Vice President/Director of People Operations

About Bridger Aerospace 

Bridger provides aerial wildfire surveillance, relief and suppression, and aerial firefighting services using next-generation technology and environmentally friendly and sustainable firefighting methods primarily throughout the United States and Canada, as well as airframe modification and integration solutions for governmental and commercial customers. Our mission is to save lives, property, and habitats threatened by wildfires, leveraging our high-quality team, specialized aircraft, and innovative use of technology and data. We are meeting an underserved and growing need for next-generation full-service aerial firefighting platforms.

About The Role

Bridger Aerospace is seeking a highly experienced and mission-driven Vice President/Director of People Operations to build, lead, and scale our human resources function across all areas—including talent acquisition, employee relations, organizational development, compliance, compensation, and culture. This leader will be a key member of the senior leadership team, partnering with leadership across operations, maintenance, legal, and finance to support our workforce and drive strategic initiatives in a high-performance and safety-focused environment.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive team on all human capital matters.
• Team Building & Development: Build and lead a high-impact human resources team; mentor HR staff and foster leadership development throughout the organization.
• Talent Strategy: Lead company-wide talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning.
• Culture & Engagement: Champion a culture of accountability, safety, inclusion, and high performance aligned with aviation industry standards.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with all employment laws and aviation industry regulations; oversee internal audits and HR risk mitigation.
• Compensation & Benefits: Oversee competitive and equitable compensation, equity, and benefits programs in line with public company standards.
• Board & Investor Interaction: Collaborate with the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee on executive comp, equity plans, and other governance matters.
• HR Systems & Analytics: Implement modern HR systems and leverage data to drive insights, workforce planning, and continuous improvement.
  
  

Job Requirements

• 10 years of progressive human resources leadership experience, including time as a Director or Head of a Company's People Operations or Human Resources functions.
• Experience in a publicly traded, regulated, or aviation/aerospace environment strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels in a small-to-midsize organization.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. labor laws, HR best practices, and public company compliance.
• Experience managing executive compensation, equity plans, and working with Board Compensation Committees.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication and change management skills.
• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field required; advanced degree or certifications (e.g., SPHR, SHRM-SCP) a plus.
  
  

Benefits and Perks: 

• Industry competitive compensation package
• Company performance-based bonus plan
• Equity stock-based compensation package
• Employer-funded comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents
• 401k with company match
• Employer-funded life and disability insurance coverage
• Heath Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Dependent Care FSA options
  
  

This position is subject to pre-employment background check. Additionally, this position requires attainment of an AOA Badge issued by Bozeman-Yellowstone Int’l Airport.

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings and its family of companies does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, marital status, age, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by federal or state law in matters of employment, promotion, services or activities it operates.