Fractional Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO)

Fractional Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO)

Location: Pune (Cerebrum IT Park) Minimum 3 hours in-office daily

Engagement Type: Fractional / Part-Time Leadership Role

Reports To: CEO

Function: Human Resources & Organizational Development

Smart Ship Hub is seeking an experienced Fractional CHRO to provide strategic HR leadership as the organization scales through its Series A growth phase. The Fractional CHRO will act as a key partner to the CEO, shaping the people strategy, building organizational capability, and professionalizing HR systems and processes across the organization, while working closely with leadership on a part-time, in-office basis.

Key Responsibilities

• Organizational Development: Design and drive OD interventions - org structure design, role clarity, span of control, succession planning, and change management as the company scales.
• HR Strategy: Develop and execute HR strategy aligned to business goals; advise the CEO and leadership team on workforce planning and org design.
• Talent Management: Build performance management frameworks, career pathing, and leadership development programs.
• Culture & Engagement: Define and embed culture, values, and engagement practices suited to a fast-scaling, growth-stage technology environment.
• Compensation & Benefits: Guide compensation benchmarking, benefits design, and pay equity practices.
• HR Systems & Compliance: Oversee HR policy frameworks, statutory compliance, and HRMS/process maturity.
• Leadership Advisory: Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and functional leaders on people-related decisions, including senior hiring and org restructuring.
• HR Team Mentorship: Provide guidance and mentorship to internal HR & Talent Acquisition team members.

Key Qualifications

Experience:

• 15+ years of progressive HR leadership experience, including prior CHRO/CPO/HR Head roles.
• Demonstrated organizational development (OD) expertise : org design, change management, capability building - is mandatory.
• Prior experience in a startup or scale-up (Series A/B/C) environment is strongly preferred.
• Experience building HR functions from an early or growth stage is a strong plus.
• Exposure to technology, SaaS, or engineering-driven organizations is preferred.

Education:

• Postgraduate degree/MBA in HR or a related field.
• OD certification (e.g., NTL, ODCP) is an advantage.

Skills:

• Strategic and consultative HR leadership.
• Strong organizational design and change management capability.
• Stakeholder management across leadership, employees, and external partners.
• Ability to operate hands-on in a lean, resource-constrained environment.
• High discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive organizational matters.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Mindset:

• An HR leader who is passionate about building strong organizations and excited to help us achieve our mission.

Why Smart Ship Hub

• Be part of a global organization driving innovation in maritime technology.
• Shape the people foundation of a fast-growing, Series A maritime AI and IoT SaaS company.
• Work with a team dedicated to redefining maritime operations and sustainability.