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Job Description: Head – HR & IR (Manufacturing )Position Title: Head – Human Resources & Industrial RelationsIndustry: ManufacturingWorkforce Size: 300 – 400 employees (workmen + staff)Location: PondicherryReporting To: Chief Financial OfficerEmployment Type: Full-time1. Role OverviewThe Head – HR & IR will be responsible for leading the Human Resources, Industrial Relations, and Administration functions for a manufacturing unit employing around 300 -400 workers. The role requires hands-on factory HR experience, strong union/worker management capabilities, and the ability to ensure compliance, productivity, and workforce harmony.2. Key ResponsibilitiesA. HR Leadership & OperationsLead all HR activities including manpower planning, recruitment, onboarding, employee engagement, and retention.Implement and monitor HR policies, procedures, and HRMS systems.Drive Performance Management System (PMS) and support departmental heads in goal-setting and reviews.Implement training, upskilling programs, and competency development for staff and workers.Manage payroll, attendance, leave administration, and time office operations.Ensure smooth HR operations across all 3 shifts.B. Industrial Relations (Critical Responsibility)Maintain stable and healthy relations with workmen, unions and contract labour.Handle disciplinary actions, domestic enquiries, grievance redressal, and dispute resolution.Lead collective bargaining discussions, long-term settlements, and union negotiations.Monitor adherence to standing orders and ensure proper communication with workers.Build rapport with shop-floor teams through regular rounds, counselling, and interaction.C. Statutory ComplianceEnsure 100% compliance under Factories Act, Labour Codes, Contract Labour Act, ESI, PF, Bonus, Gratuity, and other labour regulations.Manage statutory registers, monthly/annual returns, inspections, and liaison with government authorities.Ensure licence renewals and audits are completed on time.Coordinate with the Safety Team for compliance with health, safety, and welfare standards.D. Contract Labour ManagementMonitor daily deployment of contract labour through contractors.Verify contractor statutory compliance—ESI, PF, wage slips, bonus, leave, etc.Conduct periodic audits of contractor records and worker well-being.E. AdministrationHandle factory administration including canteen, security, transport, housekeeping, and infrastructure.Support implementation of safety and welfare initiatives.Ensure proper working conditions and employee amenities for all shifts.3. Desired Candidate ProfileEducation: MSW / MBA (HR) / MLW / MHRM or equivalent.Experience: 10–15 years in plant HR & IR with minimum 5 years in a leadership/plant HR head role.Strong expertise in labour laws and practical hands-on IR exposure.Experience dealing with ~200–500 workforce preferred.Proven ability to manage union dynamics, negotiations, and dispute prevention.Good communication skills in local language (Tamil) and English.Must be grounded, approachable, and capable of commanding respect on the shop floor.4. Key CompetenciesWorker relationship managementIR negotiation skillsStatutory compliance expertiseLeadership and people managementDecision-making & problem-solvingConflict resolutionConfidentiality and ethical conductAbility to work under pressure (shutdowns, production peaks, disputes)5. CompensationCompetitive, based on experience and industry norms for manufacturing units of similar scale.