A greener, more sustainable future requires jobs of all kinds: from engineers and scientists to project managers, HR professionals, and skilled technicians. Hitachi Energy has them all.
A global technology leader that is inspiring the next era of sustainable energy, Hitachi powers our homes, schools, hospitals, and factories, among other central hubs. As part of the company’s commitment to sustainable and reliable energy, the Transformers division plays a pivotal role in supporting and advancing the world’s power infrastructure.
For those working within this division, it’s not just about creating state-of-the-art transformer solutions—it’s about being part of a team that’s shaping the future of energy, in whatever role that may be.
We spoke to Ayisha Fryer, an HR Business Partner within Transformers. Here, she shares her journey within Hitachi Energy, the unique challenges of supporting a highly technical team, and how HR plays an essential role in fostering innovation and sustainability. With a deep focus on employee well-being, talent retention, and collaboration, her insights reveal how HR helps drive the success of both people and projects within one of the most cutting-edge sectors in energy today.
How does your HR work contribute to Hitachi Energy’s broader mission of sustainable and reliable power transmission?
I’ve been deeply encouraged by Hitachi Energy’s strategic focus on sustainability. Without a lot of the parts we build, entire power grids could fail. Hitachi Energy has made it a focus to decrease our carbon footprint while also investing directly into communities. My job is about building relationships, both internally and externally, to guarantee to our many stakeholders that we are on track to fulfill our promise of providing environmentally friendly supplies and services.
What skills or qualities do you think are essential for HR professionals supporting highly technical divisions?
Since joining Hitachi Energy, I've had the privilege of collaborating with some of the brightest minds in manufacturing. Working cross-functionally within the Transformers sector has revealed to me just how specialized this field is. The process of building a transformer involves numerous intricate factors. Attracting and retaining the right talent is crucial for our success. Every day, I am dedicated to ensuring that our employees feel safe and supported.
In this profession and field, dedication to the business's needs is paramount. The transformers industry is rapidly expanding and experiencing growth in multiple areas. Given the fast-paced and evolving nature of this sector, HR professionals must be agile in their approach to hiring, retention, and overall employee engagement. Experience in collaborating across different functions within the industry is essential.
Sustainability champion Hitachi Energy earns top scores for Ability to Telecommute, Learning Opportunities, and The People You Work With, all perfect or near perfect ratings. One very satisfied rater says: “Hitachi Energy continues to put DE&I at the front of everything we do. I am proud to work for a company that supports the unique backgrounds of their employees and allows you to bring your full self to work.” Explore employee ratings, company benefits, and open opportunities at Hitachi Energy now!
What excites you most about the future of the Transformers division, and how do you see your work evolving as the business grows and invests in innovation and sustainability?
What excites me the most about the future of the transformers business is the unlimited capacity for growth. With global initiatives that focus on sustainability and safety at the forefront, our company is in a unique position to positively contribute to the rejuvenation and preservation of our planet.
I work at the Alamo, Tennessee, location, where we manufacture bushings, components, and other parts essential for powering transformers. With the expansion of multiple sites across North America, our location has experienced a significant increase in output. Collaborating with various functions across the company to serve our customers is truly exciting. I'm proud to be part of a growing business that now has dedicated resources to research and development. With new technology and sustainability efforts, our business is poised for success.
What do you admire most about the Transformers team you support, and what moments or initiatives stand out as especially meaningful to you?
We've faced our share of challenges. We’ve faced our share of challenges, as any company does that goes through exponential growth. Despite these difficulties, I observed that the resilience of the leaders at the Alamo site helped us navigate tough times. Their passion for quality and their collaborative problem-solving abilities inspired me to work even harder to ensure they were supported. Our team really proved that we can overcome anything.
I've also led several initiatives focused on our company's commitment to diversity and collaboration. As a member and leader of various employee resource groups (ERGs) across the business, I've been able to concentrate on promoting the generation of ideas through diverse perspectives. By incorporating input from employees with varied backgrounds, our company can be a leader in innovation.
What do you wish other women knew about Hitachi Energy, transformers, and working in sustainability?
The future of transformers is promising. I am grateful for the chance to work with such dedicated and experienced leaders throughout the business. As a mom, I eagerly anticipate the company's achievements in sustainability. As a steward of the planet, I am hopeful that our efforts will make a transformative impact on the world.
