Manager, People & Culture Business Partner

Worker TypeRegularJob DescriptionJoin our People & Culture team as the Manager, P&C Business Partner for our newest acquisition, ESAero, an AV Company. This onsite position is based in San Luis Obispo, CA and supports an employee population of approximately 330 employees across 3 sites.SummaryThe 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.Position ResponsibilitiesPartner 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 communicationAdvise on organizational design, workforce planning, and talent optimization to support growth, restructuring, and program deliveryLead performance management processes in partnership with P&C Talent Development team, including goal setting, reviews, and calibration, ensuring consistency and alignment with business prioritiesIdentify and recommend high-potential talent development, and support succession planning for critical rolesCoach leaders on employee engagement, performance, leadership effectiveness, and communication strategiesProvide expert guidance on employee relations matters, conduct and support investigations in compliance with company policies and applicable employment lawsEnsure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as government contracting requirements (including ITAR), and maintain audit-ready documentationAnalyze workforce data and trends (e.g., attrition, engagement, hiring) to inform decision-making and proactive planningPartner with Talent Acquisition on hiring strategies and workforce planning, including scenario modeling for program needsCollaborate with Total Rewards to support salary planning, promotions, and equity reviews, ensuring competitive and compliant compensation practicesLead 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 stepsDrive communication and change management efforts, including support for business transformations and M&A integration as applicableLead and execute cross-functional P&C initiatives and projects, (e.g., organizational redesigns, talent programs, system implementations, M&A integration support) from planning through deliveryDevelop and manage project plans, timelines, and milestones; track progress, manage risks, and ensure alignment with business prioritiesPartner 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 improvementManage multiple priorities effectively while maintaining attention to detail and follow-through on commitmentsOther duties as assignedBasic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)Bachelor’s degree required in Human Resources, Organizational Development or Businesses required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experienceAdvanced degree, MBA or MS is preferredMinimum 8+ years of progressive HR experience, including 3–5+ years as a P&C Business PartnerStrong knowledge of employment law and HR practicesExperience in a regulated environment (e.g., aerospace, defense, government contracting)Demonstrated ability to influence and partner with senior leadersStrong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environmentHigh level of integrity and ability to handle confidential informationOther Qualifications & Desired CompetenciesHR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR)Experience supporting engineering, manufacturing, or program-based organizationsExperience supporting international populations, including global mobility or expatriate programsExperience with HRIS systems (e.g., Workday)Prior experience supporting M&A integration or large-scale transformation initiativesFlexibility to support business needs during peak periodsStrong written and verbal communication skillsStrong analytical, time management and organizational skillsStrong computer skills and proficiency with office software and productivity toolsStrong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)Works well with little or no supervision and exercises independent judgement on a regular basisStrong ability to gain cooperation of others, conducting presentations of technical information concerning specific projects or schedulesPhysical DemandsAbility to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, etc. Hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computerMay require travel to sites/program and special functionsEnvironmental Conditions Critical To PerformanceWork is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heatingMay have some exposure to outside environment while travelingSpecial RequirementsU.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 travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when requiredClearance LevelNo ClearanceThe Salary Range For This Role Is$106,500 - $151,200AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.ITAR RequirementThis position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements. Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.About AVAV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.ITARU.S. Citizenship required