Head of HR

Job Description

Head of HR - Job Description Position: Head of HR JobType: Senior Level Reporting to: CEO Department: HR Job Type: Full-Time Mode of Work: Work From Office Location: Kerala Technology Innovation Zone, Kalamassery, Kochi Position Summary As we scale, EyeROV seeks an experienced and dynamic Head of HR to lead our HR function in Kochi. The ideal candidate will design and drive Employee experience, Talent attraction and acquisition, employee engagement, payroll compliance and have a seat at the table to impact business goals. This role requires strategic thinking, tactical approaches to business problems, hands-on execution, and a passion for fostering an inclusive and innovative work environment. The Head of HR will have direct reports. Responsibilities Talent Acquisition Employer Branding Define and drive the organizations talent strategy, ensuring alignment with business growth objectives. Lead workforce planning and talent forecasting to support scaling and long-term business needs. Strengthen employer branding through digital platforms and community engagement to attract top talent. Develop partnerships with academic institutions and recruitment agencies for talent pipelines. Employee Engagement Culture Shape and champion an organizational culture that aligns with company values and business goals. Drive employee engagement initiatives, fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performance culture. Facilitate team-building activities, recognition programs, and employee wellness initiatives. Conduct regular pulse surveys to proactively address employee concerns and improve satisfaction. Establish and implement data-driven employee experience strategies to enhance retention and productivity. HR Policies, Compliance Process Improvement Ensure compliance with employment laws, safety regulations, and statutory requirements. Develop, implement, and regularly update HR policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Evaluate and implement HR tech solutions to optimize processes, analytics, and decision-making. Streamline HR processes using technology and data-driven approaches for efficiency. Organizational Development Change Management Design and execute HR strategies to support business transformation, mergers, or restructuring. Develop frameworks for organizational agility, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Facilitate leadership development programs to prepare future business leaders. Performance Management Career Development Oversee a transparent and effective performance management system, including goal setting, feedback, and appraisals. Identify training needs and implement learning and development programs to support career growth. Mentor managers and leaders to enhance team leadership and foster employee development. Introduce competency frameworks and career progression pathways for leadership and technical roles. Strategic HR Leadership Partner with the executive leadership team to influence business strategy through people initiatives. Provide strategic guidance on workforce planning, organizational development, and succession planning. Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Monitor industry trends and HR best practices to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge. Team Development Build a high-performing HR function by developing a strong, strategic, and execution-driven HR team. Lead, mentor, and develop the HR team to drive operational excellence. Foster a continuous learning environment for the HR function. Define and measure key HR metrics to drive data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. Expected Qualifications Non-Negotiable Qualifications 8+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including a proven track record in leading HR strategy and organizational transformation. At least 3 years of experience in an HR leadership role (reporting to the CHRO/MD/CEO or similar executive roles) within high-growth SME/startup environments, with expertise in scaling organizations and driving cultural change. Proven experience in scaling teams, managing employee belonging, and designing HR processes and systems. Deep expertise in workforce planning, change management, and leadership development. Working knowledge of labour laws, compliance, and HR best practices. Excellent communication skills in English and Malayalam. Strategic mindset with the ability to partner with senior leadership to drive business goals through HR initiatives. Proficiency in HRMS tools and basic business IT tools. Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with experience using HR data and metrics for strategic planning. Desirable Qualifications MBA or Master s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field strongly preferred. Experience in the Embedded Systems industry, though not mandatory. About EyeROV EyeROV is Indias first indigenous manufacturer of commercial underwater drones/ROVs, headquartered in Kochi, Kerala. As a pioneering force in deep-tech and robotics for the marine and energy sectors, EyeROV has delivered world-class solutions to esteemed clients like BPCL, DRDO, Indian Railways, Maersk, and NHDC. Backed by investors such as GAIL, BPCL, and Kochouseph Chittilappilly, and supported by Maker Village and Kerala Startup Mission, EyeROV continues to scale innovation. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the National Startup Award 2021 and Best Tech Design Award 2020, EyeROV is driven by cutting-edge technology and visionary leadership such as that of Johns T Mathai (IIT Delhi) and Kannappa Palaniappan P (IIT Madras). EyeROV was also selected as one of the Top 6 Startups of the yearIndywoods Billionaires Club, Top 8 Industrial Start-ups of India from IIGP 2018 organised by Lockheed Martin, MIT, TATA Trust, IIMA and DST and has represented India in the USA and Japan for various startup events. More about us at: https://www.eyerov.com ***