IIIT - Manager - Placements

Description:
Role Context
The context in which IIIT Hyderabad operates has changed significantly. We are moving beyond "Seasonal Placements" to a year-long engagement model. The Manager will play a critical operational and strategic role in managing the sheer volume of increased student intake while addressing the niche hiring needs of deep-tech research streams.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Corporate Outreach & Negotiation (The "Hunter" Role)
- New Age Acquisition: Identify and onboard "New Age Companies" and firms not traditionally known as tech companies but who are leveraging AI for business transformation.
- Negotiation: Lead discussions with recruiters regarding "Day Zero" slots, visit dates, and compensation packages to balance student aspirations with company requests.
- Niche Hiring: specialized focus on finding roles for MS by Research and PhD scholars, ensuring companies understand the value of thesis-based talent.
- Lateral Hiring: Develop channels for lateral hiring opportunities for alumni or experienced candidates where applicable
2. Operations & Systems Implementation
- Process Architecture: Move beyond the current ad-hoc management by establishing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and robust processes to connect all placement activities.
- Cycle Management: Manage the intense operational aspects of the placement season, ensuring seamless scheduling for B.Tech, M.Tech (CS, ECE, Product Management), and Research students.
- Student Coordinators (SPCs): Manage and mentor the Student Placement Coordinators (SPCs), transforming them from support staff into effective student ambassadors.
3. Strategic Engagement (Year-Round)
- Beyond the Season: Shift the focus from purely seasonal placement drives to year-long industry engagement.
- Campus Presence: Organize career fairs, student awareness events, and strategic partner visits to maintain industry visibility on campus throughout the academic year.

- Alumni Engagement: Collaborate with alumni to create a "pull" factor for current students within their respective organizations.
4. Student Management & Alignment
- Aspiration Management: Address the changing motivations of the student base, including those in new courses like Geo-Spatial and Product Management (PDM).
- Feedback Loop: Work with the Manager of Mentoring & Counselling to feed industry insights back into student preparation, ensuring students are "market-ready" regarding soft skills and industry awareness.
5. Operational Excellence
- Develops and executes placement strategies in collaboration with the Head of Career Guidance and placement committee, aligning them with institutional goals and student needs.
- Uses analytics to track outcomes, identify trends, and make informed decisions to improve student employability.
- Leverages digital tools and platforms to streamline operations, enhance student services, and manage data effectively.
- Collaborates with internal offices, faculty, recruiters, alumni, and industry to ensure smooth execution of all career-related activities.
- Maintains accurate records and prepare periodic reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Use data analytics to track student performance and placement success rates.
KEY COMPETENCIES:
Education & Experience:
- Background: A Technical background (B.Tech/BE) is preferred to understand the nature of the institute's work, combined with an MBA or relevant management experience.
- Experience: Proven experience in placements, corporate relations, or talent acquisition.
- Ideally looking for a transition overlapping with the retiring incumbent.

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Key Competencies:
- Industry Connected: Well-connected in the industry, ideally capable of reaching beyond HR departments to technical leadership.
- Systems Thinker: Ability to put systems and processes in place to handle the complexity of multiple streams (B.Tech, MS, PhD) and high volumes.
- Negotiator: Capable of balancing the high aspirations of students for international exposure with the practical constraints of recruiters.
- Engaging Personality: Must act as a bridge between the student body (Student Bodies/SPCs) and the corporate world, maintaining high energy and approachability.
Timeline:
- December - 2025: advertising, resume gathering
- January - 2026: Shortlist/Interview
- January - February 2026: Joining
Compensation: The compensation will be in the range of Rs. 15 -20 lakhs p.a.
Reports to: Head, Career Guidance & Placements, Dotted Line: Placements Committee Chair
Location: IIIT Hyderabad Campu