Head of Human Resources

Position: Head – Human ResourcesLocation: GurugramType: Full-time | Senior Leadership RoleAbout the InstitutionEstablished in 1999 as a not-for-profit, co-educational institution, the organization has grown into one of India's most reputed learning communities, spread across multiple campuses and serving thousands of students and educators.Renowned for its progressive, experiential, and interdisciplinary pedagogy, the school system integrates national and international curricula (National Board, Cambridge, and IB) with its organically developed learning framework that encourages authentic, values-driven education.With a strong focus on teacher empowerment, inclusive education, and community engagement, the institution has consistently been ranked among the top day schools in India. Its commitment to professional learning ensures that educators grow as facilitators, curriculum designers, and leaders, contributing meaningfully to the larger learning ecosystem.Position SummaryThe Head – Human Resources will lead all people operations across the institution, ensuring strategic alignment between HR initiatives and the organization's educational vision.This role demands a seasoned HR professional who can blend strategic thinking with operational excellence, cultivating a culture of growth, accountability, inclusivity, and well-being for all staff members.Key Responsibilities1. Talent Acquisition & Workforce Planning- Oversee the complete recruitment lifecycle — from manpower planning and sourcing to onboarding.- Design and implement talent acquisition strategies to attract and retain top educators and administrative professionals.- Develop job descriptions, KPIs, and evaluation criteria aligned with organizational goals.- Build strong partnerships with recruitment agencies and institutions to create a sustainable talent pipeline.- Ensure all hiring practices comply with labour regulations and institutional diversity standards.2. Employee Retention & Engagement- Develop and execute strategies for employee retention, recognition, and professional growth.- Maintain proactive attrition tracking and collaborate with leadership to identify and address early warning signals.- Organize employee engagement, team-building, and wellness initiatives to strengthen morale and organizational belonging.- Lead employee satisfaction surveys and implement action plans based on feedback.3. Performance Management & Professional Growth- Implement and monitor performance management systems that align individual goals with institutional objectives.- Guide department heads and mentors on effective performance feedback and appraisal processes.- Design teacher career growth paths, mentorship models, and succession planning frameworks.- Drive the development of a skill–will matrix for capability building and growth planning.4. Learning & Development- Conduct annual training needs assessments and collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to design training interventions.- Partner with internal and external trainers to deliver impactful programs on pedagogy, leadership, and communication.- Evaluate training effectiveness and continuously refine programs to meet evolving institutional needs.- Ensure mandatory training compliance (POSH, POCSO, safeguarding, etc.).5. HR Operations, Policies & Compliance- Develop, implement, and communicate HR policies aligned with legal requirements and institutional ethos.- Oversee attendance, leave, and payroll management in coordination with Finance.- Ensure compliance with national/state labour laws, tax regulations, and statutory reporting.- Conduct periodic HR audits and ensure data protection and confidentiality.- Maintain accurate HR records, MIS dashboards, and performance analytics for leadership review.6. Employee Relations & Well-being- Foster a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.- Manage grievance redressal, disciplinary actions, and conflict resolution with fairness and empathy.- Promote physical and mental wellness through structured wellness programs, expert talks, and counselling access.- Uphold an open-door policy and safeguard employee trust in HR processes.7. Leadership & Strategic Collaboration- Lead, coach, and develop the HR team to deliver excellence across all HR functions.- Partner with academic leadership and the school's core team to align people strategies with institutional goals.- Participate in strategic forums, policy committees, and crisis management groups as a key leadership member.- Contribute to shaping a high-performing, values-driven organizational culture.Key Result Areas (KRAs)- Time-to-fill and quality of hires, staff retention rates.- Employee engagement scores and grievance resolution effectiveness.- Accuracy and timeliness of payroll and statutory compliance.- Completion of appraisals and implementation of development programs.- Policy compliance, HR process automation, and governance.- Strategic workforce planning and HR budget optimization.Ideal Candidate Profile- Experience: 10+ years of HR experience with at least 3–5 years in a leadership capacity, preferably within the education or learning ecosystem (K–12 or higher education).- Expertise: Proven track record in HR strategy, employee relations, and organizational development.- Knowledge: Strong understanding of labour laws, education sector compliance, and people analytics.Competencies:- Strategic mindset with operational efficiency- Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills- High emotional intelligence and empathy- Strong communication and influencing capabilities- Ethical leadership with commitment to diversity and inclusionValues & CultureThe organization believes in fostering:- Teacher empowerment as the backbone of learning- Inclusivity and diversity across all dimensions of employment- Global citizenship through empathy, respect, and cultural understanding- Child safeguarding as a non-negotiable responsibility- Continuous reflection and growth as a way of professional life