Job Title: Human Resources (HR) Manager

Organisation: Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF)Employment Type: Full-time

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Indian Chamber Centenary Building, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala

About Kochi Biennale Foundation The Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting contemporary art and culture, with a primary focus on hosting the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), one of the largest contemporary art festivals in Asia. KBF also engages in year-round initiatives, including educational programmes, workshops, and community outreach to foster artistic expression and cultural dialogue.

Job Summary The HR Manager plays a key role in managing the Foundation's human resources functions and supporting a productive, compliant, and inclusive workplace. The role is responsible for overseeing employee lifecycle processes, including recruitment support, onboarding, payroll coordination, contract administration, employee records, statutory compliance, and staff engagement.

Working closely with the COO and department leads, the HR Manager ensures that the Foundation's HR policies and procedures are effectively implemented while addressing the dynamic workforce requirements of the Kochi Biennale Foundation, its initiatives, and year-round programmes. The role also supports the Foundation's commitment to ensuring workplace ethics and employee well-being by overseeing the implementation of the Internal Committee (ICC) and Child Protection Policy in accordance with applicable laws.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Recruitment & HR Administration

- Coordinate recruitment processes, including drafting job descriptions, advertising vacancies, scheduling interviews, and facilitating candidate communication; manage the complete employee lifecycle, including selection support, onboarding, confirmation, contract renewals, resignations, and exit formalities.
- Maintain accurate and confidential employee records, personnel files, and HR documentation, as well as databases of prospective candidates, consultants, freelancers, and volunteers for future projects.
- Prepare employment contracts, consultancy agreements, internship letters, experience letters, extension letters, and other HR-related documentation.
- Develop, update, and implement HR policies, procedures,



and employee handbooks as required.

2. Payroll & Compensation:

- Process monthly payroll in coordination with the Finance Department.
- Maintain attendance, leave records, salary revisions, and payroll-related documentation.
- Ensure timely processing of reimbursements, final settlements, statutory deductions, and employee benefits.
- Support annual salary reviews and maintain compensation records.

3. Staff Management & Employee Relations:

- Serve as the primary HR point of contact for employees across departments.
- Coordinate induction and orientation programmes for consultants, interns, and volunteers.
- Foster a positive and inclusive work environment by addressing employee concerns and facilitating conflict resolution where appropriate.
- Support staff engagement initiatives, learning opportunities, and performance review processes.
- Coordinate workforce planning in consultation with department leads based on requirements.

4. Compliance & Governance:

- Ensure compliance with applicable labour laws, organisational policies, and statutory requirements.
- Oversee the implementation and periodic review of the Foundation's Child Protection Policy.
- Coordinate the functioning of the Internal Committee (ICC) under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, including documentation, awareness sessions, and compliance reporting.
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee and organisational information.
- Coordinate audits and HR documentation required for statutory and organisational compliance.

5. Performance & Organisational Development:

- Support the implementation of performance appraisal and employee development processes.
- Identify training requirements and coordinate internal and external learning programmes.
- Assist in developing HR initiatives that strengthen organisational culture and employee retention.

6. Biennale HR Coordination





- Coordinate HR requirements for KMB and public programmes undertaken by the Foundation.
- Manage recruitment, onboarding, documentation, and HR support for temporary staff, consultants, contractual employees, interns, volunteers, and project personnel.
- Coordinate with Operations, Production, Administration, Finance, and Programme teams to ensure adequate staffing throughout project planning, installation, exhibition, public programming, and deinstallation phases.
- Maintain workforce records for project-based teams and ensure timely contract administration.

7. General Administration:

- Prepare HR reports and workforce data for management review.
- Maintain HR databases and documentation systems.
- Assist the COO and management with HR planning, organisational restructuring, and policy implementation.
- Undertake any other responsibilities assigned by the COO or management in furtherance of the Foundation's operational and organisational objectives.

Skills & Competencies

- Strong knowledge of HR practices, labour laws, payroll administration, and employment documentation.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
- High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
- Strong organisational and documentation skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, project-driven workplace.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and HR documentation systems.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Social Work, or a related field.
- 3–5 years of professional experience in HR.
- Familiarity with payroll processing, statutory compliance, POSH (ICC), safeguarding policies, and contract administration.

What We Offer

- An opportunity to contribute to the culture and organisational development of one of the most significant contemporary art biennales in the world.
- Work closely with KBF leadership and multidisciplinary teams across a dynamic organisation.
- Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualification.

Pay: ₹15,000.00 - ₹200,000.00 per month

Benefits

- Paid sick time
- Paid time off

Work Location: In person

📌 Human Resources Manager (Mattancherry)
🏢 Kochi Biennale Foundation
📍 Mattancherry