Associate Director People Operations

Job DescriptionJob Title: Associate Director – People OperationsLocation: Bangalore. Hybrid, 4 days/week WFO.Experience: 15+ YearsRole OverviewWe are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Associate Director – People Operations to lead and scale the HR Operations, Admin, and Employee Experience functions in India. This role is both strategic and hands-on, acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership while also driving operational excellence and people-first initiatives on the ground. Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Partnership & Business Alignment- Act as a strategic partner to key executives and function heads to align HR operations and people initiatives with broader business goals. - Develop a deep understanding of business and functional strategies to proactively support talent, operations - Identify workforce trends and provide solutions that enhance performance, engagement, and productivity.HR Operations & Process Improvement- Lead end-to-end HR operations across the employee lifecycle including onboarding, exits, HR systems, compliance, and policy governance. - Champion process improvements to optimize workflows, reduce friction, and scale HR services effectively. - Manage the implementation and long-term success of Workday HRMS in India. - Track key metrics including operational efficiency and Quality of Hire, and act on feedback from hiring managers and employees.Compliance:Ensure adherence to statutory and regulatory compliance across India (e.g., labor laws, Shops & Establishment Acts, POSH, PF etc.).Liaise with external consultants and legal advisors on audits, inspections, and government reporting.Own compliance dashboards, risk mitigation plans, and periodic policy reviewsPayroll & Benefits:Lead monthly payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with finance and tax requirements.Oversee employee benefits administration (health insurance, gratuity, provident fund, etc.)Work closely with finance and external vendors to ensure year-end processes (form 16, tax declarations, etc.) are smooth and error-free.Policy Development & Compliance- Develop and enforce company policies that are compliant, scalable, and aligned with company culture and goals. - Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Indian labor laws and manage compliance audits. - Conduct training and communication to promote awareness and policy adoption.Employee Engagement - Lead the planning and execution of employee engagement programs including milestone celebrations, cultural events - Use surveys and feedback loops to continuously evolve engagement initiatives and employee experiences.Administration, Travel & Infrastructure- Lead the Admin and Travel functions, managing vendor relationships, cost control, and service quality. - Oversee office expansion and workplace readiness projects, ensuring alignment with headcount and growth plans. - Ensure safety, compliance, and operational excellence across all facilities.Team Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration- Lead and mentor a high-performing team across HR Operations and Administration. - Foster a culture of accountability, service excellence, and development. - Engage effectively with stakeholders across HR, Legal, Finance, and Business to align on priorities and resolve escalations.Required Qualifications- 15+ years of experience in HR Operations, Admin, or People Programs with progressive leadership responsibility. - Proven experience as a strategic HR partner to leadership teams. - Strong background in policy creation, compliance, payroll, and process optimization. - Hands-on experience in implementing and managing HRMS platforms (preferably Workday). - Strong people management and vendor management capabilities. - Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.Preferred Attributes- Strategic thinker with a proactive, can-do attitude. - Comfortable operating in fast-paced, dynamic environments. - Ability to roll up your sleeves while leading large-scale programs. - Creative problem-solver with a bias toward action and out-of-the-box thinking. - High ownership mindset with advancement capabilities and a drive to continuously improve.