At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic workforce planning and drive data-led HR initiatives in a cutting-edge aviation company.
- Company: Join ZeroAvia, a leader in zero-emission aviation, at our stunning Cotswold Airport HQ.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Immediate start available; embrace a culture of diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable aviation while working in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a strategic HR Business Partner in engineering or technical fields is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
ZeroAvia is seeking a strategic, data-led and analytically strong HR Business Partner to support the growth and optimisation of its UK engineering organisation as it scales toward certification and commercialisation. As a key member of the People team, this role will enable the business to align its workforce strategy with ambitious programme delivery timelines, ensuring the right engineering capability is in place to drive innovation in hydrogen-electric aviation.
Working closely with Engineering leadership, Talent Acquisition, and executive stakeholders, the HR Business Partner will translate business strategy into a robust, insight-driven workforce plan aligned to both current programme demands and future growth. This role goes beyond traditional HR partnering, bringing a strong analytical lens to workforce planning, supporting critical decision-making through data, and ensuring the organisation’s people strategy is scalable, compliant, and commercially grounded. In doing so, it directly supports ZeroAvia’s mission to accelerate the transition to sustainable aviation while maintaining operational excellence in a highly regulated and technically complex environment.
An immediate start is available and the role is being offered as a 6-month initial contract. The ideal candidate will be based on site at the beautiful Cotswolds Airport 3-4 days per week.
The role - Strategic Workforce Planning & UK Analytics
- Lead strategic workforce planning for engineering functions, forecasting permanent headcount requirements aligned to UK defence and commercial aviation pipelines.
- Partner closely with Talent Acquisition to translate workforce plans into hiring strategies, ensuring timely delivery of critical engineering capability.
- Analyse workforce data and market insights to identify talent gaps across key engineering disciplines and inform proactive hiring and retention strategies.
- Develop and present data-driven workforce and retention plans to the Executive Team, with clear linkage to budget, cost modelling, and long-term capability needs.
- Own and track key workforce KPIs (e.g., attrition, time-to-fill, vacancy rates, utilisation trends), providing actionable insights to senior stakeholders.
- Drive a culture of data fluency within HR, leveraging advanced analytics to support evidence-based decision-making.
- Facilitate internal mobility and workforce optimisation initiatives, maximising utilisation of existing engineering capability across programmes.
HR Operations, Data Integrity & UK Compliance
- Ensure compliant onboarding processes, including Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and National Security Vetting (NSV).
- Take ownership of HR Information Systems (HRIS), ensuring data is accurate, clean, up-to-date, and fully compliant with UK GDPR requirements.
- Act as a custodian of people data integrity, driving continuous improvement in data quality, reporting standards, and system utilisation.
- Manage employee relations matters, including grievance processes and tribunal risk mitigation, in line with UK employment law.
- Lead annual performance and compensation review cycles in line with ACAS guidance and organisational frameworks.
- Ensure compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations.
Talent, Engagement & Development
- Develop and implement data-led retention strategies to address engineering skills shortages and improve employee engagement.
- Support Talent Acquisition in building long-term talent pipelines and employer value proposition (EVP) initiatives.
- Oversee Learning & Development activity, ensuring alignment to business needs and future capability requirements.
- Partner with functional leaders to identify critical skill gaps and support targeted development initiatives.
Requirements Experience & Qualifications
- Proven experience operating as a strategic HR Business Partner within an engineering, aerospace, or technical organisation.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and present at executive level, translating complex workforce data into clear, commercially focused recommendations.
- High level of data fluency, with strong capability in workforce analytics, modelling, and insight generation to support strategic decision-making.
- Strong cross-functional experience, partnering effectively with Talent Acquisition, Finance, PMO, and senior technical stakeholders.
- Experience within a high-growth or start-up engineering environment is advantageous.
- CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 qualified, with proficiency in Excel, Power BI, and HRIS platforms (HiBob experience desirable).
At ZeroAvia, we’re clean sky thinkers. For the world to achieve truly clean, guilt-free flight, we need a scalable solution; hydrogen-electric powertrains. As a leader in zero-emission aviation and a UK Jet Zero Council member, we’re designing and commercialising hydrogen-powered solutions that will positively impact the future of aviation, global connectivity, and the world. Join us at our Global HQ in Cotswold Airport, home to some of our aircraft and the workplace of many ZeroAvians. Located just outside the historic market town of Cirencester, you’ll experience a workspace built by engineers for engineers. This is a high-velocity and fast-paced environment with good links to the M4 and M5, so it’s fitting that it’s also our UK Head Office.
Benefits Diversity and Inclusion
As an emergent company shaping the aviation industry, we know that diversity fuels success and unlocks potential. We embrace being an equal-opportunity employer and actively seek individuals from diverse backgrounds. We value the multitude of skills, perspectives, and mindsets everyone can bring to the table. These experiences ignite creativity, originality, and growth. We proudly reject discrimination in all forms, including that based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Senior HR Business Partner - Contract employer: ZeroAvia
ZeroAvia is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the picturesque Cotswold Airport, where innovation in hydrogen-electric aviation thrives. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we provide opportunities for strategic influence and data-driven decision-making, all while championing diversity and inclusion within our workforce. Join us to be part of a mission that not only transforms aviation but also fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Business Partner - Contract
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at ZeroAvia and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Business Partner - Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at ZeroAvia. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at ZeroAvia
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at ZeroAvia, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that ZeroAvia uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at ZeroAvia.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at ZeroAvia.
