People Operations Manager

What you'll do

• Core Mission:

Build and operate scalable HR processes for Hypersonica DE using AI automation. Own onboarding, employee lifecycle management, compliance, and performance coordination - with a focus on designing repeatable, AI-enabled workflows that grow with our company.

• Support our Head of People and Performance across day-to-day people operations like
• Onboarding & Lifecycle:
• Execute end-to-end new hire onboarding: documentation, contracts, culture, system setup, compliance checks
• Design AI-assisted workflows to automate repetitive tasks and scale seamlessly
• Data & Systems
• Maintain clean, accurate employee records in HiBob/SAP SuccessFactors
• Implement AI-driven validation and anomaly detection to ensure data integrity
• -
• HR Processes
• Coordinate performance cycles (probation, objectives, feedback, documentation)
• Ensure compliance with German employment law, security, and data protection
• Build reusable templates and workflows managers can execute independently
• Automation & Iteration
• Identify broken or slow processes; redesign using AI tools for efficiency
• Continuously test, measure, and optimize workflows for scale
• Reduce manual touchpoints through intelligent automation
• Reporting & Insights
• Create dashboards for headcount, onboarding, probation, turnover, absence
• Use AI to surface trends, risks, and improvement opportunities
• Cross-Functional Coordination
• Partner with our Talent, IT, Finance, Security, Facilities teams on employee onboardings and transitions
• First point of contact for German employees on onboarding, benefits, policies

Who you are

• Proven HR operations background with German employment law in a start-up or fast-moving business.
• Hands-on experience building and using AI tools for HR automation, data analysis, and document generation.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement scalable, complex processes.
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms (HiBob, SuccessFactors, or equivalent).
• Data-driven mindset, strong written communication skills. Able to work with senior leaders, managers, engineers, and new starters with confidence and professionalism.
• Discreet, mature and trusted with confidential people matters.
• Proactive by default. Comfortable operating in a high-performance environment where standards are high, pace is fast, and people decisions matter.
• Experience in aerospace, defence, engineering, manufacturing, technology, or another high-consequence environment preferred.
• Bachelors degree, or similar professional qualification in HR, Business or similar subject is preferred.
• Motivated by building a people function that increases company velocity, protects standards and helps exceptional people do their best work.
• Fluent in German and English
• What success looks like
• New starters are onboarded cleanly, quickly and with no avoidable confusion.
• HRIS tools and people records are accurate, complete and audit-ready.
• Our processes like probation, performance, and onboarding are tracked and followed through and can scale.
• HR administration is compliant, fast, and reliable.