HR Manager – Ibaraki Plant (IK)

Company DescriptionAESC is a global leader in developing and manufacturing high-performance batteries for electric vehicles (EV) and energy storage systems (ESS). Headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and founded in 2007, AESC has established a robust global presence through its gigafactories in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, and China. Recognized as a Global Tier 1 Battery Manufacturer and ranked among the top in energy storage cell shipments, AESC is trusted by reputed automotive and renewable energy companies like BMW, Nissan, Renault, and others. With advanced technology, unmatched safety standards, and a diverse team of over 14,000 professionals, AESC continues to deliver innovative battery solutions that power over one million EVs and provide energy storage capacity in 60+ countries worldwide.Role DescriptionThe HR Manager at the Ibaraki Plant (IK) is the senior-most HR leader on-site, responsible for designing and executing human capital strategies that support business growth, workforce stability, and operational excellence. This role is pivotal in enabling the mass production of EV batteries and scaling the workforce to meet AESC’s aggressive expansion in Japan and globally.Key Responsibilities:1. HR Leadership & Business AlignmentServe as a core member of the IK Plant leadership team.Align HR strategies with plant-level and global business objectives, including production volume targets.Lead organizational development initiatives during ramp-up of new production lines and facility expansion.2. Workforce Planning & Organizational DesignDrive workforce planning for direct and indirect labor.Develop and implement manpower strategies based on capacity, budget, and operational needs.Oversee organizational structure and job design to meet evolving business requirements.3. Talent Acquisition & RetentionSet recruitment strategy and partner with external agencies and internal recruiters to ensure timely hiring.Develop workforce pipelines in collaboration with local schools, governments, and training institutions.Oversee retention strategies including career development, succession planning, and job rotation.4. Labor Relations & EHS ComplianceMaintain a positive and compliant labor environment.Interface with union representatives (if applicable) and ensure alignment with Japanese labor laws.Partner with EHS team to promote safe work environments and monitor compliance practices.5. Employee Engagement & Culture BuildingChampion AESC’s culture of innovation, craftsmanship, and ESG.Lead plant-wide communication and engagement initiatives.Act as key advisor to management on employee relations and workplace climate.6. Performance Management & LearningOversee deployment of performance appraisal and goal setting systems.Ensure timely implementation of employee evaluation cycles and promotion assessments.Promote skill-building initiatives, especially for production staff.7. Budget & HR OperationsManage HR department budget, headcount targets, and operating costs.Oversee accurate and timely HR data reporting and compliance with audits.Monitor key HR KPIs: turnover, absenteeism, headcount vs. budget, overtime levels, etc.Qualifications:Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business, or related field.At least 10 years of HR experience, with minimum 5 years in a leadership role.Strong knowledge of Japan labor law and best practices in manufacturing HR.Experience in high-growth, high-scale production environments preferred.Bilingual (Japanese native/fluent; English business level).If this opportunity excites you, we’d love to hear from you—feel free to apply or reach out with any questions!