Director of Human Resources

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 Director of Human Resources to our team in Munich, Germany. Reporting to the Vice President of Human Resources, this role will lead HR management and service delivery for employees and leaders across Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, partnering with local stakeholders and global HR colleagues as the business grows. This is a hands-on, multi-country HR leadership role for a builder and operator. As the company expands its engineering, operational, and manufacturing capabilities, you will strengthen HR practices across the three countries, support organizational growth, and help managers and employees navigate change. This position combines regional HR leadership with practical execution. You will partner with the Vice President of Human Resources and leaders across engineering, manufacturing, operations, programs, and corporate functions, staying close to day-to-day needs while implementing people initiatives across our European operations. The successful candidate will bring strong HR generalist and business-partnering experience in a technically complex environment, a sound understanding of German employment practices, and the ability to manage effective, locally appropriate HR delivery in Switzerland and the United Kingdom. You will balance business priorities, employee experience, compliance, and hands-on delivery without unnecessary bureaucracy. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Lead and develop HR colleagues and coordinate local HR support and service partners across Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, establishing clear service expectations, accountability, and responsive support for employees and managers. Oversee country-level HR operations, including onboarding, offboarding, employment documentation, payroll and benefits coordination, and local service provider relationships. Implement and improve HR processes, policies, documentation, and workflows that support workforce growth, operational efficiency, and consistent service delivery while accommodating country-specific requirements. Serve as a trusted HR partner to business leaders across Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, providing guidance on workforce planning, organization design, performance management, employee relations, and organizational change. Develop a strong understanding of CesiumAstro's technology, products, programs, customers, and operating priorities while collaborating with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Program Management, Supply Chain, Finance, and other functions to address workforce and organizational challenges. Translate business plans and growth objectives into coordinated HR priorities, headcount plans, organizational structures, hiring requirements, and workforce initiatives in partnership with Finance, Talent Acquisition, and business leaders. Implement consistent approaches to performance management, talent reviews, career development, succession planning, and internal mobility while adapting company frameworks to local employment requirements. Coach managers on employee development, leadership effectiveness, performance conversations, organizational structures, decision rights, and accountability. Identify talent gaps, employee concerns, leadership challenges, and workforce risks while recommending practical actions that strengthen employee engagement, retention, and organizational effectiveness. Manage employee relations concerns, performance issues, grievances, workplace investigations, and sensitive employee matters, coordinating with Legal and local specialists to support fair, consistent, and timely resolution. Partner with global HR, Legal, Finance, country leadership, and local advisers to align HR policies and practices with employment laws, employee representation or consultation requirements, and data protection obligations across Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Support organizational changes and leadership transitions across the three countries, coordinating with global HR, Legal, and employee representatives or consultation bodies where applicable. Maintain accurate HR data across Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, using workforce metrics and people analytics to identify trends, evaluate workforce risks, and inform management decisions. Support workforce requirements across technical and operational teams, including staffing plans, onboarding, employee engagement, retention, and workforce scheduling. Promote CesiumAstro's culture of speed, ownership, technical excellence, and collaboration while strengthening HR service quality, operational consistency, and organizational effectiveness across Europe. JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Development, Law, or a related field with 11–15 years of related experience, or Master's degree in a related field with 9–12 years of related experience in human resources management, HR business partnering, employee relations, workforce planning, organizational development, or a related human resources discipline. 5+ years of progressive leadership or management experience leading human resources initiatives, developing HR professionals and managers, or overseeing HR operations and business partnering activities. Experience supporting engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, hardware technology, or another technically complex organization. Experience improving HR programs