About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Human Resources Director to establish and lead the HR function for a new Global Capability Center (GCC) in India. This is a 0-to-1 leadership opportunity, responsible for building the HR organization, people practices, policies, and governance from the ground up while supporting the rapid growth of a multi-functional shared services organization.

The role will serve as a strategic partner to India business leadership and global HR stakeholders, driving the people strategy, ensuring compliance with Indian employment regulations, and creating a scalable employee experience as the organization grows. It will also play a key role in shaping the GCC's culture, talent strategy, and organizational effectiveness from its inception.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

• Build, lead, and develop the India HR function and team.
• Recruit, coach, mentor, and manage HR team members while overseeing day-to-day HR operations.
• Drive performance management, capability development, and succession planning within the HR function.

Strategic HR Partnership

• Partner with business leaders to align HR initiatives with organizational strategy and business objectives.
• Develop and implement people strategies across workforce planning, talent acquisition, employee engagement, organizational development, and retention.
• Coach and advise leaders on performance management, employee relations, career development, workplace issues, and organizational effectiveness.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Design and implement scalable HR policies, processes, and governance frameworks.
• Oversee HR programs including compensation, benefits, leave administration, employee relations, performance management, learning & development, and recognition initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with Indian employment laws and statutory requirements, including PF, ESI, Gratuity, Shops & Establishments regulations, Maternity Benefit provisions, and evolving Labour Codes.
• Lead statutory audits, employment compliance, and risk mitigation activities.

Talent Acquisition & Workforce Growth

• Develop hiring strategies and scalable recruitment processes to support rapid organizational expansion.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and external recruitment partners to build strong talent pipelines.
• Support organizational design and workforce planning as the GCC grows across multiple business functions.

HR Systems & Analytics

• Establish HR reporting, workforce analytics, and people metrics to support business decision-making.
• Oversee governance and accuracy of payroll and HR systems during the initial outsourced operating model while planning the transition to internally managed platforms.
• Drive continuous improvement through HR technology, analytics, and process optimization.

Culture & Employee Experience

• Build a high-performance, inclusive workplace culture aligned with organizational values.
• Develop initiatives to strengthen employee engagement, retention, leadership capability, and organizational effectiveness.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to employees and managers on HR policies, programs, and best practices.

Budget & Governance

• Develop and manage the India HR operating budget.
• Ensure effective governance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across HR service delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive Human Resources leadership experience.
• Minimum 5 years of people management experience leading HR teams.
• Demonstrated experience building or scaling an HR function within a Global Capability Center (GCC), captive centre, or other high-growth organization is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of Indian labour laws and statutory compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting large, multi-functional organizations undergoing significant growth.
• Professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP) is highly preferred.
• Experience within healthcare or other highly regulated industries is preferred.

Required Skills

• Strong business partnering and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and people management skills.
• Deep understanding of HR operations, employee lifecycle management, and talent strategy.
• Strong knowledge of employment legislation and HR compliance.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Experience with HRIS platforms, HR technologies, and digital HR transformation initiatives.
• Strong organizational, project management, and execution skills.

Key Challenges

• Building an HR function, operating model, and people infrastructure from the ground up while supporting rapid organizational growth.
• Designing scalable HR processes, governance frameworks, and compliance practices that support long-term business expansion.
• Partnering effectively across India and global leadership teams within a matrixed organization.
• Balancing global HR standards with local regulatory requirements and cultural considerations.
• Attracting, engaging, and retaining talent in a highly competitive GCC and technology talent market.