About Krea University
Krea University is a pioneering institution dedicated to reimagining higher education through the philosophy of Interwoven Learning. With a strong focus on liberal arts, sciences, management and research-driven teaching, Krea equips students with the skills, perspectives and adaptability required to navigate an increasingly complex world. The University comprises three schools, School of Interwoven Arts and Sciences (SIAS), IFMR Graduate School of Business (GSB) and Krea Doctoral College and provides strategic oversight to various research centres. At Krea, students are guided by some of the best academic minds from around the world. The mission of Krea is to shape a new generation of adaptable, resilient leaders, giving them the critical thinking skills needed to forge ahead.
Role Summary:
The Associate Director – HR will play a strategic and operational leadership role in shaping and overseeing the human resource strategy, policies, and operations across academic and administrative units. The role involves driving HR strategy, strengthening organizational culture, ensuring compliance, and delivering excellence across the employee lifecycle, aligned with the University’s mission and growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Provides strategic leadership to the HR department, aligning human resource initiatives with the university’s mission and goals
- Strategic Recruitment & Talent Acquisition: Lead end-to-end hiring for academic and non-academic roles by partnering with Deans and functional heads, ensuring timely closures while enhancing employer branding and candidate experience. Develop succession planning and leadership pipelines. Support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives
- Payroll Management & Compensation Administration: Oversee complete payroll processing, including statutory compliance, audits, full & final settlements, and ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and timely disbursement.
- Learning, Training & Development: Design and implement learning strategies, leadership development programs, and capability-building initiatives aligned with organizational goals.
- Workforce Planning: Drive strategic workforce planning aligned with academic cycles and growth plans, ensuring optimal utilization and succession readiness.
- Budget Planning & Cost Management: Develop and manage HR budgets covering manpower, recruitment, and L&D, ensuring cost optimization and financial alignment.
- Performance Management & Appraisal Systems: Lead performance frameworks and annual appraisal cycles, promoting a high-performance culture through continuous feedback and development planning.
- Employee Engagement & Culture Building: Drive engagement initiatives and foster an inclusive, values-driven culture to enhance employee satisfaction and retention. Ensure fair and consistent HR practices across departments
- Change Management & Organizational Development: Lead organisational development and change initiatives and support organizational transformation aligned with institutional strategy and growth.
- Policy Development & Benchmarking: Develop and continuously improve HR policies and compensation frameworks in line with industry best practices. Ensure competitive and equitable compensation practices.
- Governance, Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure adherence to labour laws and internal policies while managing audits, risk mitigation, and employee relations matters.
- HR Analytics & Digital Transformation: Drive HR analytics, MIS reporting, and lead HRMS/payroll automation initiatives to enhance efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
- End-to-End HR Operations: Oversee the complete employee lifecycle, including onboarding, engagement, performance management, career progression, and exit processes.
The roles and responsibilities outlined above are not intended to be an exhaustive list of tasks. Flexibility is required, and the job holder is expected to carry out any other related duties that fall within the employee’s skills and abilities whenever reasonably instructed.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- A postgraduate degree in Human Resources / Social Work / Business Administration or related field
- 15+ years of relevant HR experience, with a strong mix of strategic and operational exposure
- Proven experience in leading HR teams and partnering with senior leadership
- Strong knowledge of labour laws and higher education HR practices
- Leadership, stakeholder management, and conflict resolution skills
- Expertise in data-driven strategy, analytics, and hrms technology platforms
Desirable Qualifications and Experience:
- Experience in higher education or similar knowledge-driven environments.
- Proven track record in strategic HR planning and policy development
- Demonstrated ability to work with senior leadership, faculty, and diverse stakeholders
- Experience in organizational change, culture transformation, and workforce planning
- Strong exposure to labour laws, compliance, and regulatory frameworks
Key Competencies and Attributes:
- Strategic leadership and vision
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Business and financial acumen
- Talent management and organizational development expertise
- Change management and adaptability
- Strong knowledge of labour laws and compliance
- Data-driven mindset and digital orientation
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Emotional Intelligence
- Sensitivity to diversity, equity and inclusion
- High integrity and confidentiality
Work Location and Travel Requirements
This is a full-time position based at the Krea University campus in Sri City/Chennai Admin Office. The role requires regular in-person presence and active engagement with leadership teams.