HR Leader – Strategic HR
Location: Chennai
Experience: 10–15 Years
Industry Preference: Light Engineering / Manufacturing
Organization Size: SME environment, preferably ₹100–250 Cr turnover
Candidate Preference: Women candidates preferred
Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced HR Leader to drive the strategic and operational HR agenda for a growing SME organization.
The ideal candidate should have 10–15 years of strong Strategic HR experience, preferably within a ₹100–250 Cr SME environment, with exposure to the Light Engineering / Manufacturing sector.
This is a leadership role requiring someone who can work closely with senior management, understand business priorities and build HR practices that support organizational growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the organization's HR strategy aligned with business objectives.
- Partner closely with senior leadership on organization development, workforce planning and people strategy.
- Lead Talent Acquisition and manpower planning across functions.
- Drive Performance Management Systems, goal setting and performance reviews.
- Develop employee engagement, retention and recognition initiatives.
- Build structured Learning & Development and leadership development programs.
- Drive succession planning and talent development for critical positions.
- Strengthen HR policies, processes and governance appropriate for a growing SME.
- Lead compensation, benefits and annual appraisal processes.
- Manage employee relations and build a positive, performance-driven organizational culture.
- Ensure compliance with applicable HR policies and statutory requirements.
- Drive HR analytics, MIS and management reporting.
- Support organizational restructuring, change management and business transformation initiatives.
- Build a strong HR team and ensure effective delivery of day-to-day HR operations.
Candidate Profile
- 10–15 years of HR experience, with significant exposure to Strategic HR and HR leadership.
- Strong experience working in an SME / mid-sized organization, preferably in the ₹100–250 Cr turnover range.
- Experience in Light Engineering / Manufacturing would be highly preferred.
- Strong exposure to HR Strategy, Talent Management, Performance Management, Employee Engagement, Organization Development and Change Management.
- Ability to work directly with senior management and act as a strategic HR business partner.
- Should be comfortable operating in an SME environment requiring both strategic thinking and hands-on execution.
- Strong stakeholder management, communication and people leadership capabilities.
- MBA/PGDM or equivalent qualification in Human Resources preferred.
Key Skills
Strategic HR | HR Leadership | HR Strategy | HRBP | Talent Management | Performance Management | Organization Development | Talent Acquisition | Employee Engagement | Succession Planning | Learning & Development | Change Management | Compensation & Benefits | HR Operations | Employee Relations | Manufacturing HR | SME HR
Interested candidates can share their updated CV along with current CTC, expected CTC and notice period.
Pay: ₹1,200,000.00 - ₹1,400,000.00 per year
Application Question(s):
- Can you briefly explain your current HR role and the complete HR functions you are responsible for?
- How many years of total HR experience do you have, and how many years have you been in an HR leadership/strategic HR role?
- What is the size and approximate turnover of your current/previous organization?
- Have you worked in Light Engineering or Manufacturing? What type of manufacturing environment and workforce have you handled?
- What is the largest employee population and HR team you have managed? How many people directly reported to you?
- Tell me about one HR initiative you personally designed and implemented that had a measurable business impact.
- Have you independently designed or transformed a Performance Management System? What changes did you make and what was the outcome?
- What experience do you have in Organization Development, succession planning and leadership development? Can you give one example?
- SMEs often require the HR Head to be strategic but also very hands-on. Are you comfortable personally driving execution rather than working through large specialist HR teams?
- What is your current CTC, expected CTC, notice period, current location, and are you comfortable working from Chennai?
Work Location: In person
