What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Human Resources Manager position at Fairbanks Morse Defense?
Senior Human Resources Manager
Location: Houston, TX or Chesapeake, VA
Reports To: President, Aftermarket
Role Purpose
The Senior Human Resources Manager serves as a strategic business partner and operational lead for our primary aftermarket service centers. This role is responsible for driving organizational effectiveness, rapid-response talent acquisition, and operational excellence across a high-velocity workforce dedicated to supporting mission-critical defense contracts. You will ensure that HR processes are lean, scalable, and aligned with the rigorous demands of the defense industry.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Business Partnership
· Collaborate with Aftermarket leadership to align HR strategy with operational goals, focusing on labor utilization and workforce flexibility.
· Utilize Tactical Process Improvement (TPI) and Kaizen methodologies to streamline HR workflows, including payroll adjustments, onboarding, and performance tracking.
Operational Excellence & Data Integrity
· Maintain high "Velocity" in HR service delivery, ensuring that personnel actions, merit reviews, and compliance reporting are executed with 100% accuracy.
· Audit and optimize HRIS data (Dayforce) to ensure scorecard metrics and Monthly Operations Reviews (MOR) reflect real-time headcount and performance data.
· Manage the annual merit review cycle and incentive programs for the aftermarket population.
Talent Management & Development
· Oversee end-to-end recruitment for technical roles, including field service technicians, engineers, and skilled trades, ensuring a robust pipeline for surge requirements.
· Create and facilitate programs to build internal bench strength and elevate management capabilities.
· Drive a culture of strict accountability and high performance through proactive coaching and developmental performance management.
Employee Relations & Compliance
· Ensure all HR activities comply with federal defense contracting requirements (e.g., OFCCP, ITAR, and DCAA).
· Lead workplace investigations and resolve complex employee relations issues with a focus on fair treatment and risk mitigation.
· Serve as the primary point of contact for local community engagement and labor market analysis
Required Qualifications
· Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. MBA or Master’s degree preferred.
· Experience: 8 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a manufacturing, service center, or defense-contracting environment.
· Certifications: PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP; certifications in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma are highly desirable.
· Technical Skills: Proficiency in Dayforce or similar enterprise-grade HRIS platforms. Advanced expertise in data analytics and scorecard management.
· Travel: Ability to travel between service centers as required (approximately 20%).
· Must be a U.S. Citizen
Core Competencies
· Operational Mindset: A focus on efficiency, "Lean" thinking, and continuous improvement.
· Urgency & Velocity: The ability to move fast without sacrificing precision in a high-stakes environment.
· Influence: Proven ability to coach senior operational leaders and navigate complex, matrixed reporting structures.