Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.
Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.
Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.
What does the role look like?
As a trusted advisor to the Site Director, this role owns the people agenda for a complex, high-precision composites manufacturing site. You will set the cultural tone, develop high-performing leaders, and build the workforce capability required to support growth, quality, and reliable delivery-turning people strategy into measurable operational results.
The successful candidate will be people focused, have worked in a complex environment previously & possess an excellent HR toolkit that they can use depending on situations. The role is based in Banbury but there will be sporadic travel required to our HQ in Wolverhampton.
What will your day-to-day responsibilities look like?
Strategic HR Partnership
*Act as the primary HR partner for all functions on the Banbury site.
*Translate site goals into clear people plans covering capability, culture, workforce planning, and succession.
*Coach and challenge leaders to raise performance, improve decision-making, and strengthen team effectiveness.
Workforce Planning & Capability
*Lead the site's workforce planning activity, ensuring the right skills, headcount, and structures are in place.
*Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Operations to support skills development for advanced composites processes.
*Drive apprenticeship, early careers, and development programmes aligned to future capability needs.
Employee Relations & Site Support
*Provide hands-on ER advice, ensuring fair, consistent, and timely resolution of cases.
*Support the site's employee engagement agenda, using insight to shape actions that improve retention, morale, and communication.
*Maintain strong relationships with Works Council/employee representatives where applicable.
Talent, Performance & Culture
*Lead the performance management cycle and coach managers to set clear expectations and feedback standards.
*Manage succession plans and talent reviews to strengthen future leadership pipelines.
*Support culture initiatives that enhance collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
HR Operations & Compliance
*Ensure compliance with employment law, company policies, and audit requirements.
*Oversee recruitment activity for critical roles, working closely with Talent Acquisition.
*Drive continuous improvement across HR processes, systems, and data accuracy.
What will you bring to the role?
Essential
*Proven HRBP experience in a manufacturing, engineering, or technical industrial environment.
*Strong background in employee relations and coaching line leaders.
*Experience supporting a site or business unit with a mix of shop-floor and professional staff.
*Confident working with and influencing senior stakeholders.
Desirable:
*Aerospace, composites, automotive, or advanced manufacturing background.
*Experience in a growth, transformation, or Centre of Excellence environment.
*Understanding of lean principles and how people, skills, and performance link to operational outcomes.
*Solid understanding of organisational design, performance management, and workforce planning
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