People & Culture Business Partner

About The Role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.  

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. 

PEOPLE & CULTURE

Rocket Lab’s People & Culture team is responsible for looking after our most valuable asset: our people. Across our global teams, the People & Culture team supports our people and departments across recruitment, new staff orientation, compensation, training and development. They make sure our growing and diverse global team is supported and capable of delivering our projects and customer’s missions, and they’re responsible for supporting their development, nurturing their skills and talent, and retaining the world-class people already on our team.

PEOPLE & CULTURE BUSINESS PARTNER

Based on site at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, The People & Culture Business Partner is responsible for providing advice and counsel in all areas of HR including on-going employee relations, employee development, interpretation of HR policies, and creating and implementing new programs and initiatives. The position formulates partnerships across the People & Culture function to deliver value-added service to management and employees that reflects the business objectives of the organization.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Act as a strategic partner to assigned teams, collaborating to strengthen work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention.
• Drive employee experience by ensuring leaders and employees align with organizational culture and values.
• Manage and resolve complex employee relations issues, conducting thorough and objective investigations while ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Provide policy guidance, performance management support, and coaching to managers on career development, disciplinary actions, and workforce planning.
• Collaborate with P&C Centers of Excellence to implement programs and ensure organizational alignment.
• Provide policy guidance and interpretation related to employment matters.
• Strategize with business units on engagement, restructures, workforce planning and succession planning.
• Identify training and executive coaching needs and evaluate program effectiveness to ensure success.
• Support global mobility and manage immigration cases.
• Act as project manager for assigned HR initiatives and special projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of progressive experience in Human Resources supporting a blended exempt/non-exempt workforce and a Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of work experience (9+ years total work experience).
• Extensive knowledge of multi-state employment laws and regulations, with the ability to interpret and apply relevant policies and guidelines.
• Working knowledge of multiple human resource disciplines, including compensation practices, organizational diagnosis, employee and relations, performance management, and federal and state employment laws.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Drives change with a "can do" attitude.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer-focused approach.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with keen attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with immigration processes and regulations.
• Experience providing HR support during M&A projects.
• HR certification (SHRM-CP/PHR) highly preferred.
• Experience supporting global teams.
• Workday & ADP knowledge and experience is a plus.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. 

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$95,000—$115,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at View email address on rocketlabcorp.com dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.