Human Resources Manager

at  CesiumAstro

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.
We are looking to add a Human Resources Manager to our team. If you enjoy working in a dynamic startup environment and are passionate about developing leading-edge technologies for satellites, spacecraft, and aerospace systems, we would like to hear from you. This is a part-time position requiring 15 hours per week. Hours of work are flexible and subject to change based on business needs by mutual agreement.
The Human Resources Manager will join a small but growing business as the sole HR representative at our Milton Keynes, UK facility. This role will provide strategic support and collaboration with our UK leadership team to align HR initiatives with business objectives, foster employee engagement, and cultivate a high-performance culture. You will be instrumental in managing various HR functions to ensure our people practices enhance operational efficiency and support our growth initiatives.
In partnership with U.S. based HR and Talent Acquisition teams, you will be responsible for overseeing staffing and onboarding, managing compensation and benefits, addressing employee relations, organizing company events, facilitating training and development, developing, interpreting, and applying policies, ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations, and handling HR/payroll system transactions.
This role is ideal for an experienced HR professional with prior site-level standalone experience in a growing company. You’ll bring a balance of strategic vision and hands-on HR management, with a strong knowledge of UK employment law, outstanding communication skills, and a knack for problem-solving.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• Proven experience in an HR management role, ideally within a standalone capacity or small team.
• Expertise in UK employment law and best practices.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to influence at all levels.
• A proactive approach, with a hands-on attitude and a passion for shaping company culture.
• Minimum 10 years of HR management experience in the space industry, preferably in a global business with more than $100M in revenue.
• Experience with HRIS/Payroll systems, ADP or similar preferred.
• Experience with compensation analysis and benchmarking.
• Knowledge of complex disciplinary, grievance, redundancy, and absence management required.
• In-depth knowledge of UK HR practices and labor law.
• Must have exceptional people skills and be able to interact with employees at all levels, as well as vendors and suppliers, in a professional and straightforward manner.
• Strong influencing skills, able to influence without direct authority.
• Requires strong organizational and time management skills, close attention to detail, and be able to effectively handle multiple priorities. Able to evaluate situations, identify options, and implement effective solutions quickly and efficiently. Must possess a thorough knowledge of administrative and office procedures.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization. Must be an effective listener, able to maintain focus extract necessary information, and validate understanding of the information.
• Must be highly collaborative and able to work in a team-based environment.
• Strong computer skills, proficient with word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software, e-mail, and meeting management software. Ability to use the internet and web-based resources efficiently and effectively.
• Must have solid business acumen and understanding of a variety of functional areas within the business. Must be able to balance the needs of people within the framework of the business needs of the company.

NOTE:

• The above Job Description is representative of the responsibilities and qualifications necessary to be successful in this role. It does not encompass every job duty or responsibility; other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

• HR Strategy Development: Partner with the senior leadership team to create and execute a people strategy that aligns with business goals, promoting a positive, high-performance culture.
• Full Employee Lifecycle: Oversee end-to-end HR processes, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee development. Ensures the documentation and maintenance of all employee personnel records.
• Policy & Compliance: Develop and implement HR policies, ensuring compliance with UK employment laws and supporting a culture that fosters inclusivity and growth.
• Employee Relations: Manage employee relations issues effectively, providing guidance and support to managers and employees alike. Keeps HR and entity leadership informed of situations that arise.
• Talent Development: Design and implement training and development initiatives that engage, upskill, and retain talent.
• Health & Safety: Ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety requirements and foster a safety culture at the site.
• HRIS Support: Supports HRIS system administration. Handles generation and processing of job and personnel changes. Creates queries and ad hoc reports to provide data for a variety of audits, compensation planning, benefits billing, health and safety programs, and related HR projects and activities. Supports processing of monthly payroll.
• Compensation & Benefits: Provides support to both employees and managers in compensation and benefits administration. Assists employees with benefits issues, new employee benefits, etc.
• Employee Recognition: Manages a variety of projects and activities to support HR initiatives and employee relations/morale programs. This includes organizing and implementing employee events and meetings, employee wellness programs, and other company-sponsored activities.