Lead – People

Job Description & Person Specification

Job Title:
Lead – People & Culture

Location:
Bangalore, India (Work from Office)

Reporting to:
Chief Executive Officer

About Us:

21K School, promoted by Bangalore-based Mindreflex Technologies Private Limited, is Asia's largest online school, offering virtual education to over 7,500 students across 72 countries. At 21K School, we are committed to redefining the future of education by making it accessible, personalised, and flexible for learners across the globe. Learn more at

About the Role:

We are looking for a hands-on, execution-focused
Lead – People & Culture
to operationalise our HR practices and ensure seamless delivery across core HR functions. This is a key managerial role for someone with
6–9 years of experience in HR operations
, who can manage end-to-end HR processes efficiently while maintaining a strong employee-first mindset.

You will be responsible for implementing HR systems, running day-to-day processes, and ensuring compliance and consistency across the employee lifecycle. You'll work closely with teams and leadership to create smooth experiences and maintain a productive work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Talent Acquisition & Onboarding

• Manage end-to-end recruitment cycle, including job postings, screening, scheduling, and documentation.
• Coordinate interviews and feedback loops with hiring managers.
• Maintain candidate pipelines, interview trackers, and hiring dashboards.
• Conduct offer rollouts, reference checks, and onboarding processes.
• Maintain and update employee records and hiring documentation.

2. HR Operations & Systems

• Manage HR tools like
  Keka
  ,
  Zoho People
  , and Google Workspace for attendance, payroll inputs, leave tracking, and documentation.
• Maintain employee database, generate reports, and ensure data accuracy and privacy.
• Support monthly payroll coordination in collaboration with the finance team.
• Handle letters (offer, appraisal, relieving, experience), HR audits, and compliance documentation.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, PF/ESI, and statutory filings.

3. Employee Lifecycle Management

• Own and streamline processes for onboarding, confirmation, transfers, exits, and full-and-final settlements.
• Drive HR check-ins, documentation, and system updates at each employee stage.
• Maintain structured SOPs and checklists to ensure consistency and quality in all HR processes.

4. Performance Management & L&D Support

• Coordinate OKR cycles, appraisal timelines, and goal tracking with functional heads.
• Manage performance review documentation, communication, and system updates.
• Support coordination and tracking of learning & development sessions and engagement activities.

5. Employee Engagement & Communication

• Run regular employee engagement surveys and action plans.
• Organise internal communication, events, and celebration initiatives.
• Facilitate grievance handling and HR helpdesk support.

6. HR Policy Implementation & Compliance

• Roll out and communicate HR policies, code of conduct, handbooks, and compliance guidelines.
• Monitor adherence and coordinate necessary trainings or escalations.
• Stay updated on statutory and legal HR regulations and ensure full compliance.

What You Bring:

Education & Experience

• 6–9 years of proven experience in
  HR operations
  , preferably in tech startups or fast-paced organisations.
• Strong experience in managing HR systems (Keka, Zoho People, or similar platforms).
• MBA in HR or related field preferred.

Tools & Technical Expertise

• Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets, HR dashboards, and automation tools.
• Familiarity with payroll processes, statutory deductions, and compliance.

Skills & Behaviour

• Detail-oriented and process-driven with excellent coordination skills.
• High ownership, responsiveness, and ability to work independently.
• Clear communicator with strong documentation and stakeholder alignment abilities.
• Empathetic, professional, and always upholding confidentiality.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

1. Timeliness and accuracy of payroll inputs and HRIS data
2. Recruitment TAT (Time-to-Hire) and process adherence
3. Completion rate of onboarding and exit checklists
4. Employee satisfaction with HR support and processes
5. Compliance score in internal/external HR audits
6. Performance cycle closure and documentation rates

What We Offer:

• A core operational role in a fast-scaling and purpose-driven education company
• Collaborative team culture based in our Bangalore HQ
• Competitive salary, benefits, and growth opportunities
• A platform to build efficient HR practices and improve employee experiences

Application Process:

If you have a passion for managing people processes, ensuring operational excellence, and want to help shape the future of education, write to us at

with your resume and a short note on your HR experience.