About BrightCHAMPS
BrightCHAMPS is a fast-growing global edtech platform valued at $650M, delivering live, expert-led learning in Coding, Robotics, Financial Literacy, Math, AI, and Communication to kids aged 6–16 across 30+ countries and 12+ languages. As we scale rapidly across geographies, we are building robust people operations infrastructure to support our growing workforce — and we're looking for seasoned HR leaders who can bring structure, rigour, and scale to our people operations.
About the Role
We are looking for a highly experienced and process-driven HR Operations & Payroll Manager to own and strengthen our end-to-end HR operations, payroll processing, and statutory compliance functions. This is a senior leadership role for someone who has built and managed large-scale HR operations, navigated complex compliance landscapes across geographies, and driven meaningful process transformation. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise across payroll systems, global compliance, HR analytics, and team leadership — and has a strong track record of managing HR operations for large, multi-location workforces.
What You'll Do
Payroll & Statutory Compliance
- Own end-to-end payroll processing for 1500+ employees across locations, ensuring 100% accuracy, timeliness, and statutory adherence
- Manage all statutory compliance obligations — PF, ESI, PT, LWF, TDS, Form 16, and IT Declarations — in close coordination with the global compliance team
- Oversee Full & Final (F&F) settlements, ensuring prompt processing in line with company policy and applicable labour laws
- Lead statutory audits, filings, and reconciliations; serve as the primary interface for internal and external auditors
- Partner with global compliance teams to align cross-border payroll and HR practices with regional regulatory requirements
- Act as the liaison with outstation HR teams, local staff, and payroll providers to conclude country payrolls.
- Review and validate payroll calculations received from external payroll consultants.
HR Operations & Systems
- Manage, configure, and continuously optimize HRIS and payroll platforms — Zoho Payroll, Keka, and DarwinBox — ensuring data integrity and system efficiency
- Lead full-cycle payroll system implementations, including planning, data migration, validation, UAT, and go-live
- Maintain rigorous headcount reconciliation across departments, cost centres, locations, and business units
- Oversee structured onboarding workflows ensuring a compliant, consistent, and positive experience for all new joiners
- Draft, review, and periodically update HR policies in alignment with business needs, legal frameworks, and best practices
MIS, Analytics & Budgeting
- Design and publish MIS reports and payroll analytics dashboards for HR leadership, finance, and business heads
- Manage HR budgets, headcount cost tracking, and payroll variance analysis; proactively flag risks and drive cost control
- Build and automate reporting frameworks using Advanced Excel and HRIS tools to improve accuracy and reduce manual effort
- Deliver data-driven insights on workforce trends, attrition, and cost movements to support strategic decision-making
Team Leadership & Process Excellence
- Lead, mentor, and develop the HR operations team — setting clear goals, building capability, and driving high performance
- Identify and execute process improvement and automation initiatives across payroll, compliance, and HR operations
- Serve as the senior escalation point for employee queries related to payroll, benefits, compliance, and HR processes
- Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team
What We're Looking For
- 10–15 years of progressive experience in HR operations and payroll management, with significant exposure to global compliance teams and multi-geography workforces
- Demonstrated experience managing end-to-end payroll and HR operations for a workforce of 1500+ employees
- Understanding of payroll cycles, payroll accounting entries, and statutory deductions.
- Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure, and Follows defined SOPs and guidelines with discipline.
- Understanding in Indian statutory compliance — PF, ESI, PT, LWF, TDS, Form 16, and Labour Law adherence
- Hands-on, advanced proficiency with HRIS and payroll platforms — Zoho Payroll, Keka, and DarwinBox — including system implementation and migration experience
- Expertise in F&F settlement processing, onboarding design, and HR policy drafting and review
- Proficiency in Advanced Excel; demonstrated ability to build MIS frameworks and payroll analytics reports
- Proven leadership experience managing and developing HR operations teams
- Strong analytical mindset, high attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a high-growth environment
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills — comfortable engaging with finance, legal, and business leadership
Good to Have
- Experience with multi-country or international payroll processing
- Exposure to HR process automation tools and HRIS integrations
- Prior experience in a high-growth startup, edtech, or technology-driven organization
- Familiarity with budgeting tools and workforce cost modelling
Why BrightCHAMPS
- Be part of a mission-driven global company impacting millions of learners across 30+ countries
- Senior, high-ownership role with direct visibility to CHRO and business leadership
- Fast-paced, collaborative culture with real scope to build, automate, and transform HR operations
- Competitive compensation, strong benefits, and a meaningful growth trajectory
