Head of Human Resources

Head of Human Resources

Swift Cargo Pvt. Ltd.

Swift Cargo is a leading International Logistics Company in ocean and air container transportation. We’ve been in this space for over 34 years now with a turnover of about 2500 crores presently. We are present in 5 countries (India, USA, Dubai, Canada, & Thailand) with 20 office & 600+ FTEs. We are leaders in the US- India Trade lane. As Head of Human Resources (HR) for a freight forwarding company like ours, you would be responsible for managing all human capital aspects within the sector's unique, fast-paced, and compliance-heavy environment. This role requires a blend of general HR expertise and specific industry knowledge to address challenges such as employee turnover, skill shortages, step up in productivity and technological adoption.

Core Responsibilities

The Head of HR is crucial for aligning human resource strategies with business objectives. Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic HR Management:

  Developing and implementing HR strategies, policies, and programs that support business goals and the company culture.

• Talent Acquisition and Retention:

  Leading recruitment efforts for specialized roles across operations, documentation, sales, and support, and developing strategies to mitigate high employee turnover common in the logistics sector.

• Performance Management:

  Designing and managing effective performance appraisal systems, aligning appraisal criteria with Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in logistics operations to drive productivity and development.

• Learning and Development:

  Identifying specific training needs (e.g., in WMS, IoT, safety protocols, customs procedures) and coordinating programs to upskill employees to adapt to new technologies and industry trends.

• Compensation and Benefits:

  Designing competitive compensation packages and benefit programs (including health insurance and provident fund coordination) that attract and retain quality talent while managing the HR budget.

• Employee Relations and Culture:

  Fostering a positive, inclusive, and safe work environment, managing grievances, and implementing engagement initiatives to boost morale across multi-location teams.

• Compliance and Administration:

  Ensuring strict compliance with all Indian labour laws and regulations, managing documentation, and overseeing HR operations and systems (HRIS).

Key Skills and Qualifications

Beyond general HR skills, specific expertise is required for the freight forwarding context.

• Experience:

  Typically 10+ years of progressive HR experience, with significant experience in a senior leadership role, ideally within the Freight Forwarding/Logistics/Services industry.

• Education:

  A postgraduate degree (MBA in HR preferred) from a reputed institution.

• Industry-Specific Knowledge:

  A strong understanding of the logistics and freight forwarding business model, including customs procedures, multi-modal transport coordination, and supply chain dynamics would be an added advantage.

• Adaptability to Technology:

  Familiarity with logistics software, HR Information Systems (HRIS), and the ability to drive digitalization within the HR function.

• Communication Skills:

  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with cross-cultural sensitivity, to build relationships with a diverse, multi-location workforce and international stakeholders.

• Problem-Solving:

  Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to handle the fast-paced nature of the industry and unexpected disruptions.

• Compliance Expertise:

  In-depth knowledge of Indian labour laws and regulations