Interim Head of HR (Maternity Cover)

A bout H55
As the technological spin-off of Solar Impulse, the first electric airplane to fly around the world, the mission of H55, is to make aviation clean, safe, and affordable.
The company’s strengths and competencies lie in developing propulsion and energy storage solutions which are modular, lightweight, and certifiable.
H55 is financed by a reputable group of investors from Silicon Valley and Switzerland, and as such, is well positioned for its next stage of its development. The company’s short-term priorities include building up out of engineering team, putting into place production facilities, and creating a north American subsidiary.


You Role

As we scale up, the Interim Head of HR is reporting directly to the CEO and play a pivotal role in guiding the people strategy and culture of our organization. This role is essential for overseeing HR operations, enhancing recruitment processes, and implementing comprehensive training programs within a highly regulated aviation industry. The ideal candidate will balance strategic planning with hands-on operational execution, ensuring that HR services are delivered efficiently across the organization and act as a business partner to leaders and staff.

HR Management & Leadership:

• Supervise a team responsible for HR Operations, Recruitment, and Safety, ensuring effective service delivery and streamlined processes.
• Provide strategic oversight and insight on HR matters to the Management team, supporting organizational objectives as a key business partner across all levels.

Responsibilities include:

Strategic Projects and Employee Lifecycle Enhancement:

• Manage a portfolio of diverse HR projects and initiatives aimed at optimizing the full employee lifecycle. This encompasses improving pre-boarding and on-boarding experiences, enhancing employee engagement through regular pulse surveys, and supporting career development pathways.
• Lead the charge in evolving benefits programs and mental health support frameworks to meet the overall needs of the team.
• Improve  the of HR processes through digitalization to increase efficiency, accuracy, and employee satisfaction.

Recruitment and Talent Acquisition:

• Support the recruitment efforts with the direct supervision of an internal recruiter and develop our employer branding strategy to attract and retain top talent in a highly complex candidate driven market .
• Ensure staffing aligns with strategic objectives and is executed efficiently.

Develop and continuously refine HR policies

• Support the organization's dynamic culture and growth, with a particular focus on internationalization and adapting to regional requirements in Switzerland, Canada and France in the near future. 
• Craft policies that align with both global best practices and local employment laws to ensure compliance across all jurisdictions.
• Integrate cultural sensitivity into HR practices to enhance employee engagement and inclusion across diverse geographical locations.
• Collaborate with the support of external legal and compliance teams to monitor and respond to changes in labor legislation in regions of operations.

Training and Development

•  Manage the entire lifecycle of training and development initiatives from conception to execution.
• Identify training needs in collaboration with department heads to ensure alignment with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
• Design and develop tailored training modules that address specific skills gaps and enhance overall competency across the company.
• Coordinate with internal and external experts to deliver high-quality training sessions.
• Implement tracking systems to monitor training effectiveness and ensure compliance with internal standards and industry regulations.
• Continuously update training programs to keep pace with changes in the aviation sector, safety requirements and technological advancements.
• Provide hands-on leadership and guidance to ensure that all staff are equipped with the necessary skills to perform optimally in their respective roles.

Payroll and Contract Oversight: Ensure smooth operation of the payroll process, managed directly by a designated HR Operations team member.
•            Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of payroll execution.
•            Support compliance with tax regulations and benefits administration.
•            Facilitate communication between the finance and HR teams to maintain payroll integrity and address any issues promptly.

Consulting Agreements: Personally handle the creation, negotiation, and management of contracts for external consultants. This involves:
•            Draft  agreement terms that align with organizational objectives and legal standards.
•            Negotiate contract details to secure favorable terms and manage costs effectively.
•            Oversee the execution of contracts and ensuring compliance with both internal policies and external legal requirements.

Safety and Compliance: Oversee health and safety initiatives, with the Safety Manager reporting directly to you. Ensure all HR activities comply with aerospace industry regulations and local policies and internal procedures.

Internal Communication, Culture and Engagement: Develop and implement communication strategies that promote transparency and enhance team cohesion. Organize and manage company-wide events, including workshops and team-building exercises.

Your Profile 

• Significant  experience in HR management roles such as HR Director or Head of HR, HR partnering with a strong preference for candidates who have thrived in startup or scale-up environments characterized by rapid change and the necessity for adaptability and a problem-solving mindset.
• Comprehensive knowledge of HR functions including operational procedures, talent acquisition, employee development programs, regulatory compliance and developing a positive organizational culture.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage and develop a high-performing HR team.
• Strong understanding of industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements.
• Strategic thinker with excellent communication skills and the ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field. Master’s degree or relevant certification.
• Proficiency in both English and French, enabling effective communication across our diverse, multilingual team.

What we offer

• An amazing work Location in Sion, Valais in the heart of Swiss Alps.
• A highly dynamic and multicultural environment where you can grow and learn by working on ambitious challenges to shape the future of Electric Aviation.
• We offer a position which contributes to valuable and impactful work in a stimulating an international environment

Sounds interesting? We look forward to meeting you!
At H55, you will work with a very forward-looking team who are changing the paradigms of air transportation. H55 is composed of highly experienced engineers, entrepreneurs and managers and is seeking like mind talented professionals who understand how to couple creativity and innovation with technical and business considerations.

H55 is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of nationality, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on competence, performance, and business needs.