Head of HRBP Life Science India

Job Description

The Head of HRBP Life Science India will play a pivotal role in leading and executing strategic people initiatives that align with the business objectives of Merck Life Science in India. This role will involve close collaboration with senior business leaders (MD & ICC) to craft and implement people strategies that drive business performance, foster a high-performance culture, and ensure legal compliance on all HR matters. The Head of HRBP will liaise with global/regional HRBPs and HR solution partners to implement global talent initiatives within India, ensuring the effective alignment of global strategies to the local business needs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic HR Leadership

- Partner with senior business leaders to understand business requirements and develop HR strategies that drive business outcomes.
- Translate business goals into sector-specific HR initiatives that support growth and business transformation.
- Provide insights and influence senior management decisions to foster sustainable business growth and ensure the right HR strategies are implemented to support business goals.

2. Stakeholder Management

- Ensure alignment between the HR function and critical internal stakeholder groups, both within the matrix organization and externally.
- Act as the main point of contact for business leaders and managers regarding HR solutions that contribute to business success.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure HR strategies and initiatives are integrated effectively with other business functions.

3. Team Leadership

- Lead, empower, and inspire a team of HR Business Partners (HRBPs) to meet business targets and ensure effective implementation of people strategies.
- Drive the adoption of a new HR organizational model, including self-services and shared services, ensuring management accountability.
- Build and maintain an effective HR structure to manage business complexity and support the strategic HR journey of the organization.
- Champion HR transformation efforts, fostering a high-performance culture within the HR team and across the business.

4. Talent Management

- Lead workforce planning, talent acquisition, succession planning, and leadership development aligned with business and talent strategy.
- Ensure the development of a robust talent pipeline, with a focus on diversity and inclusion, particularly for business-critical positions.
- Collaborate with Learning & Development (L&D) to create training and development programs that foster continuous learning and enhance talent capabilities.

5. Operational HR Support

- Implement and oversee employee-centric programs related to onboarding, engagement, compensation and benefits, performance management, and labor/employee relations.
- Provide comprehensive HR support for all employee lifecycle solutions in collaboration with Market Solutions Partners, ensuring seamless operations.
- Ensure legal compliance and adherence to HR policies, procedures, and regulations across all HR functions.

6. Change Management

- Guide business leaders through organizational change and cultural transformation efforts, ensuring business success and continuity.
- Lead and drive the execution of organization transformation projects to meet business goals and adapt to market changes.
- Support leadership during change management initiatives, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruption.

7. Data-Driven Decision Making

- Leverage data analytics and people insights to monitor business performance, opportunities, and risks.
- Use multiple data sources to inform people decisions and strategies, helping the business anticipate and respond to challenges.
- Apply state-of-the-art HR practices, technology, and forward-thinking methodologies to enhance employee experience and organizational effectiveness.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

- Business and/or HR-related professional qualification.

Experience

- 15+ years of experience in HR with proven success as an HRBP in strategic business and HR responsibilities.
- Experience in the Healthcare & Life Science sector is highly preferred.
- Leadership experience in a matrix organization, with demonstrated success in influencing and adapting to diverse cultures.
- Proven track record of implementing global people strategies and advising senior leaders on strategic HR decisions.
- Demonstrated ability to manage business growth while aligning HR strategies to business needs.

Skills & Competencies

- Excellent communication skills with the ability to consult, engage, and influence senior business leaders.
- Analytical and data-driven with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable insights and high-impact people strategies.
- Strong business acumen and a hands-on mentality with the ability to align HR deliverables to business requirements.
- Ability to manage complex HR initiatives with a strategic focus while being detail-oriented in execution.
- Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring capabilities to drive HR and business success.
- Cultural adaptability and experience working in diverse and complex business environments.
- Strong understanding of legal compliance and regulatory requirements in HR.

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