Director Human Resources India (m/f/d)

ABOUT DEPARTER - THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE

Departer is a German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in international leadership recruitment. Across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, we support companies in building strong leadership teams at their headquarters and international entities.

Our client is a North American technology group and an established partner to high-tech and industrial customers worldwide, combining precision technologies with advanced materials expertise. In India, the group operates across manufacturing, research and development, commercial functions and a rapidly expanding engineering and IT hub, and is entering a phase of substantial, multi-fold workforce growth. To lead the people agenda through this next stage, we are seeking a dedicated Director Human Resources India (m/f/d) based in Gurgaon (Delhi NCR).

As Director Human Resources India (m/f/d), you will lead HR across all businesses and sites in the country. You will partner closely with the India management team, report directly to the regional HR leadership of the international parent organization and work hand in hand with global Centers of Excellence. Your mission is to build a modern, scalable HR organization that keeps pace with the company's growth, combining strategic perspective with a strong hands-on approach.

This is a unique opportunity to shape a key leadership function at a decisive moment for the organization. The role offers a high degree of autonomy, direct influence on how the Indian organization grows, and the visibility of working with stakeholders across the global group. It is equally open to HR leaders based in India and to professionals currently working abroad, for example in the Middle East, who are looking to bring their international experience back to the Indian market.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Lead the HR function for all businesses and sites across India and act as a strategic and hands-on partner to the country management team
• Shape the people agenda for a phase of substantial workforce growth, ensuring that structures, processes and capabilities keep pace with the expansion
• Drive organization design and organizational development, and guide leaders through change with a sustainable, data-informed approach
• Drive the transition towards an HR Operations and Business Partner model in line with the group's Center of Excellence approach, and raise efficiency across all HR processes
• Lead, select and develop a team of HR Business Partners and specialists, strengthening its capabilities for the next stage of growth
• Work closely with matrixed functions such as talent acquisition and total rewards in close alignment with regional and global Centers of Excellence
• Ensure consistent delivery of HR programs across the country and act as the key link to global HR Business Partners
• Steer the annual performance, compensation and talent review cycles in India
• Contribute to group-wide initiatives in workforce planning, total rewards, performance management, talent development and succession planning
• Coach leaders and shape a constructive, collaborative culture across the Indian organization
• Advise managers and employees on HR policies, procedures and programs, and provide expert guidance on complex people matters
• Handle employee relations proactively and foster an engaging, inclusive working environment and a strong employee experience
• Ensure compliance with Indian employment legislation, equal opportunity standards and internal policies, and manage people-related risks
• Use HR data, change management and influencing skills to achieve sustainable outcomes with measurable business impact

To be successful in this role, you should have the following skills and experiences:

• University degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a related discipline; a Master's degree is an advantage
• At least twelve years of progressive HR experience with a strong business partnering focus, covering organization design, change management, talent and performance management, leadership coaching and employee relations
• Minimum of five years of experience leading HR teams
• Proven experience in shaping and running HR structures within a large, international organization, combined with the ambition to apply this expertise to building a scalable HR function in India
• Track record of supporting significant organizational growth in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Experience with Center of Excellence models and complex matrix organizations, ideally within a US or Western-headquartered group
• Solid grounding in core HR disciplines such as policies, compensation and benefits, and HR operations
• Sound knowledge of Indian employment law and the local talent landscape, ideally gained through prior HR leadership roles in India
• Experience with both production and office or engineering workforces is an advantage
• Familiarity with HCM systems and a data-driven approach to HR management
• Entrepreneurial, hands-on mindset with the confidence to address difficult issues and make decisions independently
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills combined with sound business judgment
• Collaborative team player who builds trust at all levels and leads without relying on hierarchy
• Excellent communication and influencing skills in English
• Willingness to travel within India from time to time

Our client offers an attractive overall remuneration package reflecting your experience, together with a comprehensive range of company benefits. Personal and professional development is actively encouraged, and you will enjoy considerable freedom to contribute your own ideas within an international and collaborative environment. Seize the opportunity to build the HR organization of a growing business in India and leave a lasting mark on its future.