Head of People Operations, Global (US + India)

Location: Vashi, India (Hybrid) | Shift: 3:30 PM 12:00 AM IST

Team: ~120 employees globally | Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

About the Role

We're looking for a hands-on HR leader to build and run our people function across the U.S. and India from the ground up. This is an execution-first role you'll be designing the systems, not just flagging problems for someone else to fix. You'll partner directly with leadership and act as the go-to advisor for managers on all things people-related.

What You'll Own

Across both geographies:

- HR compliance, employee records, leave/PTO administration, and benefits programs
- Full-cycle recruiting: job postings, interview coordination, offers, background checks, onboarding, and 90-day reviews
- Employee relations — conflict resolution, investigations, disciplinary processes, PIPs, and offboarding
- Performance management systems: review cycles, manager 1:1 cadences, promotions, and development planning
- Payroll accuracy and compensation benchmarking; support for headcount/workforce planning
- Training programs, engagement surveys, retention initiatives, and exit interviews




- Monthly HR metrics reporting to leadership (attrition, time-to-fill, absenteeism, payroll error rates, etc.)

India-specific: End-to-end ownership of local HR operations, working alongside external advisors on statutory matters. U.S.-specific: Multi-state employee support, with escalation paths to leadership/legal counsel for higher-risk issues.

What You Bring

- 7–10 years of generalist HR experience, including 2–3+ years directly supporting U.S. employees
- Hands-on background in U.S. recruiting, ER, payroll, benefits, leave management, and terminations across multiple states
- A track record of standing up HR infrastructure in a scaling company
- Comfort pushing back on managers when needed, with robust judgment and discretion
- Cross-border experience managing U.S. + India teams simultaneously
- Ability to overlap 4–5 hours daily with U.S. Eastern Time
- Working knowledge of Indian statutory frameworks — POSH, Maternity Benefit Act, Shops & Establishments, PF, ESIC, gratuity

📌 Head of People Operations, Global (US + India) (Navi Mumbai)
🏢 Sapwood Ventures
📍 Navi Mumbai