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.