Human Resources Business Partner

AESC is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. With significant growth plans in Sunderland, AESC is expanding its workforce to support the transition to sustainable mobility and the future of battery manufacturing.

The HR Business Partner (HRBP) will act as a trusted partner to operational and functional leaders, driving the people agenda across designated business areas. The role will support organisational growth, workforce planning, employee relations, talent management, engagement, performance, and change initiatives while ensuring compliance with UK employment legislation and company policies.

The HRBP will play a key role in supporting a high-performance culture within a manufacturing environment and enabling leaders to effectively manage and develop their teams.

• Partner with senior managers and department leaders to deliver people strategies aligned to business objectives
• Provide expert HR advice and guidance on workforce planning, organisational design, succession planning, and capability development
• Support organisational change initiatives including restructures, business transformation, and growth projects
• Analyse workforce metrics and trends to drive informed business decisions

• Lead and support complex employee relations cases including disciplinary, grievance, absence management, performance management, and investigations
• Ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant application of HR policies and procedures
• Build strong working relationships with employee representatives and trade unions where applicable
• Minimise business risk through proactive management of employee relations issues

• Support managers in driving a high-performance culture
• Facilitate performance review and development processes
• Identify talent, succession, and development opportunities across the organisation
• Coach managers in effective people management practices

• Partner with recruitment teams and stakeholders to support attraction and retention strategies
• Contribute to workforce planning activities to ensure capability aligns with business growth requirements
• Support onboarding initiatives to improve employee integration and retention

• Lead employee engagement initiatives and action plans
• Act as a champion for company values and employee experience

• Participate in local and global HR projects
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across HR processes and systems
• Contribute to HR reporting and people analytics

• Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation and internal policies
• Support audits, compliance reviews, and reporting requirements
• Maintain accurate employee records and HR documentation

• Experience operating as an HR Business Partner, Senior HR Advisor, or equivalent role
• Strong employee relations experience with the ability to manage complex cases independently
• Experience supporting operational leaders within a fast‑paced environment
• Manufacturing, automotive, engineering, logistics, FMCG, or equivalent industry experience preferred
• Strong understanding of UK employment law
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Proven ability to coach and challenge managers constructively
• Experience supporting change management and organisational development initiatives
• Proficiency using HR systems and Microsoft Office applications