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- Tasks: Lead HR strategy and drive people initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join AESC, a global leader in electric vehicle battery manufacturing and sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a focus on employee wellbeing and inclusion.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for organisational transformation and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of electric mobility and green manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Significant HR leadership experience in manufacturing or related sectors required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 ÂŁ per year.
AESC is a global leader in electric vehicle battery manufacturing and sustainable energy solutions. With major investment into its Sunderland Gigafactory operations, AESC is expanding to support the future of electric mobility, energy storage and green manufacturing in the UK.
The Head of HR will lead the Human Resources function for AESC Sunderland, supporting both existing operations and ongoing Gigafactory expansion. The role will drive people strategy, organisational development, workforce planning, employee engagement, industrial relations, and leadership capability across a fast-paced advanced manufacturing environment. This is a strategic and operational leadership role requiring strong experience within manufacturing, engineering, automotive, energy, or industrial sectors.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic HR Leadership
- Develop and implement the UK HR strategy aligned with AESC’s business growth plans.
- Partner with senior leadership to support organisational transformation and operational excellence.
- Lead workforce planning to support large-scale recruitment and future expansion projects.
- Build a high-performance, inclusive, and safety-focused workplace culture.
- Employee Relations & Industrial Relations
- Lead employee relations strategy within a manufacturing environment.
- Manage negotiations, consultations, and relationships with employee representatives and trade unions.
- Ensure fair and consistent application of policies and procedures.
- Support conflict resolution and complex case management.
- Learning & Development
- Drive leadership development, technical training, apprenticeship, and graduate programmes.
- Build career progression frameworks and talent development pathways.
- Promote continuous learning and skills development across the organisation.
- HR Operations & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Oversee compensation, benefits, payroll collaboration, and HR systems.
- Lead HR reporting, KPI tracking, and people analytics initiatives.
- Ensure robust HR governance, policies, and audit readiness.
- Employee Engagement & Culture
- Champion employee wellbeing, diversity, inclusion, and engagement initiatives.
- Build a collaborative “one team” culture aligned with AESC values.
- Lead communication and change management programmes during business growth.
- Significant senior HR leadership experience within manufacturing, automotive, engineering, logistics, or industrial sectors.
- Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.
- Experience managing HR in a fast-paced operational environment.
- Proven experience in organisational change and business transformation.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Experience within a unionised environment.
- Demonstrated leadership capability with experience leading HR teams.
- Ideally worked in a Global/EMEA/APAC cross border environment.
Head of Human Resources in Sunderland employer: AESC UK
Contact Detail:
AESC UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Human Resources in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the manufacturing and automotive sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching AESC and its values. Understand their approach to employee engagement and culture, so you can showcase how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven HR strategies and managed teams in fast-paced environments. We want to see your impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Human Resources in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of HR role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and HR leadership, and don’t forget to showcase your knowledge of UK employment law. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about the role and how you can contribute to AESC’s mission. Be specific about your achievements in employee engagement and organisational development.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. Share examples of how you've built high-performance teams or managed change in a fast-paced environment. We love seeing how you’ve made a positive impact in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at AESC!
How to prepare for a job interview at AESC UK
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into AESC's mission, values, and recent developments, especially regarding their Sunderland Gigafactory. Understanding their focus on electric mobility and sustainable energy will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your HR Expertise
Be ready to discuss your previous HR leadership experiences, particularly in manufacturing or similar sectors. Prepare specific examples of how you've driven people strategy and organisational development, as this role is all about strategic HR leadership.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in employee relations and industrial relations. Think of scenarios where you've successfully managed negotiations or resolved conflicts, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Style
Since this role involves leading HR teams, articulate your leadership style and how you foster a high-performance culture. Discuss any initiatives you've implemented that promote diversity, inclusion, and employee engagement, as these are key to AESC's values.