Company Introduction:

Varaha is a global, leading, climate tech venture focused on carbon removal solutions such as - regenerative agriculture, afforestation, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering - that support smallholder land stewards at scale. In just the third year of operation, we are removing and avoiding more than 1 million tons of CO2 and distributing the majority of the revenues to more than 100,000 smallholder land stewards in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Backed by leading global investors, our founding and management team comes with a stellar track record of successfully scaling projects and products to millions of smallholder land stewards at leading Agriculture and tech businesses.

Position: Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

Location: Gurgaon, Haryana

Role Overview : As Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), you will serve as a strategic member of Varaha's executive leadership team, responsible for defining and executing a global people and culture strategy that aligns with the company's mission, growth ambitions, and sustainability goals.You will lead a forward-thinking HR function that integrates digital transformation, employee well-being, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), hybrid work enablement, reskilling, and compensation strategy, ensuring Varaha remains a purpose-driven, high-performing, and inclusive organization.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic People Leadership:

-Partner with the CEO and executive team to design and implement HR strategies aligned with Varaha's global business and impact objectives.

- Translate organizational priorities into actionable people plans that enable scalability, agility, and innovation.

- Represent the people and culture agenda in Board and investor discussions.

2. Digital Transformation and HR Technology:

- Lead the digital evolution of HR through AI-driven recruitment tools, people analytics, and automation.

- Drive workforce digitization and HR system integration to enhance productivity, decision-making, and employee experience.

- Champion a data-driven HR culture, using analytics for proactive workforce and talent management.

3. Organizational Design & Workforce Planning:

- Architect a scalable organizational structure that supports growth across multiple geographies.

- Oversee strategic workforce planning, succession management, and capability building to prepare for future business needs.

- Lead change management initiatives ensuring smooth transitions during expansion or transformation.

4. Culture, Well-being, and Employee Experience:

- Foster a purpose-driven culture grounded in sustainability, empathy, and performance.

- Design and implement holistic employee well-being programs encompassing mental health, flexibility, and work-life balance.

- Build a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace that promotes engagement, trust, and motivation.

- Oversee employee lifecycle experience from onboarding to exit, ensuring consistent engagement and connection to Varaha's mission.

5. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI):

- Champion DEI across all people processes - hiring, development, leadership, and culture.

- Establish measurable DEI frameworks and training programs to build inclusive leadership and mitigate bias.

- Embed equitable policies and transparent practices that reflect Varaha's global values.

6. Talent Strategy, Reskilling, and Leadership Development:

- Lead global talent acquisition to attract mission-aligned, high-performing professionals.

- Build robust reskilling and upskilling programs to prepare teams for technological and business evolution.

- Develop leadership capability frameworks and succession plans for critical roles.

- Encourage mentoring, coaching, and continuous learning initiatives.

7. Remote Work Enablement:

- Develop policies that balance flexibility, collaboration, and accountability in hybrid and remote environments.

- Redefine employee engagement models to strengthen connection, performance, and belonging in distributed teams.

- Implement tools and practices that enhance virtual onboarding, communication, and collaboration.

8. Compensation Design, Total Rewards, and Performance:

- Lead the design and governance of compensation philosophy and structure aligned with Varaha's mission, culture, and business goals.

- Develop equitable and competitive pay frameworks, including base pay, variable pay, bonuses, and ESOPs, that attract and retain top talent globally.

- Create performance-linked reward systems that reinforce accountability, innovation, and impact outcomes.

- Ensure pay equity, transparency, and compliance with local and international labor standards.

- Use HR analytics and benchmarking data to continuously evaluate market competitiveness and internal fairness.

9. Compliance and Ethical Leadership:

- Ensure adherence to global and local labor laws, HR policies, and ethical standards.

- Uphold integrity and transparency in all HR and governance practices.

- Safeguard employee data privacy and promote ethical workplace conduct.

Qualifications and Experience:

- Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or Organizational Development (preferred).

- Minimum 12-15 years of progressive HR experience, including 5+ years in senior HR leadership or CHRO-level roles.

- Proven success in designing and executing HR strategies in fast-growing, multi-geography, or mission-driven organizations.

- Deep expertise in digital HR transformation, DEI, total rewards, and organizational development.

- Strong understanding of global HR laws, employee well-being practices, and modern workforce trends.

- Exceptional leadership, communication, and influencing skills.

- Experience in climate-tech, sustainability, or start-up ecosystems is a plus.

What we offer:

- A strategic leadership role in one of the fastest-growing global climate-tech ventures.

- Competitive executive compensation, ESOPs, and comprehensive benefits.

- Opportunity to shape a people-first organization driving measurable climate and social impact.

- Culture of collaboration, innovation, and purpose.

- Access to global learning, professional development, and leadership growth opportunities.