Human Resources (HR) Manager

Human Resources Manager

Location: Chantilly, VA
Experience Level: 10–15 years
Certification Required: SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP (required)

About Stratos

Founded in 2003, Stratos is a small, employee-owned (ESOP) defense and intelligence-focused engineering services company supporting mission-critical government programs. Our core focus is to Deliver the Best People to Solve the Hardest Problems, and as we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced HR leader to professionalize, scale, and ensure compliance across all aspects of our human resource operations.

This role is ideal for an HR professional who has worked in the federal contracting environment, understands compliance expectations, and enjoys building a strong HR foundation inside a small, agile business.

Role Summary

Stratos is seeking a seasoned HR leader to serve as our functional lead for Human Resources. This individual will own and lead HR strategy, policy, compliance, and execution across the company, while serving as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and program managers.

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic judgment and operational execution. The successful candidate will help stand up and mature HR policies, procedures, and practices appropriate for a growing defense contractor, while fostering a healthy, compliant, and high-performing culture.

Key Responsibilities

HR Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as the senior HR leader for Stratos, responsible for developing and executing HR strategies aligned with business objectives and company growth.

• Act as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on HR matters including organizational design, talent acquisition, workforce planning, performance management, and employee relations.

• Champion organizational efficiency and effectiveness across HR functions of the company.

Compliance & Policy Development

• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of HR policies, procedures, and controls appropriate for a federal defense contractor.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local labor laws, FAR/DFARS considerations, and government-contractor-specific requirements.

• Partner with Contracts, Business Development, Finance, and Operations to support audits, compliance reviews, and risk mitigation efforts.

Talent & Workforce Management

• Partner with Business Development and Operations to support hiring strategies for new business growth, recompetes, and sustainment staffing.

• Develop and support career development frameworks, performance management processes, and succession planning.

• Advise leadership on compensation, benefits, and retention strategies aligned with market conditions and company goals.

Employee Relations & Coaching

• Provide coaching and guidance to managers and employees on performance, conduct, engagement, and employee relations matters.

• Handle sensitive employee issues with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.

• Support consistency in people management practices.

HR Operations & Analytics

• lead selection & implementation process for new automated HR platform that integrates with our Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP). Establish and track HR metrics and dashboards to inform leadership decision-making.

• Identify opportunities to improve HR process efficiency, scalability, and employee experience.

• Lead and mentor the HR support team, setting standards for excellence, responsiveness, and professionalism.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

• 10–15 years of progressive Human Resources experience, including experience leading HR functions or serving as a senior HR business partner.

• SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification (required).

• Prior experience supporting or working within a federal defense contractor or government services environment.

• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing HR policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks.

• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence and advise senior leaders.

• Excellent attention to detail with communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting small-to-mid-sized businesses or high-growth organizations.

• Familiarity with ESOP companies or employee-owned environments.

• Experience leading HR teams through organizational growth or transformation.

• Experience ensuring organizational compliance with ITAR regulations and related international partnership requirements.