Moving Talent Across Borders: A Conversation with AES’s Mobility Manager, Charlotte Lebl
At AES, we take pride in more than just placing skilled professionals in the right roles; we’re committed to ensuring their success from the moment they accept a position until they arrive at a client’s site.
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In this Q&A, Charlotte Lebl, our Mobility Team Manager, shares how she coordinates every detail of our employees’ relocation journeys, ensuring a seamless process tailored to each client site’s unique requirements. From navigating complex visa applications to providing cultural guidance and logistical support, Charlotte’s work exemplifies AES’s dedication to delivering unparalleled staffing services in the biotech and engineering industries.
Q: Charlotte, can you tell us about your role at AES and what inspired you to take on the challenge of managing mobility?
Charlotte: My role ensures that employees transition smoothly to their new roles at client sites, often in entirely different countries. From the moment they accept the offer, my team and I manage everything—from visa applications and work permits to arranging travel and accommodations. Recently, I’ve been focusing on documenting processes to improve both employee and client experiences. This includes creating relocation guides tailored to specific countries, covering everything from visa steps to cultural expectations, like what to prepare for in Denmark versus Germany. It’s about building tools that help employees feel confident and supported in their transition, ensuring they’re prepared for both the professional and personal aspects of the move. The dynamic nature of this role, where each day presents new challenges, keeps me inspired. Knowing our efforts directly contribute to project success and employee well-being makes every challenge worthwhile.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience that showcases the complexity and satisfaction of coordinating international deployments?
Charlotte: One of the most rewarding experiences was relocating a team of specialists to a site in Denmark with unique challenges. This project involved managing last-minute changes in visa regulations, arranging accommodations in a competitive housing market, and ensuring the team thoroughly understood cultural expectations. We provided step-by-step guidance, from navigating local legal requirements to offering resources on Danish workplace customs. Seeing the team adapt quickly and deliver exceptional results in such a high-stakes environment was incredibly fulfilling.
On the other hand, coordinating a last-minute relocation to Asia was pretty challenging. Just days before departure, we encountered unexpected regulatory changes that required us to revise the entire visa process, secure new documentation, and adjust travel schedules. Despite the stress, our team’s ability to act swiftly and maintain clear communication with all parties ensured that the relocation was ultimately successful. Moments like these highlight both the complexity and the critical importance of a proactive and adaptable approach to mobility management.
We overcome these challenges by maintaining strong communication channels and taking a proactive approach. Our team stays up-to-date with regulatory changes and works closely with our legal advisors to ensure compliance. On the human side, we’re always available to answer questions and address concerns, offering reassurance every step of the way.
Q: How does AES ensure a smooth onboarding process for new hires, especially those slated for relocation?
Charlotte: For new hires who are expected to relocate, the process starts as soon as they join our team—and sometimes even before. It involves a collaboration between multiple departments. Sales prepares them from a technical standpoint, ensuring their resumes are polished and ready for client interviews. On my side and HR’s, we focus on preparing them for what to expect during the relocation process and after arrival. This includes extensive documentation work—employment contracts, relocation allowance policies, and visa applications. Recently, I’ve been focusing on documenting processes to improve both employee and client experiences, creating relocation guides tailored to specific countries. These guides cover visa steps, cultural expectations, and logistical support—offering tools that help employees feel confident and supported in their transition. Knowing that our work directly contributes to project success and employee well-being makes every challenge worthwhile.
Our goal is to ensure they’re not only compliant and ready but also feel supported every step of the way.
Also, I’m a German citizen, and I get to use my German language skills in this role, which is something I’ve never had the opportunity to do in a work environment before. It’s a small perk but also a really lovely part of the job.
Q: How does AES’s approach to relocation benefit our clients?
Charlotte: Our clients gain peace of mind knowing that their employees are supported by an experienced team. This allows them to focus on their core operations without worrying about the logistics of getting their resources on-site. Additionally, our emphasis on compliance and efficiency ensures that projects can start on time without delays caused by administrative hurdles. The success of our efforts can also be measured by the number of successful relocations we complete. While we don’t track KPIs in the traditional sense, seeing projects proceed smoothly and receiving positive feedback from both AES employees and our clients is a strong indicator of our impact.
Q: What makes relocation management at AES different from other companies?
Charlotte: At AES, we don’t see relocation as a transactional process; it’s a partnership. We’re involved in every step, ensuring compliance with local regulations and adapting to unique client needs. What truly sets us apart is our personalized approach. We do pretty much everything for our employees—we don’t just provide financial support without offering direct guidance or assistance. It’s a process where we’re with them every step of the way, taking that burden off their shoulders. Having experienced relocations myself as a child, I know how overwhelming it can be, and that’s why we aim to make it as seamless as possible for our employees and their families.
At AES, we don’t just provide financial support and leave employees to navigate their relocations alone. We’re with them every step of the way, from securing visas to coordinating travel and housing. When I was growing up I watched my father have to relocate us for his work often, he was also an engineer in biotech. And I watched him juggle relocation logistics on his own for himself and my family–I didn’t just see the struggles he dealt with but experienced them firsthand. It’s what really shaped how I approach this role and interact with our employees. I want them to focus on their work and new environment, not the stress of moving. It’s my hope that the personalized care and time we invest in each relocation make a difference in the end.
Managing mobility is at the heart of AES’s commitment to creating smoother transitions for both employees and clients. Charlotte’s team works tirelessly to ensure seamless relocation, tackling challenges like regulatory hurdles and last-minute adjustments with care and precision. This holistic approach ensures that employees are well-prepared not just for their roles but for life in a new environment, easing the stress of moving and allowing them to focus on their work.
If you want to learn more about AES’s staffing services and how we manage mobility with unmatched expertise, visit AES Staffing Services.