Sr. People & Culture Business Partner (HRBP)

Advanced Navigation is the world’s most determined innovator in AI robotics and navigation technologies across land, air, sea and space applications. Founded on a culture of research and discovery, Advanced Navigation's mission is to be the catalyst of the autonomy revolution. Fields of expertise include artificial intelligence, underwater sonar, GNSS, radio frequency systems, inertial sensors, robotics, quantum sensors and photonics. 

Today, Advanced Navigation is a supplier to some of the world's largest companies, including Airbus, Boeing, Google, Tesla, NASA, Apple, and General Motors. Discover it for yourself: https://youtu.be/F7uAqs1gtuk

OVERVIEW OF ROLE

Reporting directly to the US President, the People & Culture Business Partner (US) will spearhead our HR operations and strategy across the United States. AsAdvanced Navigation continues its rapid expansion in North America, you will

ensure our US team is compliant, engaged, and performing at the highest level. This role requires a hybrid of strategic business partnering and strong operational execution (Benefits, Compliance support). You will support a dynamic team (Sales, Engineering, Support), driving our culture of Innovation and Excellence while navigating the complexities of the US employment landscape.

Critically, you will play a key role in maintaining our compliance with the U.S. Defense requirements, specifically navigating the complexities of a Special Security Agreement (SSA) and FOCI mitigation strategies to support our classified and sensitive work.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Partnering & Defense Compliance

● Partner with US Sales and Engineering leaders to align people strategies

with commercial goals.

● Act as a culture carrier, organizing local initiatives that align with Sydney HQ

while respecting the oversight and security protocols.

Employee Relations & Compliance (WHS)

● Provide guidance on US federal and state-specific employment laws,

maintaining an up-to-date Employee Handbook.

● Oversee personnel security protocols, including the management of

security clearance processing and ensuring cleared staff maintain

eligibility.

● Manage "at-will" employment matters and investigations through the lens

of FOCI risk mitigation, ensuring no unauthorized foreign influence impacts

U.S. operations.

● Oversee Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) compliance in line with OSHA

requirements for US office/site locations.

● Champion a safe and respectful work environment, handling

harassment/discrimination training and compliance.

Talent Review & Performance Management

● Lead the US execution of the global Talent Review and Year-End Review

processes.

● Partner with US leadership to identify high potentials and succession plans.

● Support the annual compensation review process, providing data on US

market benchmarks to ensure competitiveness.

● Coach managers on delivering effective feedback and managing

underperformance.

HR Operations, Compensation & Benefits

● Manage the full onboarding and offboarding lifecycle for US employees,

ensuring all right-to-work checks and statutory requirements are met.

● Manage the administration of US benefits programs, including Open

Enrollment for Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401(k) administration.

● Manage all US-based leaves of absence (FMLA, ADA, State-specific leaves)

and workers' compensation claims.

● Ensure accurate maintenance of employee records in the HRIS and

compliance with I-9 verification and record-keeping requirements.

● Ensure accurate HRIS maintenance and I-9 verification.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

Qualifications:

● Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field.

Required Experience:

● 10+ years of experience in an HR Business Partner or Generalist role.

● Extensive experience with US Benefits Administration (Healthcare, 401k) and

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