Saab’s West Lafayette, Indiana site is seeking an HR Business Partner Manager to serve as the onsite HR leader in West Lafayette, partnering closely with business and site leadership to shape people-focused decisions that drive performance, culture, and workforce readiness. Based on site in West Lafayette, this role will also provide HR Business Partner support to Saab’s Ashburn, Virginia location.
The role advances a strong employee experience, strengthens leadership capability, and helps shape an environment where employees can perform and grow. This position connects local workforce priorities to the broader Saab HR organization through close collaboration with Talent Acquisition, HR Operations, Labor Relations, Legal, and the HR Business Partner network.
Talent Strategy and Workforce Planning
- Translate business and production priorities into people strategies that influence decisions at tactical and strategic levels.
- Use HR analytics and workforce insights to diagnose challenges early and propose data‑informed solutions.
- Partner on org design and change as the site evolves to meet program needs.
- Convert workforce plans into hiring strategies with Talent Acquisition, anticipating where the business is headed.
- Partner with site leadership to identify top talent and succession candidates; guide action‑oriented development plans for leaders and technical experts.
- Lead or support enterprise talent initiatives as part of the One HR team model.
Employee Experience and Culture
- Shape the employee journey from onboarding through growth, focusing on the moments that matter.
- Cultivate an inclusive, high‑performance culture grounded in safety, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
- Coach leaders to drive clarity, accountability, and consistent execution.
- Build trust‑based relationships across levels and shifts.
Labor and Employee Relations
- Partner closely with the onsite Labor Relations team member, who serves as the primary point of contact for all employee and labor relations matters involving West Lafayette union-represented employees, including employee concerns, grievances, contract administration, and matters involving the collective bargaining agreement.
- Provide employee relations support for non-union employees within the role’s scope, including coaching leaders, addressing employee concerns, and guiding appropriate resolution.
- Collaborate with Labor Relations and Legal as appropriate to ensure consistent application of company policies and practices.
- Coach leaders to address employee issues proactively, reinforce expectations, and support a positive, productive work environment.
HR Program Delivery & Partner Network
- Lead the performance management lifecycle (goals, reviews, compensation planning), coaching leaders on clear expectations and timely feedback.
- Serve as an on‑site resource for HR policy questions, complementing HR Operations.
- Monitor HR metrics and leverage analytics to surface trends and inform decisions.
- Coordinate with Talent Acquisition and HR Operations to deliver consistent, high‑quality HR programs.
- Work closely across the HRBP network to share practices and build consistency while adapting to site‑specific dynamics.
Compensation Range: $150,500 - $195,600
The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.
Skills and Experience:- 10+ years of progressive Human Resources experience, preferably in a manufacturing/production environment.
- Aerospace or Defense industry experience preferred but not required.
- Experience supporting a unionized environment and partnering effectively with Labor Relations preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and execute HR strategy with strong business acumen and sound judgment.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to leverage workforce data for insights and decision‑making.
- Excellent communication and influencing capability with skill in organizational planning, design, change management and leader coaching.
- Strong consulting, facilitation, and relationship‑building skills.
- Self‑directed work style with the ability to operate autonomously, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
- Willingness to travel 10–15%.
Citizenship Requirements:
Must be a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident (green card holder), or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Drug-Free Workplaces:
Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
Benefits:Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.
Highlights include:
Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays
401(k) with employer contributions
Tuition assistance and student loan assistance
Wellness and employee assistance resources
Employee stock purchase opportunities
Short-term and long-term disability coverage
Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in ten U.S. locations.
Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.
Skills Required
- 10+ years of progressive Human Resources experience
- Experience in a manufacturing or production environment
- Aerospace or defense industry experience
- Experience supporting a unionized environment and partnering with Labor Relations
- Ability to develop and execute HR strategy with strong business acumen and sound judgment
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including leveraging workforce data for decision-making
- Excellent communication, influencing, organizational planning, change management, and leader coaching skills
- Strong consulting, facilitation, and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work autonomously, prioritize effectively, and manage multiple initiatives
- Willingness to travel 10–15%
- Must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)
- Pass a pre-employment drug screen
What We Do
Saab, Inc. is a leading defense and security company that provides world-leading products, services, and solutions to the U.S. government, industry, and commercial customers, focusing on keeping people and society safe.
