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Head of People

El Segundo, California, United States

Who We Are

Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America’s drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.

As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We’re hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.

What you will be doing: 

As Head of People, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Neros by building and nurturing our most valuable asset: our people. This is a unique opportunity to design, implement, and lead all aspects of our People function, fostering a high-performing, engaged, and inclusive culture that supports our ambitious growth plans. You will be a strategic partner to the leadership team and a champion for our employees, ensuring Neros is an exceptional place to work and grow. 

Responsibilities: 

Strategic People Leadership:  

  • Strategic People Leadership:  
    • Partner with the CEO, CTO, COO and other leadership team to define and execute a people strategy aligned with business objectives.
    • Act as a trusted advisor and coach to managers and individual contributors on all people-related matters.
    • Champion and evolve our company culture, ensuring it remains an energized, vibrant and inclusive environment as we scale.
    • Utilize data and analytics to inform people decisions and measure the effectiveness of HR initiatives creating and maintaining some of the most important but difficult to quantify KPI’s at the company. 
  • Talent Acquisition & Onboarding:  
    • Develop and implement a comprehensive talent acquisition strategy to attract, recruit, and hire top-tier talent across all departments.
    • Work with recruiting to scale out/refine the existing recruiting process ensuring a great candidate experience and consistently hitting time to fill deadlines.
    • Build a strong employer brand to position Nero’s as an employer of choice.
    • Create a seamless and engaging onboarding experience that sets new hires up for success. 
  • People Operations & Total Rewards:  
    • Develop and manage core HR processes, including payroll, benefits administration, compliance, and HRIS management.
    • Design and administer competitive and equitable compensation and benefits programs that attract and retain talent.
    • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
    • Implement and manage HR systems and tools to streamline processes and improve efficiency. 
  • Performance Management & Employee Development:  
    • Design and implement a performance management framework that encourages continuous feedback, growth, and development.
    • Develop and facilitate learning and development programs to enhance employee skills and career progression.
    • Provide coaching and guidance to managers on performance conversations, employee relations, and team development. 
  • Employee Engagement & Relations:  
    • Develop and execute initiatives to foster a positive and engaged workforce.
    • Serve as a point of contact for employee relations issues, conducting investigations and recommending appropriate resolutions in a fair and timely manner.
    • Promote a culture of open communication, feedback, and transparency.
    • Organize and support company-wide events and activities that build camaraderie and reinforce our values. 

You should have the following: 

  • Proven experience (typically 7+ years) in progressive HR/People Operations roles, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership capacity.
  • Experience in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment is highly preferred.
  • Broad knowledge across all HR disciplines: talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employee relations, performance management, learning and development, and HR compliance.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and scale People functions from the ground up.
  • Strong understanding of HR best practices and employment law.
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to build strong relationships at all levels of the organization.
  • Strategic thinker with a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves approach.
  • Empathetic, approachable, and passionate about creating an exceptional employee experience.
  • Data-driven mindset with the ability to use metrics to inform decisions.
  • Experience with HRIS and other people-related technologies.
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. SHRM-CP/SCP or other relevant certifications are a plus. 

US Salary Range

$160,000 - $220,000 USD

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.

We’re an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

 

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