Head - HR, Industrial Relations and Administration

Our client, in business for more than 3 decades, is into manufacturing of forged and machined components in Thirumazhisai - Sidco Inustrial Estate is looking for Head of HR & Administration

Position: Head of HR & Administration Forging & Machining Industries Qualification: MBA/MSW with 15-20 years of experience (Mechanical Manufacturing industry preferred)

Position Overview

The Head of HR & Administration will lead the human resources and administrative functions across forging and machining operations, serving as a strategic partner to the leadership team. This role is responsible for shaping workforce strategy, driving organizational culture, and ensuring compliance with labour laws and industry standards. The position plays a pivotal role in aligning people practices with operational excellence, workplace safety, and long-term business growth.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic HR Leadership

• Define and execute HR strategy aligned with organizational goals and manufacturing priorities.
• Partner with the Managing Director/Plant Head to forecast manpower needs and support capacity expansion.
• Lead organizational development initiatives to strengthen culture, engagement, and retention.

2. Talent Management

• Oversee recruitment, succession planning, and leadership development programs.
• Build strong pipelines for skilled trades (forging operators, machinists, metallurgists) and technical talent.
• Drive performance management systems that reward productivity, innovation, and accountability.

3. Industrial Relations & Compliance

• Maintain employee attendance, leave records, and timesheets.
• Coordinate with payroll for monthly salary processing.
• Monitor absenteeism and implement corrective measures.
• Manage labour relations, union negotiations, and grievance handling with fairness and transparency.
• Ensure compliance with labour laws, statutory requirements, and customer audit expectations (ISO, AS9100).
• Establish robust policies for discipline, attendance, and workforce conduct.

4. Employee Engagement & Welfare

• Design and implement engagement frameworks to boost morale and reduce attrition.
• Oversee welfare programs including health, insurance, and employee assistance.
• Drive initiatives to improve workplace safety and well-being in collaboration with EHS teams.

5. Governance & Reporting

• Lead HR audits, compliance reviews, and reporting to senior management.
• Track and present HR KPIs (attrition, absenteeism, training hours, grievance resolution).
• Implement digital HR systems (ERP/MES integration) for transparency and efficiency.

6. Administration

• Oversee office administration, housekeeping, security, and facility management.
• Manage vendor coordination for stationery, office supplies, and maintenance services.
• Handle travel arrangements, guest management, and company events.
• Monitor canteen, transport, and PPE issuance in factory environments.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field.
• 15+ years of HR experience in manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven expertise in industrial relations, workforce planning, and organizational development.
• Strong knowledge of labour laws, compliance frameworks, and HR best practices in heavy engineering industries.
• Experience managing large-scale workforces (unionized and non-unionized).
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Competencies

• Strategic Vision:

  Ability to align HR practices with long-term business and operational goals.

• Industrial Relations Mastery:

  Skilled in managing unions, negotiations, and conflict resolution.

• Leadership Development

  : Focused on building future leaders and technical talent pipelines.

• Operational Agility:

  Capable of handling manpower surges, production-linked HR challenges, and audits.

• Integrity & Fairness:

  Builds trust through transparent and ethical HR practices.

Salary:

Best in the industry (Depends on current salary and experience)