Human Resources Manager

Location: Toano

KDA, Inc, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has been operating in the United States for more than 20 years. We produce world-leading Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for the US Army, Marine Corps, and allies at our Johnstown, Pennsylvania factory. We have delivered more than 20,000 PROTECTOR RWS to 28 countries. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) is a highly mobile and tailorable capability that protects the airspace of 13 countries and Washington, DC.

In 2027, we will do final assembly, test, and sustainment of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile systems at a new factory in southern Virginia.

Join us, and you'll be part of a high performing team that develops advanced technology solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure in countries around the world. Explore your potential and discover what your future could be with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is establishing a new, state-of-the-art missile production facility in James City County, Virginia-and we are seeking an experienced, forward-thinking HR Manager to help build and shape this operation. This is a rare opportunity to play a foundational role in standing up a critical manufacturing site, supporting a rapidly growing U.S. footprint, and partnering closely with leadership to develop a high-performing, mission-driven workforce.

Human Resources leaders at KONGSBERG US are trusted advisors who help employees and leaders thrive in complex, highly regulated manufacturing environments. Under the direction of the Vice President, Human Resources, the Human Resources Manager will serve as the foundational HR leader for KDA's new production facility, KMS, in Toano, Virginia, supporting the organization through facility construction, workforce ramp-up, and transition to full production operations.

This role will lead and implement the site people strategy, including employee relations, performance management, policy interpretation and enforcement, health and safety partnership, organizational development and training, compensation administration, and local risk management. As the face of HR at KMS, the HR Manager will play a critical role in shaping culture, building trust, and ensuring a positive and compliant employee experience from day one.

Responsibilities:

• Manages future members of the KMS HR team, ensuring their growth, continuous development, and success. Leverages a strong understanding of the business and talent to coach leaders and influences strong decision-making, fostering long-term organizational growth and resilience. Uses insights to guide decisions, uncover trends, and improve organizational health.
• Formulates and recommends HR policies and objectives for the KMS production facility in under direction from the Vice President, Human Resources.
• Explains HR department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves confidential, sensitive and controversial issues, and escalates to senior leadership when required for assistance.
• Manages and maintains employee data in company HRIS, ADP Workforce Now, and acts as system SME for the KMS HR department.
• Identifies legal requirements and government reporting regulations affecting the HR function (e.g., OSHA, EEO, ERISA, FMLA, Affirmative Action and Wage & Hour). Helps to monitor exposure and liability of the company and provides recommendations to limit risk.
• Responsible for conducting wage surveys within relevant labor markets to determine competitive wage rates.
• Plans, organizes, directs, coordinates the HR department staff's work plan; assigns projects and program responsibilities; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems
• Represents the Company at legal, workers compensation, and unemployment compensation hearings as needed
• Coordinates with HR counterparts in Norway to ensure effective data sharing and workforce planning.
• Complies with all existing government reporting requirements including any related to the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the FMLA, the Department of Labor, and so forth. Ensures minimal company exposure to lawsuits. Trains employees in compliance laws.
• In conjunction with the greater KONGSBERG US HR team, develops annual Key Performance metrics for KMS HR team and manages performance to Key Performance Indicators.

ANY ADDITIONAL, PERIODIC OR OCCASIONAL DUTIES:

• May require periodic travel to Alexandria, VA or Johnstown, PA
• May require 1-2 trips to Norway per year

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Human Resources, Business, or related area
• HR certification (SHRM-CP/PHR or SHRM-SCP/SPHR) preferred

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & BACKGROUND:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive HR experience partnering with senior business leaders.
• At least 2 years of people management experience, with demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and scale HR teams.
• Prior experience in a manufacturing environment,…