Kongsberg Defense US · 23 hours ago
Human Resources Manager
James City County, VA Missile Facility, Toano, VA, US
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
5+ years expKongsberg Defense US is establishing a new missile production facility in James City County, Virginia, and is seeking an experienced HR Manager to support this initiative. The role involves leading HR strategies, managing employee relations, and ensuring compliance in a highly regulated manufacturing environment.
Defense & Space
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Manages future members of the KMS HR team, ensuring their growth, continuous development, and success. Leverages a strong understanding of the business and talent to coach leaders and influences strong decision-making, fostering long-term organizational growth and resilience. Uses insights to guide decisions, uncover trends, and improve organizational health
Formulates and recommends HR policies and objectives for the KMS production facility in under direction from the Vice President, Human Resources
Explains HR department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves confidential, sensitive and controversial issues, and escalates to senior leadership when required for assistance
Manages and maintains employee data in company HRIS, ADP Workforce Now, and acts as system SME for the KMS HR department
Identifies legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting the HR function (e.g., OSHA, EEO, ERISA, FMLA, Affirmative Action and Wage & Hour). Helps to monitor exposure and liability of the company and provides recommendations to limit risk
Responsible for conducting wage surveys within relevant labor markets to determine competitive wage rates
Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates the HR department staff's work plan; assigns projects and program responsibilities; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems
Represents the Company at legal, workers compensation, and unemployment compensation hearings as needed
Coordinates with HR counterparts in Norway to ensure effective data sharing and workforce planning
Complies with all existing government reporting requirements including any related to the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the FMLA, the Department of Labor, and so forth. Ensures minimal company exposure to lawsuits. Trains employees in compliance laws
In conjunction with the greater KONGSBERG US HR team, develops annual Key Performance metrics for KMS HR team and manages performance to Key Performance Indicators
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Business, or related area
Minimum of 5 years of progressive HR experience partnering with senior business leaders
At least 2 years of people management experience, with demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and scale HR teams
Prior experience in a manufacturing environment, including workforce planning and operational HR support
Experience supporting workforce ramp-up for new or expanding production facilities, including headcount planning, shift design, and labor mix optimization
Demonstrated knowledge of state and federal employment law, including compliance in highly regulated environments (e.g., OSHA, EEO, FMLA, Wage & Hour)
Experience supporting HR operations in a government contracting or defense manufacturing environment, including audit readiness and heightened compliance requirements
Proven ability to act as a trusted HR business partner, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution in fast-paced environments
Demonstrated success managing ambiguity and competing priorities in a scale-up or growth environment; flexibility is a non-negotiable
Strong understanding of key HR domains, including compensation and market pay analysis, performance management, employee relations, employee engagement, and health & safety
Experience partnering with EHS leaders to reinforce a strong safety culture in production settings
Proficiency in using HR data and analytics to identify trends, guide decision-making, and implement impactful organizational changes
Strong working knowledge of HRIS systems, preferably ADP Workforce Now, with ability to serve as a system subject matter expert
Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organization
High degree of professional maturity, discretion, and diplomacy, including the ability to navigate sensitive and complex employee situations
Proven leadership and supervisory skills, including coaching, developing, and holding teams accountable for results
Strong prioritization, planning, and organizational skills, with keen attention to detail
Must possess valid Drivers' license
To comply with U.S. national security requirements mandated under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. will consider only applicants who are U.S. Persons for this position
Preferred
HR certification (SHRM-CP/PHR or SHRM-SCP/SPHR)
International HR experience, particularly within a FOCI-mitigated organization, is highly preferred
Experience supporting expatriate populations, policy development, and cross-border HR coordination
Demonstrated ability to navigate multi-cultural environments and collaborate effectively with global stakeholders
Benefits
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discount
Flexible schedule
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance
Company
Kongsberg Defense US
Over two hundred years of innovation, transformation and delivering results has made Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace a recognized global technology leader and a leading supplier within defense, surveillance, space, aerostructures, and MRO.
Founded in 2005Alexandria, Virginia, US
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase