Human Resources Manager

Company Description

Suspire is a pioneering e-commerce marketplace dedicated to making sustainable fashion and cosmetic brands accessible and affordable. Based in India, we believe in empowering a lifestyle shift toward responsible consumption while celebrating individual expression. Our mission is to enable a transition to a responsible economy by promoting products that align with ecological and environmental values. At Suspire, every choice we make—from what we buy to how we express ourselves—reflects our commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Head of Human Resources (HR Head)

Role Overview: The HR Head will spearhead the Human Resources function at Suspire, taking charge of both strategic HR planning and hands-on people operations for our ~25-30 member team. This is a comprehensive HR leadership role that encompasses talent management, organizational development, and HR administration. The HR Head will ensure that HR policies and practices align with the company’s goals and culture, while also handling day-to-day HR tasks such as recruitment, payroll, and performance management. In a growing small business, the HR Head wears multiple hats, acting as a strategic partner to leadership for aligning people strategy with business needs, as well as an advocate for employees, nurturing a positive and productive work environment. They must be adept at resolving personnel issues, driving performance evaluation processes, and managing HR operations end-to-end. The HR must also help with admin work related to the founders office, and family. 

Key Responsibilities:

HR Strategy & Policy Development: Develop and implement HR strategies, policies, and initiatives that align with Suspire’s overall business strategy and values. Regularly update HR policies (leave, benefits, etc.) and ensure employees are informed and compliant. Create a strong positive company culture. 

Recruitment & Talent Acquisition: Manage the full recruitment and selection process for the company. This includes workforce planning with department heads, writing job descriptions, sourcing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding new hires to set them up for success.

Performance Management & Employee Development: Design and oversee a performance appraisal system that drives high performance. Work with managers to set clear KPIs and conduct periodic performance evaluations. Provide guidance on career development plans, training needs, and succession planning for key roles.

Employee Relations & Leadership Alignment: Act as a liaison between upper management and employees, ensuring clear communication and alignment on company objectives. Address and resolve internal conflicts or grievances, and promote healthy employee relations. Work on leadership alignment by facilitating discussions or coaching to ensure the leadership team presents a unified direction.

Compensation, Benefits & HR Operations: Oversee payroll administration, compensation structures, and benefits programs to ensure they are competitive and equitable. Administer employee benefits (health insurance, provident fund, etc.) and manage leave and attendance records. Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing and handle any payroll-related queries or issues.

Culture & Engagement: Nurture a positive working environment and company culture. Initiate employee engagement activities, recognition programs, and team-building efforts to maintain high morale. Advise leadership on fostering a supportive, inclusive workplace where employees feel valued.

Compliance & HR Administration: Ensure legal compliance with all labor laws and employment regulations. Update HR practices in line with local laws and best practices. Maintain confidential HR records and handle HR documentation (employment contracts, HR letters, etc.) diligently. Also, prepare HR reports/metrics for management, providing data-driven insights for decision making.

Admin work: Help with admin work for the founder’s office and family. Assist the founder with any other work that may come your way, regarding admin and HR. 

Qualifications & Experience:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or related field. A Master’s in HR or MBA HR is a plus.

Experience: Around 5–8+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least 2–3 years in an HR manager or HR lead role. Experience in a startup or small company environment is highly valued, since the role requires both strategic thinking and hands-on execution. Familiarity with handling HR for a 20-50 person organization is ideal. Understands technology well. 

HR Expertise: Broad knowledge of all HR functions, talent acquisition, performance management, compensation & benefits, employee relations, HR compliance, and HR policy design. Should be well-versed in performance evaluation methods and in implementing HR best practices that improve employee engagement and retention.

People & Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills with an approachable demeanor. Ability to build trust and rapport with employees at all levels. Strong conflict resolution and coaching skills to mediate issues and guide managers and staff. Clear, empathetic communicator.

Organizational Skills: Outstanding organizational and time management abilities. Capable of handling multiple priorities, from recruiting for open positions to addressing employee concerns, without dropping details. Should maintain accurate records and use HR metrics to inform decisions.

Leadership & Proactivity: A proactive leader who can work closely with top management on organizational planning (e.g., staffing plans, role definitions) while also rolling up their sleeves to execute HR operations. Must be people-oriented and results-driven, able to align HR initiatives with business outcomes.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in HRIS/HRMS systems and common productivity software (e.g., Excel). Comfortable with data analysis related to HR (turnover rates, performance data). Knowledge of payroll software and basic accounting for payroll management is an advantage.

Integrity: High ethical standards and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.