hr head

Role Brief

We are seeking a seasoned, visionary HR leader to oversee the full spectrum of Human Resource functions and act as a strategic advisor to the top management. This role merges responsibilities traditionally handled by a Director of HR, with a strong focus on building people systems, leadership development, and interdepartmental integration. The role also includes contributing directly to client success by supporting job placement initiatives for Study Abroad and Immigration clients.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic HR Leadership

• Build and lead a future-ready HR function with a strong focus on compliance, performance, and culture.

• Partner with department heads and the leadership team to forecast workforce needs and implement scalable HR practices.

• Lead organizational design, workforce planning, and succession management.

• Design and implement HR policies and frameworks aligned with long-term business goals.

• Serve as a change leader to manage and implement HR transformation initiatives.

Core HR Systems & Compliance

• Strengthen foundational HR processes: recruitment, onboarding, training, performance reviews, compensation, exit management, and HR analytics.

• Drive improvements in HR documentation, employee lifecycle processes, and statutory compliance.

• Ensure legal and regulatory adherence across all HR functions, including labor law compliance.

Employee Experience & Culture

• Resolve legacy HR challenges and introduce culture-building initiatives to increase employee engagement and retention.

• Design and manage capability development programs that nurture talent and leadership within the organization.

• Lead grievance redressal mechanisms and maintain a transparent, respectful, and professional workplace culture.

• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in workplace practices and policies.

Interdepartmental HR Support

• Work closely with department leaders from Study Abroad, Immigration, Marketing, and Operations to align HR with business objectives.

• Support strategic projects including global hiring, inter-office transfers, policy creation, and team structuring.

• Drive synergy between HR and Sales/Operations teams to improve performance monitoring, incentives, and resource planning.

Client-Focused HR Support – Jobs Abroad

• Research and share job market intelligence related to high-demand sectors in key destination countries.

• Provide guidance and career-readiness support to Study Abroad and Immigration clients, including CV building, interview training, and job application coaching.

• Work with overseas partners, job boards, and recruitment networks to facilitate job leads and opportunities for clients.

• Lead the development of internal frameworks to track, assist, and report on client job placement support initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 10–15 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership or strategic HR role.

• MBA or Master's in Human Resources / Industrial Relations.

• Strong understanding of labour laws, statutory compliance, and HR best practices.

• Proven experience in building or turning around HR systems in a mid-sized or growing organization.

• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.

• Exposure to global HR practices or international placement ecosystems is an added advantage.

Crisis Management / Legal Advisory Role

• Act as a key partner in organizational risk and crisis management, especially in areas related to compliance breaches, legal disputes, or reputational risks.

• Collaborate with legal advisors and leadership during sensitive employee matters or external legal concerns to ensure a consistent, lawful, and reputation-safe approach.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) / Outcome Expectations

• Reduce employee attrition rate year-over-year by a targeted percentage.

• Achieve and maintain employee engagement score above defined benchmarks.

• Ensure 100% statutory compliance and improve HR internal audit scores.

• Track and improve average time-to-hire and cost-per-hire across departments.

• Demonstrate measurable client support outcomes in job-readiness and placement support.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: ₹60, ₹75,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Cell phone reimbursement
• Internet reimbursement
• Paid sick time

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Cochin, Kerala: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• HR: 10 years (Required)

Location:

• Cochin, Kerala (Required)

Work Location: In person