Principal HR Business Partner - Operations

Job Summary

The Principal Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP) will drive the talent strategy and execution for a combination of Operations and Quality functions including Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, Factory Operations and Quality Assurance across multiple sites. This individual will partner closely with peer HR Business Partners and collaborate within Mercury's matrixed environment to deliver integrated, end‑to‑end talent solutions.

This role will work directly with senior functional leaders and managers to develop organizational capability, support workforce planning, strengthen leadership effectiveness, and foster high engagement within the Operations teams. In addition, the HRBP will collaborate with the HR Centers of Excellence (Total Rewards, Talent Acquisition, Talent Management, Workforce Solutions) to deliver comprehensive HR solutions to executives, managers, and team members.

Job Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic HR leader and change agent supporting Operations and Quality, ensuring alignment with Mercury's enterprise-wide HR and business strategies.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with Operations leaders to deeply understand functional priorities and proactively develop talent strategies.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition to help managers identify, attract, and retain critical Operations talent, including production, technical, engineering, and supply chain roles.
• Coach and advise managers on leadership effectiveness, employee development, team dynamics, and complex employee relations matters.
• Facilitate succession planning, career development discussions, and build technical talent pipelines across Operations groups.
• Deliver performance and compensation planning, annual talent management cycles, and HR calendar milestones.
• Support change management initiatives related to values, culture, behaviors, and cross‑functional Operations programs.
• Champion an integrated mindset by Operations leaders to broader business strategies and management operating systems.
• Partner with leaders to drive high employee engagement, empowerment, accountability, and continuous improvement within Operations environments.
• May require periodic travel within the United States based on business demands.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business or a related field

• Typically requires 5+ years of experience as an HR Business Partner, preferably supporting Operations functions

• Skilled in guiding and influencing managers, including confidently pushing back to maintain urgency and drive timely, strategic hiring decisions.

• Demonstrated experience partnering with Operations leadership teams

• Experience working within a matrixed organization and balancing competing priorities across multiple sites or functions

• Proven ability to influence leaders at all levels and drive outcomes in fast‑paced, complex environments

• Exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship‑building skills

• Extensive experience in employee relations and coaching leaders through sensitive or complex situations

• Ability to travel within the United States based on business needs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, high‑tech manufacturing, or similarly regulated industries
• Comprehensive knowledge of Compensation, Talent Attraction, HR Analytics, and Talent Management practices
• Familiarity with Benefits and Payroll processes
• Strong experience with Office 365 tools, including Excel and data‑driven reporting