People Operations Partner

About us

Kägwerks designs and develops rugged, operator-worn tactical communications technology that keeps war fighters connected through secure, integrated networks. Our solutions support the survivability and effectiveness of war fighters in the field, helping them carry out critical missions and advance national security objectives.

About the role

As our People Operations Partner, you will be the approachable, on-site HR contact for our Vancouver team, providing day-to-day support to employees and managers and contributing to People Operations across our wider US businesses. Your primary focus will be recruitment coordination, onboarding, employee administration and maintaining accurate, confidential HR records. Working closely with the VP, HR Americas and the wider HR team, you will build strong local relationships and help employees and managers navigate our people processes. You will also take on Assistant Facility Security Officer (AFSO) responsibilities, supporting the Facility Security Officer with local security administration, employee clearance coordination and security awareness activities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate interviews, candidate communications, pre-employment checks and onboarding in partnership with hiring managers and Talent Acquisition.
• Prepare approved employment documentation and coordinate new starter arrangements with managers, IT and payroll, including inductions, required training and early employment check-ins.
• Process approved employee changes, leave and departures, maintaining accurate and confidential employee records and HR system data.
• Respond to routine employee and manager queries, explain policies and processes clearly, and promptly escalate sensitive concerns to the appropriate specialist.
• Support benefits enrolment, payroll queries, training administration and standard performance processes in partnership with the wider HR team.
• Support employee communications, engagement activities and improvements to local HR processes.
• Assist the FSO with security clearance processing and tracking, security records, visitor controls and facility access administration.
• Support security briefings and refresher training, help prepare for security reviews and self-inspections, and promptly refer security concerns or incidents to the FSO.

Requirements

• Around 3–5 years of experience in an HR generalist, HR coordinator or People Operations role, with the confidence to work independently as a local point of contact and the judgment to seek specialist advice when needed.
• Practical experience coordinating recruitment and onboarding, maintaining employee records and working with HR systems.
• Understanding of US HR practices and ability to recognize when Washington-specific or other employment matters need specialist input.
• SuccessFactors experience is an advantage; an HR qualification or certification is welcome, although equivalent practical experience is equally valued.
• Some exposure to, or foundational knowledge of, facility or personnel security — such as supporting an FSO, coordinating security clearances, or working within a cleared defense contractor environment. Willingness to develop this capability and complete required training while supporting the FSO.
• Approachable, organized and discreet, with strong attention to detail and reliable follow-through. Able to build trust with employees and managers and handle sensitive HR and security information with care.
• U.S. citizenship required due to handling of export-controlled materials; must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance.

Benefits

• 15 days accrued paid time off per year
• 10 Federal holidays
• Sponsored health plan
• Generous 401k plan with immediate vesting and matching employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible core working hours
• Personal approach to training and development

Pay

Annual base salary range: US$80,000–$100,000, depending on experience.

Schedule

On-site role in Vancouver, Washington, with occasional travel to other US locations. Flexibility to work across US time zones and occasionally with global colleagues is required.