Human Resources Generalist

About SmalBlu

SmalBlu is an AI platform that autonomously optimizes enterprise data infrastructure. By leveraging a combination of LLM-driven agentic systems alongside proprietary optimization and compression technologies, SmalBlu enables enterprises to achieve up to 40% savings on cloud costs, a 70% reduction in manual tuning efforts, 30% faster query performance, and a 35% lower carbon footprint - all while unlocking actionable data ecosystem intelligence for CXOs. Our primary focus is on the BFSI and ICT sectors.

We're backed by some of the top accelerator programs globally, have raised from notable investors in India, and have technology partnerships with leading global platforms. We're scaling fast.

The Role -

We're looking for a mission-driven, ownership-oriented individual to join our founding team as HR & Operations Lead. You'll be the first dedicated hire for this function, working directly with the current founding team to build our people and operations function from scratch.

This is not a checkbox role. You'll shape culture, drive hiring, coordinate compliance, and ensure our operations run smoothly as we scale together.

What You'll Do

People & Culture

• Own end-to-end recruitment: sourcing, screening, interviewing, and onboarding
• Build and maintain employee databases, documentation, and HR records
• Drive culture initiatives: team events, offsites, engagement activities
• Develop and implement HR policies including POSH, leave, and performance frameworks
• Be the go-to person for employee queries and concerns

Operations & Compliance

• Coordinate with our legal counsel on compliance matters (national and international)
• Manage administrative operations: vendors, office logistics, documentation
• Maintain compliance records and ensure regulatory adherence
• Support investor relations and fundraising operations as needed

Outreach & External Relations

• Build and maintain databases for partnerships, clients, and ecosystem connections
• Support external communications and relationship management

Who You Are

Must Have

• MBA/PGDM in HR, Operations, or equivalent degree from a recognized institution
• OR 1-2 years of experience in HR/Operations, preferably in a startup environment
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• High ownership mentality - you see problems and solve them without being asked
• Ability to work in ambiguity and build processes from scratch

• Long-term commitment - we're looking for someone to grow with us

Nice to Have

• Experience with AI/productivity tools (ChatGPT, Notion, Airtable, etc.)
• Previous startup experience or founder's office role
• Familiarity with Indian labor laws and compliance frameworks
• Event planning and community building experience

What We Offer

• Work on a meaningful, climate-positive product that's reducing enterprise carbon footprint
• Access to a strong ecosystem network: IIMs, IITs, BITS, top VCs, and enterprise leaders
• Opportunity to build a function from the ground up - your role will evolve as we grow
• Rapid career growth as we scale
• Hybrid work setup with flexibility

Details

Location: Ahmedabad preferred (Hybrid/Remote possible)

Type: Full-Time

Start Date: January 2026

Experience: Fresh MBA or 1-2 years relevant experience

Compensation: ₹1.8 - 3.6 LPA to start, scaling to ₹6 LPA post-probation based on performance, plus additional benefits

How to Apply

Apply via this link: https://forms.gle/7wbxZRXJrE6TuMtw6

or

Send your resume and a brief note on why you are the right fit to build SmalBlu's people function to: garv@smalblu.ai

Subject: HR & Operations Lead - [Your Name]