HR Manager (Founding HR Role)

Location: Thane

Reports To: Founder

Work Schedule: 5 Days a Week

Company Size: 27 Employees (Scaling)

Role Objective

As the first HR professional in the organization, you will have the unique opportunity to build the HR department from the ground up. You will transition the company from informal processes to a structured, scalable HR function. This role requires a blend of strategic planning, compliance expertise, and a "roll-up-your-sleeves" startup mindset.

Key Responsibilities

1. HR Department Setup & Strategy

Design and implement the foundational HR roadmap for the organization.

Standardize employee lifecycle processes: Onboarding, Induction, Offboarding, and Exit

Interviews.

Act as a strategic partner to the Founder to align HR initiatives with business goals.

2. Policy Development & Compliance

Draft and implement a comprehensive Employee Handbook and HR Policy Manual.

Ensure 100% legal compliance with Indian Labor Laws (ESIC, PF, PT, Professional Tax,

etc.).

Manage payroll administration and attendance tracking systems.

3. Performance Management System (PMS)

Design and launch a formal PMS framework (KRA/KPI setting) tailored for a high-growth

startup.

Facilitate annual and mid-year appraisal cycles.

Identify "high-potentials" and create basic development plans.

4. Talent Acquisition & Branding

Manage the end-to-end recruitment process to support scaling.

Build a strong employer brand to attract top talent, specifically for FMCG-related roles.

5. Culture & Employee Engagement

Foster a high-performance culture within the co-working environment.

Organize engagement activities that maintain morale and promote the companys core

values.

Candidate Profile

Education: Full-time MBA in HR from a Tier-2 (Grade B) Business School. is mandatory

Experience: 8+ years of core HR experience. Must have experience managing the HR

function independently or as a lead in a small-to-mid-sized setup.

Industry Preference: Prior experience in the FMCG sector is highly preferred.

Skill Set:

Expertise in setting up HR systems and processes from scratch.

Strong knowledge of statutory compliances and labor laws.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to influence leadership.

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment.