Head - Human Resource - Founding HR Leader - AI-Driven B2B Startup

We are looking for a hands-on, strategic VP - HR who can build, scale, and lead the HR function in a fast-growing startup environment. The role requires strong expertise in HR operations, policy formulation, ESOPs, compliance, and end-to-end recruitment, along with the ability to work closely with founders and leadership teams.

Key Responsibilities:

HR Strategy & Leadership:

- Define and execute HR strategy aligned with business and growth goals.

- Act as a strategic partner to founders and leadership on people, culture, and organization design.

- Build scalable HR frameworks suitable for a high-growth startup.

Policy Formation & Compliance:

- Design, implement, and regularly update HR policies (attendance, leave, WFH, performance, discipline, exits, etc.).

- Ensure compliance with labor laws, statutory requirements, and internal governance.

- Handle audits, documentation, and HR legal matters in coordination with external consultants.

ESOPs & Compensation:

- Design, manage, and administer ESOP policies, grants, vesting schedules, and employee communication.

- Work closely with finance and legal teams on compensation structures, incentives, and benefits.

- Drive pay benchmarking and performance-linked reward systems.

HR Operations (ESOps):

- Own end-to-end HR operations including payroll, attendance, leave management, onboarding, offboarding, and HRMS.

- Ensure smooth employee lifecycle management with minimal dependency.

- Drive process automation and operational efficiency.

Talent Acquisition & Recruitment:

- Lead and personally handle end-to-end recruitment for key roles across functions.

- Build strong hiring processes, employer branding, and interview frameworks.

- Partner with business leaders to close positions quickly in a competitive startup environment.

Performance & Employee Engagement:

- Design and manage performance management systems (OKRs/KPIs).

- Drive employee engagement, feedback, and retention initiatives.

- Handle employee relations, conflict resolution, and grievance management.

Culture & Organization Development:

- Build and sustain a high-performance, value-driven culture.

- Support leadership development, succession planning, and team effectiveness.

- Lead change management initiatives as the organization scales.

Key Skills & Competencies:

- Strong understanding of general HR, HR operations, and Indian labour laws

- 8-10 year of experience in HR domain (Must)

- Proven experience in ESOP policy design and administration

- Hands-on experience in policy formation and implementation

- End-to-end recruitment expertise, especially in startups

- Ability to work in ambiguity and fast-paced environments

- Strong stakeholder management and leadership skills

Preferred Qualifications:

- MBA / PGDM is Mandatory

- Experience working in early to growth-stage startups

- Prior experience setting up HR from scratch or scaling teams rapidly