Vice President, Human Resources

This opportunity is located within our Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company business, a global leader of mission-critical hardware and systems solutions including precision energetics systems and innovative explosive solutions.

Job Description

Location:Simsbury, CT
Reports to:Business Unit President
Industry:Aerospace & Defense
Experience Level:Vice President (15+ years)

Shape the Future of EBAD. Drive Transformation Through People.

For almost 200 years, we've been at the forefront of aerospace and defense innovation; designing, building, and supporting technologies that protect nations, connect people, and explore new frontiers. As we enter our next century, we are transforming our workforce, culture, and capabilities to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

EBAD is positioned to double in size in the next 3-5 years, and we are seeking a visionaryVice President of Human Resourcesto lead this transformation and shape the future of our organization. You will guide the people strategy that enables this business transformation, accelerates growth, and elevates employee engagement.

The Opportunity:

As VP of Human Resources, you will be a strategic partner to the Business Unit President and senior leadership team, driving a people-first agenda that aligns with our mission, values, and long-term business strategy. You will lead an HR organization responsible for workforce planning, leadership development, employee engagement, labor relations, talent acquisition and organizational design.

This is a pivotal role for an aspirational, forward-thinking leader, who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about building high-performing teams and inclusive cultures.

Core Competencies for Success:

• Strategic Leadership:
  Develop and execute a comprehensive HR strategy that drives business growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Talent & Workforce Transformation:
  Lead initiatives to attract, retain, and develop top talent across engineering, manufacturing, and emerging technologies.
• Culture & Engagement:
  Champion a culture of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Drive employee engagement and experience across all levels.
• Organizational Design & Change Management:
  Build scalable structures and processes that enable agility, resilience, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Executive Coaching & Succession Planning:
  Partner with senior leaders to build leadership capability and ensure a strong pipeline for future growth.
• Labor Relations & Compliance:
  Oversee union relationships, labor negotiations, and ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations.

The Candidate We Are Looking For:

• Proven HR executive with 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in large, complex, global organizations, preferably in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or technology
• Extensive leadership experience in shaping strategic HR initiatives, driving organizational effectiveness, and cultivating top-tier talent across complex environments
• Track record of leading cultural transformation and workforce modernization.
• Exceptional communication, influence, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience navigating matrixed environments and driving alignment across diverse teams
• Strong understanding of labor markets, regulatory environments, and future-of-work trends
• Passion for innovation, inclusion, and action-oriented leadership

A Defining Leadership Opportunity:

• Legacy: Join a privately held, 188-year-old business that takes a long-term approach, free from the short-term pressures of quarterly-driven reporting.
• Impact: Own and execute critical initiatives for a fast-growing company with a bold vision for the future.
• Partnership: Work directly with the BU President, senior leadership, and enterprise HR leaders in a highly influential role at the intersection of people and business strategy.
• Culture of Excellence: Help shape a culture that values people, integrity, and mission-driven excellence, driven by a Kaizen mindset and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Ready To Shape The Future?

If you're a bold HR leader ready to shape the future of a highly respected aerospace and defense organization, this is your opportunity to lead a transformative people strategy that will define our next century of excellence.

Compensation and Rewards:

We recognize that world-class leaders deliver world-class impact, and we reward accordingly. This role offers a competitive executive package that includes:

Base Salary: $225k - $275k plus annual bonus

Executive Relocation: Comprehensive support for a seamless transition

Additional Enhancements: Potential sign-on incentives and tailored rewards based on experience

We offer a competitive compensation package aligned with skills & experience, with flexibility to reward top talent and extraordinary qualifications.

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.