Human Resources Lead

Role Overview

The Head of HR will build, drive, and scale all people-related processes in a fast-growing startup environment. This role requires a hands-on leader who can design systems from scratch, set up culture practices, and partner closely with founders to shape the organization’s future.

Key Responsibilities

1. HR Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute HR strategies aligned with business goals.
• Build HR foundations, policies, and frameworks for a scaling startup.
• Act as a strategic advisor to founders on people, culture, and organization structure.

2. Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding

• Build talent acquisition processes and own end-to-end hiring for all functions.
• Partner with leadership to define hiring plans, job descriptions, and interview frameworks.
• Create and drive employer branding initiatives to attract top talent.

3. HR Operations & Compliance

• Set up HR systems (HRMS, ATS, onboarding/offboarding).
• Ensure statutory compliance (PF, ESIC, PT, Shops & Establishment, payroll inputs, etc.).
• Develop and maintain HR SOPs and standardized documentation.

4. People Experience & Culture Building

• Foster a high-performance, transparent, and values-driven culture.
• Design and implement employee engagement programs.
• Build recognition and reward mechanisms suited for a startup environment.

5. Performance Management

• Implement OKR/KRA-based performance management systems.
• Guide managers on goal setting, feedback, productivity and coaching.
• Ensure unbiased, data-driven appraisal cycles.

6. Learning & Development

• Identify skill gaps and create learning pathways for employees.
• Introduce training modules, mentorship programs, and leadership development.

7. Compensation & Benefits

• Build competitive C&B structure aligned with startup budgets.
• Work closely with finance for salary reviews, increments, and payroll accuracy.
• Recommend ESOP structures where applicable.

8. Employee Relations & Conflict Resolution

• Act as a trusted HR partner for employees.
• Manage grievances, disciplinary actions, and workplace ethics with fairness.
• Ensure a safe, compliant, and inclusive work environment (POSH, DEI programs).

Required Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of HR fundamentals across hiring, operations, PMS, and compliance.
• Ability to run HR in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup environment.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
• Experience in building teams and processes from scratch.
• Problem-solving mindset with a balance of empathy and structure.
• Strong knowledge of Indian labor laws.

Qualifications

• MBA/PGDM in HR or equivalent.
• 8–15 years of HR experience (preferably with startup/tech/SME exposure).
• Experience in leading HR independently will be an added advantage.

What the Startup Offers

• Opportunity to build and scale an HR function from the ground up.
• Direct access to founders and decision-making.
• Fast-growth environment with autonomy and ownership.
• Culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.