- Senior
- Ufficio in Brize Norton
Are you a seasoned People (HR) professional ready to make a strategic impact in a mission-critical aviation environment? AirTanker is seeking a dynamic People Partner to join our People & Business Support team. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of commercial aviation and defence, supporting the Royal Air Force through a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) partnership.
As a trusted advisor to senior leaders across operational and enabling functions, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering our people strategy. From workforce planning and organisational design to employee engagement and transformation projects, you’ll help ensure our people are empowered to keep our aircraft flying safely and effectively—today and into the future.
Why AirTanker?
Why AirTanker?
At AirTanker, we operate at the intersection of aviation excellence and national defence. You’ll be part of a purpose-led organisation where people are at the heart of everything we do. As a People Partner, you’ll be the strategic heartbeat of our people operations—Shaping our workforce and culture in a dynamic and high-impact environment. Your insight and leadership directly empower our teams to deliver safe, effective, and reliable air mobility and refuelling operations, supporting AirTanker’s vital role in national defence.
What's in it for you?
- Strategic Influence: Partner with senior leaders across aviation and enabling functions, shaping workforce planning, organisational design, and transformation initiatives that directly affect operational readiness.
- Collaborative Culture: Work alongside passionate professionals across People (HR), engineering, operations, and defence—fostering a culture of inclusion, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Professional Growth: Access development opportunities and exposure to complex People (HR) challenges in a regulated, unionised, and high-stakes environment.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Including private medical insurance, bonus scheme, EV scheme, contributory pension, and more.
- Adventure & Belonging: Battlefield tours, adventure training, and family fun days.
What you'll be doing
- Strategic Partnering: Collaborate with senior leaders to drive business performance through people-focused strategies.
- Workforce Planning: Lead establishment planning, headcount forecasting, and resource deployment aligned with operational needs.
- Employee & Industrial Relations: Provide expert guidance on complex ER cases and maintain strong relationships with trade unions and staff groups.
- People Expertise: Partner with People (HR) Centres of Excellence (L&D, Reward, Inclusion, Talent Acquisition) to deliver integrated solutions.
- Data & Insights: Leverage people analytics to inform decisions, track KPIs, and support strategic planning.
- Project Leadership: Drive key people initiatives across the full People (HR) spectrum, ensuring alignment and consistency across the business.
What you'll bring
- CIPD Level 5 or above (or equivalent in HR, Business, or OD).
- Extensive experience in a senior HR or People Partnering role.
- Proven expertise in resource and establishment planning within aviation or similar regulated environments.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and experience in unionised settings.
- High resilience and ability to thrive in high-pressure, mission-critical contexts.
- Advanced skills in HRIS and Office 365 tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
- Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing capabilities.
Desirable:
- CIPD Chartered Membership (or working towards it).
- Experience in PFI, MOD, or defence-related aviation environments.
- Familiarity with CAA/EASA regulations and security clearance processes.
- Qualifications in coaching, mediation, or conflict resolution.
Ready to shape the future of aviation through people? Apply now and be part of something extraordinary.
