People Operations Manager

Help Build Europe's Hypersonic Capability

At Hypersonica, we’re redefining what’s possible in European defence technology. We exist to deliver speed, resilience, and technological independence at a pace that sets a new standard. We are a small, elite team working on problems that matter, and solving them fast.

By joining Hypersonica, you’re not stepping into a predefined role. You’re joining a talent dense environment where every individual shapes the direction of the company. Our philosophy is to hire a small number of exceptional people with broad, deep technical capability, strong judgement, and the ability to operate autonomously.

We hire for talent, not rigid boxes. This role represents a business need, but the way it evolves will be shaped by the individual. If you’ve achieved what others said was impossible, or you bring a unique combination of skills that doesn’t fit a traditional mould, we want to hear from you. The work you do here directly contributes to Europe’s technological independence.

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.

What we offer

A mission-driven environment with the opportunity to work on one of Europe’s most consequential defence challenges, with direct impact on sovereign capability and security.  

Daily collaboration with top experts across engineering, operations, defence, and business functions, with real opportunity to learn from the best, contribute, and grow.  

High ownership and autonomy; no micromanagement, just clear objectives and accountability for outcomes.  

A fast-paced environment where good ideas are implemented quickly and broken processes are fixed rather than tolerated.  

A culture that values clarity, integrity, excellence, and direct feedback.  

Competitive compensation and real share options aligned to responsibility and impact, not tenure or hierarchy.  

Security and Eligibility Requirement

Due to the nature of the work we undertake, applicants must be a EU/Nato/German citizen, and be eligible for German Security Clearance.

At Hypersonica, every hire raises the bar. We are deliberately small, intensely capable, and deeply mission-driven. If this role feels like a strong fit, or if you believe you bring something exceptional that goes beyond the description, we encourage you to apply.

Hypersonica is an equal-opportunity employer and assesses candidates solely on merit, capability, and potential.

You can apply directly to this role or reach out to Nathan Sweeney, Head of Talent. We review every application and aim to respond to all candidates within two weeks, whether the answer is yes or no.