (SPPs), and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention

• Initiate and develop People Operations special projects.

• Prepare and manage dept annual budget

• Analyze employee relations metrics to provide insights into data trends

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Behavioral Sciences, or related discipline

• Ten or more years of experience in Human Resources, including five or more years of direct experience in employee relations

• Experience coaching and consulting with managers and employees

• Knowledge and understanding of effective employee relations practices; knowledge of federal, state, and local laws applicable to employment

• Experience with conflict resolution strategies

• Strong project and time management skills; extremely organized and able to work across multiple departments and stakeholders

• Ability to produce and analyze employee relations metrics

• Experience using any employee relations case management software package

• Willingness and ability to travel domestically approximately 4 to 6 times per year

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Master's degree in Human Resources, Behavioral Sciences, or related discipline

• Prior management experience in employee relations

• Experience with AI-enabled HR tools

• Prior HR generalist experience  

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.