Plant HR Head - Sagwara

About NZ Seasonal Wear:

NZ Seasonal Wear is a leading player in the apparel manufacturing and export sector, known for its design innovation, quality manufacturing, and deep-rooted values. As we scale and modernize, we are looking for strong HR leadership at the plant level to align people strategy with business needs.

Role Purpose:

To lead the HR and Administration function at the Sagwara unit, acting as a strategic partner to the business by driving manpower planning, HR transformation, statutory compliance, and people capability building. The role demands high ownership, execution excellence, and a strong command of plant HR operations, workforce engagement, and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Budgeting:

- Lead the Annual Manpower Planning for the plant in collaboration with HOFs, Plant Heads, Corporate HR, and the Global HR Head.

- Prepare and own the Annual HR Budget (covering TA, L&D, Engagement, Rewards, Admin Opex/Capex).

- Develop and implement plant-level HR & Admin strategies aligned to business objectives.

- Drive cross-functional HR projects and organizational capability initiatives based on business needs.

Core HR Functions:

- Oversee end-to-end Associate Lifecycle Processes: Talent Acquisition, Onboarding, Learning & Development, Performance Management, Transfers, Promotions, Welfare, Separations.

- Review and ensure delivery of all Admin Operations (canteen, transport, accommodation, hygiene, security) as per SOPs and budgets.

- Monitor, control, and optimize all HR & Admin costs in line with the approved budget.

- Ensure 100% Statutory & Legal Compliance under Labor Laws, Factories Act, CLRA, etc.

- Coordinate effectively with internal and external stakeholders for customer audits, social audits, and regulatory inspections.

Talent Acquisition & Capability Building:

- Drive proactive Talent Acquisition for blue-collar, staff, and leadership roles in coordination with the central TA team and local channels.

- Build talent pipelines through local partnerships, ITIs, skill centers, and employee referrals.

- Own Learning & Development initiatives, identify skill gaps, and implement structured capability-building interventions for staff and shopfloor.

- Facilitate implementation of Leadership Development, career pathing, and succession plans in collaboration with Corporate HR.

Employee Relations & Engagement:

- Maintain harmonious Industrial Relations and build positive engagement with workers and unions.

- Handle disciplinary matters, grievance redressals, and wage negotiations with fairness and compliance.

- Strengthen the culture of employee engagement, recognition, welfare, and well-being.

- Foster strong relations with local government bodies, external stakeholders, and community leaders.

Governance, Reporting & Compliance:

- Ensure adherence to SOPs, SLAs, and KPIs for all HR and Admin functions.

- Monitor and review HR & Admin dashboards, trackers, and audit findings.

- Lead the execution and sustainment of CSR initiatives as per corporate guidelines.

- Partner with Corporate HR for seamless implementation of HR tech, digitization, and central policies.

Team Leadership & Development:

- Lead and mentor the HR & Admin team at the plant.

- Conduct regular team reviews, performance check-ins, and feedback sessions.

- Drive a performance-based culture with a strong focus on accountability, development, and recognition.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Postgraduate in HR/MBA/MSW/PGDHRM.

- 10-15 years of experience in plant HR, preferably in apparel/textile/FMCG manufacturing setups.

- Hands-on experience in managing the full HR lifecycle, contract labor, IR, compliance, and talent acquisition.

- Sound understanding of HR budgeting, cost control, and statutory frameworks.

Key Competencies:

- Strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

- Strong interpersonal, communication & negotiation skills.

- Result orientation with high ownership.

- Change management and stakeholder alignment.

- Data-driven decision-making and analytical mindset.