Senior Human Resources Operations Manager

Our Company

Whisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. Today's open rotor propulsion systems are challenged by safety, noise, and performance limitations at all scales. Whisper's breakthrough technologies allow aircraft to fly anywhere at any time without disturbing communities, at greater speeds, and with incredible improvements in efficiency and cost. Their innovations also enable a new generation of air-moving products that can blend into the soundscapes of daily life. Whisper was founded by industry veterans, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, and continues to innovate a future that’s as considerate as it is compelling with its world-class team in Tennessee. 

About the Role:

Whisper Aero is on the search for a Senior Human Resources Operations Manager to work onsite in Crossville or Nashville, TN. The Senior Human Resources Operations Manager will serve as a strategic advisor to leadership and a hands-on operator responsible for HR systems, compliance, and talent programs. This role will own key areas such as policy development, performance management, employee relations, compensation oversight, onboarding, and culture initiatives — building scalable HR infrastructure that supports our aerospace and defense operations.

What You’ll Do:

• Strategic HR Leadership
  • Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with Whisper Aero’s mission, business goals, and government contracting requirements.
  • Act as a trusted business partner to leadership, advising on organization design, performance management, and workforce planning.
  • Build and manage the HR team, ensuring alignment with company growth and cross-functional goals.
  • Diagnose organizational needs and design creative, data-driven solutions to improve performance, culture, and engagement.
• Policy, Compliance & Risk Management
  • Develop, codify, and administer HR policies that reflect company values while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws.
  • Support all compliance requirements for government contracting (FAR, DFARS, and related standards).
  • Ensure adherence to employment legislation and company standards in all HR practices.
  • Oversee accurate record-keeping, employee documentation, and HRIS data integrity.
  • Oversee Safety and Osha Compliance.
• Performance & Compensation Management
  • Implement and maintain performance appraisal systems that promote accountability and growth.
  • Partner with leadership on compensation benchmarking, pay equity reviews, and job leveling structures.
  • Review and update evaluation and reward programs to ensure alignment with company goals and market competitiveness.
• Employee Relations & Culture
  • Serve as the lead HR business partner for all employee relations matters, fostering a transparent and collaborative culture.
  • Provide coaching to managers on performance feedback, conflict resolution, and career development.
  • Lead initiatives that strengthen inclusion, engagement, and communication across teams.
  • Coordinate cross-office events and training programs that reinforce Whisper Aero’s culture and values.
• Training & Development
  • Partner with department heads to assess learning needs and design training programs that build technical and leadership capability.
  • Manage onboarding and assimilation for new hires, ensuring a smooth and mission-driven employee experience.
  • Support ongoing professional development, career pathing, and leadership training initiatives.
• HR Systems & Analytics
  • Leverage HR technology platforms to automate and optimize HR workflows.
  • Generate HR dashboards and reports to guide data-informed decisions around retention, performance, and engagement.
  • Identify trends and risks across teams and recommend proactive interventions.
• Collaboration & Special Projects
  • Collaborate closely with recruiting, finance, and operations to align HR initiatives with overall business strategy.
  • Manage special projects related to diversity, inclusion, wellness, and organizational development.
  • Provide support on visa processes, immigration compliance, and relocation programs as needed.

Basic Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s preferred) and a minimum of 8 years of progressive experience ideally in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or a high-growth technology environment.
• Requires experience in a startup environment. 
• Strong understanding of HR principles, employment law (local/state/federal), and compliance frameworks for government contractors (FAR/DFARS).
• Knowledge of compensation tools and pay banding frameworks (e.g., Carta Total Comp).
• Proven ability to partner with leadership on organizational and talent strategies.
• Demonstrated success implementing HR systems and scalable processes in a growing organization.
• Must have strong project management skills and experience. 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in HRIS tools and Microsoft Office Suite.