Chief Manager - HR Operations & Payroll - BFSI

Role Overview:

We are looking for an experienced HR Operations & Payroll leader to manage enterprise-scale HR operations, payroll governance, employee data management, HR systems, and workforce administration. The role requires strong operational discipline and statutory compliance expertise, with proven experience handling payroll for 20,000+ employees across multiple locations.

This position is central to ensuring accuracy, consistency, compliance, and governance across all HR operational processes.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Management & Governance:

• Lead end-to-end payroll processing for 20,000+ employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and statutory compliance.
• Oversee payroll inputs, validation, reconciliation, variance analysis, and final salary processing.
• Manage statutory compliance including PF, ESIC, PT, LWF, Income Tax, TDS, Form 24Q, Form 16.
• Drive payroll controls through maker-checker processes, audit readiness, and documentation.
• Handle complex payroll matters including arrears, F&F settlements, corrections, and taxation queries.
• Ensure payroll governance across multiple business units and locations.

Central HR Operations:

• Own and manage core HR operations including employee lifecycle data, HR documentation, HR governance, and compliance.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of employee master data across HR systems.
• Manage HR workflows, approvals, and operational SLAs across HR, Finance, and business teams.
• Lead centralised HR processes such as onboarding, exits, transfers, and employee records management.
• Strengthen operational controls and standardise processes across branches and business units.

HR Systems Ownership:

• Act as the functional owner for HRMS/Payroll systems - manage configurations, enhancements, UAT, and system upgrades.
• Coordinate with IT and product teams for BRD/FRD creation, testing, defect resolution, and system improvements.
• Ensure data accuracy, system hygiene, and governance across modules.
• Drive automation and digital transformation across HR operations.

MIS, Reporting & Dashboards:

• Build and maintain HR dashboards covering headcount, payroll cost, attendance, overtime, compliance, and operational KPIs.
• Generate monthly MIS for leadership review and statutory reporting.
• Provide data-led insights to improve HR operations efficiency and accuracy.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting for audits, compliance, and management reviews.

Stakeholder & Team Management:

• Lead and mentor the HR Ops & Payroll team, ensuring structured delivery and quality.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Audit, IT, and business leaders to resolve issues and streamline processes.
• Manage escalations and ensure timely closure through root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners.

Who We're Looking For:

Experience & Background:

• 10-15 years of experience in HR Operations & Payroll.
• Mandatory experience managing payroll for 20,000+ employees (multi-location preferred).
• Strong exposure to statutory compliance, payroll governance, and HR systems.
• Experience in HRMS implementation, UAT, BRD/FRD, and system enhancements.
• Prior experience in Life Insurance, BFSI, or large multi-location organisations preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Deep understanding of payroll processes, statutory laws, and HR operations.
• Strong analytical skills for reconciliation, variance analysis, and dashboard creation.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to bring structure, accuracy, and governance to large-scale HR operations.
• Team leadership experience with a focus on quality and delivery.

The Opportunity:

This role is ideal for someone who can bring discipline, governance, and operational excellence to a large workforce environment. You will shape how HR operations run at scale - ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a seamless employee experience across the organisation.