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.

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