Manager – HR & Admin

Job Title: Manager – HR & Admin

Location: Chennai
Department: Human Resources & Administration
Reports To: Founder / COO

About Makoba

Makoba is India’s leading destination for luxury writing instruments, fine stationery, and curated lifestyle accessories. As we expand our retail network and strengthen internal teams, we are looking for a strong HR & Admin professional who can build processes, support people, and ensure smooth operations across the organisation.

This role plays a key part in shaping Makoba’s culture, improving employee experience, and ensuring operational excellence across stores and corporate functions.

Role Overview

The Manager – HR & Admin will be responsible for the complete HR lifecycle — from talent acquisition and onboarding to employee engagement, retention, performance processes, and compliance.
Additionally, this role manages administration, travel, logistics, office coordination, vendor interactions, and operational support across Makoba locations.

You will be the central point of contact for all people and admin needs — ensuring that employees feel supported, operations remain seamless, and the organisational culture continues to grow positively.

Key Responsibilities

1. Talent Acquisition & Recruitment

• Manage end-to-end hiring for retail, operations, marketing, and leadership roles.
• Source candidates through job portals, networks, LinkedIn, and internal databases.
• Conduct screening calls, evaluate communication and role-fit, and coordinate further interview rounds.
• Handle offer rollouts, negotiations, documentation, and closing the hiring process.
• Maintain updated hiring trackers, candidate pipelines, and recruitment reporting.

Outcome: Build strong teams with the right skills, attitude, and culture fit.

2. Onboarding, Integration & Employee Experience

• Conduct structured onboarding and induction programs for new employees.
• Track probation and confirmations with department heads.
• Maintain employee files, documentation, and HRMS accuracy.
• Regularly interact with employees to understand concerns, provide support, and enhance engagement.
• Conduct exit interviews and ensure respectful, complete offboarding processes.

Outcome: Ensure every employee’s journey at Makoba is smooth, organised, and meaningful.

3. Employee Engagement & Retention

• Plan monthly engagement initiatives, celebrations, team activities, and recognition programs.
• Drive culture-building conversations, develop team cohesion, and create a positive work environment.
• Partner with store managers and team leaders to understand employee morale and support needs.
• Implement strategies to reduce attrition and improve employee satisfaction.

Outcome: A motivated, committed, and high-performing workforce.

4. Performance Management & Development

• Support leadership in implementing KRAs, KPIs, and performance review cycles.
• Coordinate mid-year and annual evaluations.
• Assist teams with goal-setting and performance improvement plans when needed.
• Identify training needs and support organisation-wide skill development initiatives.

Outcome: A structured performance culture built on clarity, fairness, and growth.

5. HR Operations, Policies & Compliance

• Draft, review, and implement HR policies and SOPs.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements (PF, ESI, PT, Shops & Establishments Act, etc.).
• Maintain attendance systems, leave records, and disciplinary frameworks.
• Prepare HR reports for management review when required.

Outcome: A compliant, well-documented, smoothly functioning HR system.

6. Administration & Operational Support

• Manage travel bookings — flights, hotels, local logistics — for staff and management.
• Coordinate with vendors for office supplies, store requirements, and admin purchases.
• Ensure maintenance of office equipment, cleanliness, utilities, and day-to-day operations.
• Manage courier dispatches, documentation, inventory of stationery, and admin materials.
• Provide logistical support for store launches, events, meetings, and training programs.

Outcome: Seamless, well-managed administrative systems across the organisation.

7. Leadership & Confidential Support

• Act as a trusted advisor to the founder and leadership team for HR & Admin matters.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and employee matters.
• Support execution of organisational initiatives, culture programs, and special projects.

Outcome: Strong leadership support that elevates organisational efficiency.

Required Skills & Competencies

• 4–8 years of experience in HR & Admin (Retail experience preferred).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High levels of organisation, discipline, and time management.
• Ability to multitask and handle pressure with maturity.
• Problem-solving mindset and people-sensitive approach.
• Good understanding of HR processes, statutory requirements, and documentation.
• Proficiency in MS Office, HRMS tools, and Google Workspace.

Who Will Succeed in This Role

· A professional who is reliable, organised, and naturally solutions-focused.

· Someone who enjoys engaging with people and contributing to a positive, harmonious workplace.

· A person who can balance clear processes with empathy and good judgment.

· Someone who works independently, takes ownership, and follows through with discipline.

· An individual who is confident being the primary point of contact for HR and administrative needs.

· Someone who thrives in fast-paced environments and can adapt quickly to changing priorities.

· A person who is comfortable handling sensitive information with confidentiality and maturity.

· Someone who communicates clearly and confidently with employees at all levels.

· A professional who enjoys creating streamlined systems, improving processes, and bringing structure to operations.

· Someone who believes in building strong workplace culture and fostering trust within teams.

· A person who takes initiative, anticipates needs, and solves problems before they escalate.

· Someone who is resourceful, proactive, and willing to go the extra mile to support the organisation.

Why Join Makoba

• Work with one of India’s most respected luxury pen brand.
• High exposure role overseeing both HR and Admin functionalities.
• Opportunity to build processes, culture, and systems from the ground up.
• Collaborative and growth-focused work environment.
• Direct visibility to leadership and meaningful career development.

Apply Now

If you are passionate about building great teams, supporting people, and ensuring operational excellence, we’d love to meet you.
Join Makoba and be part of a brand that values creativity, craftsmanship, and human connection.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ₹32,000.00 - ₹38,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Leave encashment
• Provident Fund

Application Question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have in HR and/or Admin roles? Please specify both separately.
• Have you handled end-to-end recruitment (sourcing, screening, interviews, offers)? Yes/No
• Are you comfortable managing both HR and Admin responsibilities independently? Yes/No
• We are looking to onboard this role immediately. Are you willing to join us ASAP?
• Are you from Chennai?

Work Location: In person