Human Resources Operations Lead

India (Remote) | Full-Time | Permanent | HR / Recruitment / Start-up Operations

Placed by Hotsourced – connecting top South African talent with world-class global companies

We're partnering with a fast-scaling, profitable global startup on a mission to democratise access to the world's talent pool by connecting exceptional professionals with world-class businesses across borders. Through innovative employer-of-record and recruitment solutions, they help companies build high-performing international teams quickly and efficiently.

This is a unique opportunity to join as the company's first dedicated HR hire, working directly alongside the founder and leadership team to help shape the future of the people function. The role offers broad exposure across HR operations, recruitment, employee engagement, process optimisation, and business operations within a high-growth startup environment. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy building systems from scratch, and are excited by the opportunity to grow alongside a scaling business, this role could be an exceptional fit.

Company Description

We are rapidly growing and profitable international startup focused on transforming access to global talent. Our employer-of-record and recruitment services help UK companies hire exceptional remote talent across geographic and regulatory boundaries with ease.

The business operates with a strong emphasis on systems thinking, continuous improvement, urgency, collaboration, and operational excellence. Our culture values deep ownership, resourcefulness, empathy, and teamwork, with a commitment to building world-class internal processes and delivering exceptional experiences for both employees and clients.

As an early member of the HR function, you will have the opportunity to directly influence how the people operations team evolves while gaining hands-on experience across multiple business functions in a fast-growing startup environment.

About The Role

We are looking for a highly organised, emotionally intelligent, and proactive HR Operations & People Lead to join our growing team. In this role, you will work closely with the founder and leadership team to support and optimise the company's people operations.

This is a broad and dynamic position that combines traditional HR responsibilities with operational process improvement and cross-functional business support. You will oversee employee engagement initiatives, payroll administration, performance management, onboarding, recruitment support, policy documentation, and HR compliance while continuously refining systems and processes across the business.

The ideal candidate is resourceful, highly detail-oriented, and thrives in startup environments where adaptability and ownership are essential.

Responsibilities - What you'll be doing:

• Lead employee engagement initiatives and maintain open communication channels across the business.
• Manage employee grievances and terminations with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
• Oversee performance management processes, probation reviews, and employee feedback cycles.
• Respond to employee queries and provide day-to-day HR support.
• Support payroll administration, including gathering payroll data and preparing reports.
• Prepare, review, and maintain employment contracts, company policies, and HR documentation.
• Support recruitment activities including sourcing, screening, interviewing coordination, and onboarding.
• Ensure a seamless onboarding experience for all new hires.
• Build and maintain relationships with universities, colleges, and institutional partners.
• Support employer branding initiatives through networking and events.
• Refine and improve HR processes, SOPs, and operational workflows.
• Track and report on HR performance metrics and operational KPIs.
• Manage action items arising from client calls and performance reviews.
• Create and document new internal processes and operational best practices.
• Continuously identify opportunities for process optimisation and automation.
• Support the design and implementation of internal workflows and no-code platform features.

Requirements - What we're looking for:

We think the right candidate will tick most of the following boxes:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in HR operations, people operations, or human resources.
• Strong understanding of Indian employment law is essential.
• Previous experience working in a startup environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience working for a UK, US, or other Western company is preferred.
• HR accreditation or certification is preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal English communication skills.
• Outstanding emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities.
• Highly detail-oriented with excellent follow-through.
• Strong problem-solving and systems-thinking mindset.
• Ability to build, document, and improve operational processes.
• Strong sense of urgency and ownership.
• Highly resourceful and adaptable in fast-changing environments.
• Excellent judge of character and relationship-builder.
• Collaborative team player with a people-first mindset.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to operational excellence.

Work Schedule

As we are UK-based, you will be required to work UK daytime hours:

• Monday to Friday
• 08:00am – 17:00pm UK Time
• 13:30pm – 22:30pm IST

Pay & Benefits - What we offer:

• Annual salary of INR 12-15LPA
• Fully remote role based in India
• Company laptop provided
• 15 days annual leave
• 11 public holidays
• Opportunity to grow with a fast-scaling international business
• Be part of a collaborative, dynamic, and ambitious team environment
• Exposure to multiple business functions within a high-growth startup
• Significant career growth opportunities as the company scales
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities