Job Description

About Us

STARK is a new kind of defence technology company revolutionising the way autonomous systems are deployed across multiple domains. We design, develop, and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are software-defined, mass-scalable, and cost effective. This provides our operators with a decisive edge in highly contested environments.


We are focused on delivering deployable, high-performance systems, not future promises. In a time of rising threats, STARK is bolstering the technological edge of NATO Allies and their Partners to deter aggression and defend Europe today.

Your mission

As HR Manager for the UK, you will take full ownership of all operational and strategic HR processes for our growing UK team. You will ensure that day-to-day people operations run smoothly while building a scalable HR framework that supports future growth.


You will be the central point of contact for UK employees and managers, providing expert guidance on employment law, policies, and best practice. Working closely with the global People and Operations teams, you will help align UK operations with global processes while ensuring compliance, engagement, and a great employee experience.


This is a hands-on role where you will combine strategic oversight with operational delivery to shape how we attract, support, and retain exceptional talent.

Responsibilities

Support the growth of the UK entity (currently ~ 40 employees, with further expansion planned) Take ownership of all UK HR operations, ensuring a smooth and compliant employee experience from onboarding to offboarding. Ensure compliance with UK employment law, internal policies, and best practice. Provide expert guidance and advice to managers and leaders on HR policies, employment law, and employee relations. Manage and continuously improve the full employee lifecycle, including contracts, changes, and documentation. Oversee payroll and benefits administration in collaboration with central HR, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality. Partner with the global People and Operations teams to ensure consistency and alignment across regions. Support managers with performance management, absence tracking, and probation reviews. Review, maintain, and implement HR policies, processes, and systems to ensure scalability and efficiency. Lead employee relations cases with professionalism, fairness, and discretion. Support the development and delivery of engagement, culture, and wellbeing initiatives. Coordinate learning and development activities and identify training needs across teams. Analyse HR data and trends to provide insight and recommendations to leadership. Act as a trusted partner to employees, maintaining confidentiality and building strong, positive relationships.

Qualifications

5+ years of experience in HR management or senior HR operations roles. Deep understanding of UK employment law and HR compliance requirements. Experience in managing payroll, benefits, and HR documentation. Strong experience in employee relations, including case management and dispute resolution. Proven ability to develop, implement, and improve HR policies and processes. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust at all levels. Highly organised with strong attention to detail and a proactive, solutions-focused approach. Experience working in a fast-paced, scaling business environment. Commercially aware with the ability to balance people priorities with business goals. CIPD Level 7 qualification (or equivalent experience) preferred. Experience working across international or multi-site teams is an advantage Must be eligible for UK SC Clearance or currently hold this

About us

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Due to the nature of our work in the defense sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.