HR People Operations Lead

About the role

We are seeking an experienced HR People Operations professional to lead the human‑resources function for a diversified agribusiness group in Calicut. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will build and shape HR processes across multiple entities, ensuring compliance and supporting the company’s long‑standing, relationship‑driven culture.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure statutory compliance with Plantation Labour Act, Factories Act, POSH, PF/ESI and other regulations across five entities.
• Design and launch the group’s first employee master‑data system, onboarding programme and grievance mechanism.
• Govern the Contribution Assessment framework (goals/KRA/KCI) for estate, farm, sales and finance functions.
• Lead recruitment, organisational design and compensation structuring initiatives, all being built from scratch.
• Manage a trust‑first transition that preserves the paternalistic, relationship‑focused culture of the family‑owned business.

Required profile

• 6–9 years of progressive HR/People experience, preferably as a generalist.
• Proven experience establishing HR functions from a low or zero base.
• Working knowledge of Indian plantation, factory and core labour‑law frameworks.
• Comfortable working in a tier‑2/3 town within a family‑owned business context.
• Leadership style based on patience, relationship building and field presence rather than policy alone.

Required skills