Head-HR&IR

Job Description: Head HR & IR (Manufacturing )

Position Title: Head Human Resources & Industrial Relations

Industry: Manufacturing

Workforce Size: 300 400 employees (workmen + staff)

Location: Pondicherry

Reporting To: Chief Financial Officer

Employment Type: Full-time

1. Role Overview

The Head HR & IR will be responsible for leading the Human Resources, Industrial

Relations, and Administration functions for a manufacturing unit employing around

300 -400 workers. The role requires hands-on factory HR experience, strong

union/worker management capabilities, and the ability to ensure compliance,

productivity, and workforce harmony.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. HR Leadership & Operations

Lead all HR activities including manpower planning, recruitment, onboarding,

employee engagement, and retention.

Implement and monitor HR policies, procedures, and HRMS systems.

Drive Performance Management System (PMS) and support departmental

heads in goal-setting and reviews.

Implement training, upskilling programs, and competency development for

staff and workers.

Manage payroll, attendance, leave administration, and time office operations.

Ensure smooth HR operations across all 3 shifts.

B. Industrial Relations (Critical Responsibility)

Maintain stable and healthy relations with workmen, unions and contract

labour.

Handle disciplinary actions, domestic enquiries, grievance redressal, and

dispute resolution.

Lead collective bargaining discussions, long-term settlements, and union

negotiations.

Monitor adherence to standing orders and ensure proper communication with

workers.

Build rapport with shop-floor teams through regular rounds, counselling, and

interaction.

C. Statutory Compliance

Ensure 100% compliance under Factories Act, Labour Codes, Contract

Labour Act, ESI, PF, Bonus, Gratuity, and other labour regulations.

Manage statutory registers, monthly/annual returns, inspections, and liaison

with government authorities.

Ensure licence renewals and audits are completed on time.

Coordinate with the Safety Team for compliance with health, safety, and

welfare standards.

D. Contract Labour Management

Monitor daily deployment of contract labour through contractors.

Verify contractor statutory complianceESI, PF, wage slips, bonus, leave,

etc.

Conduct periodic audits of contractor records and worker well-being.

E. Administration

Handle factory administration including canteen, security, transport,

housekeeping, and infrastructure.

Support implementation of safety and welfare initiatives.

Ensure proper working conditions and employee amenities for all shifts.

3. Desired Candidate Profile

Education: MSW / MBA (HR) / MLW / MHRM or equivalent.

Experience: 1015 years in plant HR & IR with minimum 5 years in a

leadership/plant HR head role.

Strong expertise in labour laws and practical hands-on IR exposure.

Experience dealing with ~200500 workforce preferred.

Proven ability to manage union dynamics, negotiations, and dispute

prevention.

Good communication skills in local language (Tamil) and English.

Must be grounded, approachable, and capable of commanding respect on the

shop floor.

4. Key Competencies

Worker relationship management

IR negotiation skills

Statutory compliance expertise

Leadership and people management

Decision-making & problem-solving

Conflict resolution

Confidentiality and ethical conduct

Ability to work under pressure (shutdowns, production peaks, disputes)

5. Compensation

Competitive, based on experience and industry norms for manufacturing units of

similar scale.