Manager, People and Culture

Maritime Launch Services is a Canadian‑owned commercial space company building Spaceport Nova Scotia near the communities of Canso, Hazel Hill and Little Dover in the Municipality of Guysborough, Nova Scotia. Our mission is to deliver satellite launch services that strengthen Canada's position in the global space economy and enable sovereign access to space.

We are now entering an exciting phase of growth, moving from planning to sustained delivery: scaling the organization, strengthening partnerships, and preparing for ongoing launch operations. If you are motivated by ambitious, nation‑building work and want to help create something that has never existed in Canada before, this is the moment to join.

As our People & Culture Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the team, culture, and people practices that will power Canada's first commercial spaceport. Working closely with the CEO, you will help design a unique skills and certification framework to prepare future operations staff to work safely and effectively with propulsion systems, critical equipment, and other technologies essential to rocket launch activities. While the technical training content will be developed by the CEO, you will build the structure around how this learning is delivered, recognized, and supported across the organization.

You will also lead recruitment efforts to hire the team that will staff Spaceport Nova Scotia, creating high‑quality jobs and contributing to economic opportunity in Canso and surrounding communities. We're looking for someone who not only brings strong HR capability but also genuinely cares about the positive impact this work will have in a rural community.

Following the initial build‑out phase, this role will transition into steady‑state HR leadership: managing day‑to‑day HR operations, supporting employee relations, and guiding the ongoing development of a strong, mission‑driven culture.

Responsibilities

As the HR Manager, you will play a central role in shaping a positive, high‑performing workplace. Your responsibilities will include:

Recruitment & Talent Acquisition
Lead end‑to‑end recruitment activities from workforce planning to onboarding to ensure the organization attracts and hires exceptional talent.

Learning & Development Strategy
Design and implement a learning and development framework that supports continuous growth, builds capability, and aligns with long‑term organizational goals.

HR Administration & Compliance
Oversee accurate and efficient HR administration, including records management, policy upkeep, and compliance with employment legislation and internal standards.

Employee Relations
Provide guidance and support on employee relations matters, fostering a respectful, inclusive, and well‑supported workplace culture.

Payroll & Benefits
Administer accurate and timely payroll and benefits processes, ensuring employees are well‑supported through clear communication, reliable service, and a seamless overall experience.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in an HR Generalist, HR Business Partner, or equivalent role supporting a diverse workforce
• Strong background in recruitment and workforce planning
• Solid understanding of employment legislation and HR best practices in Nova Scotia and across Canada
• Proven strength in employee relations, conflict resolution, and building trust at all levels
• Highly organized with strong capabilities in HR administration, policy development, and record‑keeping
• Ability to work effectively with senior leadership, including the CEO, on strategic people and culture initiatives
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a dynamic, evolving environment where systems and processes are being built for the first time
• Strong interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in supporting rural economic development
• High level of discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience providing leadership or mentorship or people‑management experience
• CPHR designation (or candidate)
• Experience developing or supporting training frameworks, competency models, or certification pathways, particularly in technical or safety‑sensitive environments.
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety (OHS) practices or experience working within regulated or high‑risk environments.
• Experience contributing to HR process development during a growth, start‑up, or scale‑up phase.
• Experience recruiting for technical, operational, or specialized roles.

Additional Requirements

• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed to support events and critical milestones.
• Willingness to travel to and from Maritime Launch HQ, stakeholder events, and the Spaceport Nova Scotia site.

Work With Us

At Maritime Launch Services, you'll be part of something truly groundbreaking. Here's what you can look forward to when you join our team:

Contribute to the Future of Canada's Space Industry
As part of Canada's first commercial spaceport operator, you'll play a role in advancing the nation's aerospace sector. Join a company that's pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and building a legacy in Canadian space technology.

Make a Meaningful Impact in Rural Nova Scotia
Your work will contribute to real economic development within Canso and surrounding communities, helping shape sustainable opportunities and growth for the region.

Build and Shape Our Culture
This role offers the chance to create and grow a full HR program from the ground up. You'll help define the culture and practices that will shape our future as we scale.
 

Work With a Collaborative and Passionate Team
We're a group of people who genuinely enjoy working together. You'll be supported by colleagues who are dynamic, mission‑driven, and dedicated to achieving big goals.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance, parental leave benefits, and various other benefits

Our Commitment to Equity

Maritime Launch Services is committed to building an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and encourage applications from individuals who identify as Indigenous, African Nova Scotian, members of racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. We are committed to equitable hiring practices and creating a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment where every employee can thrive.

Join us and make history in Canada's space industry! Submit your application today to hr@maritimelaunch.com.

Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.