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
multi-state compliance.
● Direct experience working within a FOCI-mitigated environment (SSA) or a
defense-centric business.
● Familiarity with the DCSA (Defense Counterintelligence and Security
Agency) and the National Industrial Security Program (NISP).
● Experience supporting Sales or Technical teams in a high-growth
environment.
● Experience working with international HQs or in a global matrix organization
is a plus.
● Deep understanding of US Employment Law (Federal and State level
nuances).
● Strong verbal and written communication skills.
● Proficiency with HRIS systems and benefits portals.
● Ability to work autonomously.
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What We Do
Advanced Navigation is a privately owned Australian company that specialises in the development of navigation technologies and robotics. The company has a focus on generating products of the highest quality standard, both in terms of hardware and software. The company's founders came from a background in mission critical robotics built to military specifications and this can be seen through Advanced Navigation's products. Advanced Navigation's engineers have specialised expertise across a broad range of fields including sensors, GNSS, inertial navigation, RF technologies, acoustics, robotics, AI and algorithms.
