Head - Human Resources - BFSI/IT/FMCG (18-25 yrs)

ABC Consultants has been retained by a mission-driven knowledge institution committed to equitable, sustainable and efficient transformation.

The Institute pursues its mission through a combination of education, research, implementation and capacity building. Going forward, the intent is to establish an independently funded and managed distinct national university of eminence. The proposed University will be a unique and distinct institution that will host quality campus-based education and cutting-edge research and innovation. The University will have a strong interdisciplinary orientation bringing together India-centric knowledge and applied research that also engages with, and draws from, knowledge across the globe.

Job Description:

- The People Function is responsible for all institutional systems, practices and policies that impact the most valued asset of the Institute, its pool of highly talented faculty and staff. In an interdisciplinary knowledge institution that has been steadily expanding its footprint over the years and is currently on the verge of another exciting transition, the position of Head - People Function is arguably one of the most critical and challenging leadership positions across the institution.

- The Head - People Function will be responsible for leading the People Function team and overseeing the full range of People-focused activities and initiatives spanning core operations, talent acquisition, performance management, learning & development, career progression, compensation and benefits, regulatory compliance, contract management, data management and related MIS. Additionally, the position will provide change leadership in organizational development initiatives such as institutional restructuring, hiring and onboarding of international faculty, redesign of L&D systems to integrate new knowledge areas and technologies like AI, and realignment of compensation and benefits as needed to keep pace with evolving institutional objectives, regulatory requirements and emerging challenges.

Responsibilities would include, but not be limited to, the following:

- Leading and overseeing all People/ Human Resource and Learning (including faculty development and innovative pedagogy) related systems, processes, activities and initiatives;

- Providing strategic direction and thought leadership on People related matters, ensuring sustained delivery in line with the institution's strategic objectives;

- Steering organisational development and other change initiatives as needed to enable strategic growth and transition, including the setting up of the proposed University;

- Mentoring the People Function team and strengthening the second line of leadership to help shoulder the complexities of institutional scale-up and transition;

- Tracking changes in the regulatory environment, following industry trends and best practices (both domestic and global) in HR;

- Ensuring that the Board, Leadership team and various other stakeholders have information that is fit for purpose, relevant, accurate, robust and objective with clear explanations of People-related issues and their implications;

- Actively contributing to the challenging task of Institution-building, providing support to activities and initiatives across teams and functions as needed from time to time.

Qualifications:

- A Master's degree in Management from a premier institution, preferably with a specialization or additional qualification in HR; a relevant FPM or PhD would be ideal;

- At least 25 years of relevant experience, including at least 10 years at a leadership level in HR;

- A multi-sectoral background with experience of working in both corporates and educational institutions would be an advantage; cross-cultural and international exposure would be an added advantage;

- High quality written and verbal communication, strong listening and good presentation skills;

- Strong conceptual and analytical skills, ease and familiarity with quantitative data analysis and HR Management Systems;

- Strong emotional intelligence, excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with diverse interdisciplinary teams across all levels in the institution;

- Training and/ or experience in dealing with the psychological pressures, anxieties and mental health issues of a young workforce would be useful;

- A good understanding of HR-related legal and statutory requirements.