Head of Human Resources

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.

Role Overview 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.

Skills & Experience Required

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