Senior Human Resources Manager

Fairbanks Morse Defense; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairbanks Morse Defense is seeking a Senior Human Resources Manager in Houston, Texas, to serve as a strategic partner and operational lead for aftermarket service centers. The role focuses on organizational effectiveness and driving talent acquisition amidst mission-critical operations.

The ideal candidate has over 8 years of HR experience, preferably in defense or manufacturing, with proven skills in data analytics and HRIS management. A Bachelor’s degree is required; an MBA is preferred.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive HR experience in a manufacturing or defense-contracting environment.
• Certifications such as PHR/SPHR or SHRM-CP/SCP.
• Proficiency in HRIS platforms and advanced data analytics skills.

Responsibilities

• Align HR strategy with business goals focusing on labor utilization.
• Streamline HR workflows and maintain high service delivery velocity.
• Oversee recruitment for technical roles and develop management capabilities.

Skills

HR strategy alignment

Talent acquisition

Operational excellence

Data analytics

Coaching and development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources or Business Administration

MBA or Master’s degree

Tools

Dayforce HRIS

Job description

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.