HR Operations Manager - Kentucky

Job description

About Us

Contemporary Amperex Technology Kentucky (CATK) is the U.S. battery manufacturing subsidiary of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL). CATL is a global leader in the research, development, and manufacturing of advanced battery energy storage systems for electric vehicles, grid-scale, and maritime applications. We are committed to delivering innovative solutions that support the global transition to clean energy.

Our Vision To become a globally leading innovative technology corporation, contribute meaningfully to sustainable energy solutions, and provide a platform that supports both the professional and personal growth of our employees.

Job Overview

To better serve the global auto industry electric vehicle trend in the United States, CATL, through its U.S.-based subsidiary, CATK, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior HR Operations Manager with a strong background in manufacturing and technical consulting service to join our team. The ideal candidate will have comprehensive experience in building and scaling HR infrastructure, optimizing HR processes, managing HR systems (HRIS), ensuring compliance, and overseeing total rewards and daily HR service delivery.

This role is critical in driving operational excellence and ensuring that our HR frameworks sustainably support our rapid growth within a manufacturing environment.

Essential Functions

HR Operations & Process Optimization: HR Process Engineering: Design, implement, and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the entire employee lifecycle, from onboarding to offboarding.

Service Delivery

Establish and manage an efficient HR service delivery model to provide timely and accurate support to plant employees and management.

Onboarding & Offboarding

Oversee the structural setup of orientation programs and exit processes, ensuring a seamless experience and gathering actionable data from exit interviews.

HR Systems & Data Analytics

HRIS Management: Act as the primary owner of the HR Information System (HRIS), ensuring employee record data integrity, system upgrades, and seamless integration with other internal platforms.

Data & Reporting

Develop and maintain HR dashboards and analytics (e.g., headcount, turnover, overtime, time-to-fill) to provide actionable insights to plant leadership and the global HQ.

Automation

Identify opportunities to automate administrative tasks to increase the efficiency of the local HR team.

Compliance & Risk Management

Policy Development: Draft, update, and implement the employee handbook and company policies to ensure alignment with federal, state, and local labor laws.

Audit Readiness

Conduct regular internal audits of employee records, I-9s, FLSA classifications, and timekeeping practices to mitigate legal risks.

Health & Safety Support

Partner with the EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) team to support the administrative and reporting requirements of safety programs and worker’s compensation claims.

Benefits

Administration: Oversee the day-to-day administration of employee benefit programs (health, retirement, leave of absence, FMLA) and manage annual open enrollment processes.

Payroll Collaboration

Partner closely with the Finance/Payroll department to ensure accurate time-and-attendance tracking and resolve any payroll discrepancies for manufacturing staff.

Compensation Structures

Support the structural execution of merit increases, bonus payouts, and market salary benchmarking for manufacturing and engineering roles.

Employee Relations & Frameworks

Escalation Point: Serve as the senior point of contact for complex employee relations issues and formal grievances, ensuring fair and consistent resolutions.

Disciplinary Frameworks

Establish clear frameworks and documentation standards for performance improvement plans (PIPs), disciplinary actions, and terminations.

Team Leadership & Strategic Alignment

Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of HR coordinators and generalists to deliver top-tier HR operational support.

Strategic Collaboration

Partner with the Plant Director and global HR leadership to ensure operational capabilities align with the company’s long-term production goals and missions.

Change Management

Drive communication and training regarding new HR systems, policies, or operational shifts across the manufacturing facility.

Local community communication and relationship development

Assist active connections with local community stakeholders and understand the needs and wants of local society, facilitate the company to be a responsible corporate citizen. Work Environment & Physical Requirements Regular, predictable on-site attendance is an essential function of this role. Ability to move throughout offices, manufacturing facilities, and construction areas, including walking, standing, bending, kneeling, and climbing stairs or ladders.

Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 25–50 pounds, with occasional heavier lifting as required. Ability to work in varied environments, including offices, industrial, and construction settings. Willingness to travel to other job sites as business needs require. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with applicable law.

Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Paid time off and company holidays. Professional development and growth opportunities. Equal Employment Opportunity CATK is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Employment Disclaimer This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. CATK reserves the right to modify, revise, or add job responsibilities as business needs evolve. Employment with CATK is at-will, meaning either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

Export Control & Data Security Compliance This position may involve access to sensitive systems or information subject to U.S. export control and data security regulations. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s ability to comply with applicable laws and company policies related to data protection and controlled information access.