Manager - Plant HR - Industrial Relations & Employee Relations - Manufacturing

Role Overview:

We are seeking a seasoned professional to lead our Industrial Relations and Employee Relations function in Pune. In this strategic role, you will serve as the primary architect for our labor strategy, ensuring seamless operations across our manufacturing and corporate units. You will collaborate closely with plant heads, legal counsel, and senior leadership to navigate complex labor landscapes, mitigate operational risks, and foster a culture of transparency and compliance. By proactively managing union negotiations, regulatory interfaces, and internal grievance mechanisms, you will directly influence the stability of our workforce and the long-term sustainability of our business operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead complex collective bargaining and wage settlement negotiations with trade unions to ensure operational continuity and maintain harmonious industrial relations.
• Oversee comprehensive regulatory compliance across all labor laws, ensuring the organization remains audit-ready and protected against legal liabilities.
• Develop and implement robust employee relations frameworks that address grievances, disciplinary matters, and workplace conduct to sustain a high-performance, ethical culture.
• Act as the primary liaison with government authorities, labor commissioners, and industry bodies to represent the company interests and stay ahead of legislative shifts.
• Design and execute proactive engagement strategies that minimize labor unrest and enhance the overall employee value proposition within the Pune region.
• Provide expert advisory support to senior management on the implications of labor policy changes, enabling informed decision-making that aligns with business objectives.

Required Skillset:

• Demonstrated mastery in interpreting and applying complex labor laws and industrial statutes to mitigate organizational risk.
• Exceptional negotiation and conflict resolution abilities, with a proven track record of managing high-stakes interactions with union representatives and external stakeholders.
• Strong strategic communication skills, capable of articulating complex legal and operational concepts to diverse audiences, including board members and shop-floor employees.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale HR compliance initiatives and manage multi-site operations with a focus on operational excellence.
• A postgraduate degree in Human Resources or Industrial Relations from a premier institute is highly preferred.
• High degree of adaptability to an on-site work environment, with the physical and mental presence required to manage critical IR situations on the ground in Pune.
• 14 - 18 years of progressive experience in managing industrial and employee relations within large-scale manufacturing or industrial organizations.
• MNC experience is a must have