Head of Human Resources

Job Title: Head of Human Resources - University of York, India Campus

Location: Powai, Mumbai, India

Department: Human Resources

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer – India Campus

Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

The University of York is proud to expand its global presence with the launch of its India Campus. We are seeking a seasoned and visionary HR leader to establish and lead the Human Resources function. This role is central to building a world-class academic and administrative workforce, fostering a high-performance culture, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and university policies. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience from Indian universities, global exposure, and a proven ability to attract top talent from across the globe. A strong understanding of Indian and international accreditation and regulatory frameworks is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the university’s mission and international standards.
• Lead all HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, compensation, and compliance.
• Build and nurture a strong organizational culture that reflects the university’s values and global outlook.
• Partner with academic and administrative leaders to support workforce planning and talent development.
• Drive international recruitment strategies to attract top-tier faculty and staff from around the world.
• Ensure compliance with Indian labor laws, university policies, and accreditation requirements.
• Develop and oversee HR systems, policies, and procedures.
• Manage employee relations and foster a positive, inclusive work environment.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the campus.
• Provide strategic HR insights to senior leadership and contribute to decision-making.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10–15 years of progressive HR experience, with significant exposure to Indian higher education institutions.
• Demonstrated experience in global talent acquisition and international HR practices.
• Proven leadership experience in building and scaling HR functions.
• Strong understanding of Indian labor laws, university HR operations, and accreditation frameworks (e.g., UGC, NAAC, AICTE).
• Familiarity with global regulatory bodies and international accreditation standards.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with HRIS and digital HR tools is a plus.

Required Skills

• Strategic HR Leadership: Ability to align HR strategy with institutional goals and global standards.
• Global Talent Acquisition: Experience in attracting and onboarding international faculty and staff.
• Higher Education Expertise: Deep understanding of HR dynamics in Indian universities.
• Accreditation & Compliance: Knowledge of Indian and international regulatory frameworks and accreditation bodies.
• Organizational Development: Expertise in performance management and leadership development.
• Change Management: Ability to lead HR transformation and manage organizational change.
• Communication & Influence: Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to influence stakeholders.
• Technology Proficiency: Experience with HRIS platforms and digital HR tools.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret HR metrics and drive data-informed decisions.
• Collaboration: Strong team player with the ability to work across departments and cultures.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a prestigious UK university’s pioneering initiative in India.
• Shape the HR function from the ground up in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• Lead global talent strategies in a multicultural academic setting.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Opportunity to influence the future of global education and talent development.