Job Title: HR Manager (Factory Operations)

Location: Kim, Surat

Position Type: Full-Time, On-Site

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on HR Manager to lead all human resources functions at our manufacturing facility. The ideal candidate will be a proactive and resourceful leader responsible for managing the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment and onboarding to employee relations and statutory compliance. You will be a strategic partner to the factory leadership, ensuring smooth operations by effectively managing our most valuable asset – our people. A key focus of this role will be on robust manpower planning and the successful sourcing of a skilled and unskilled workforce to meet production demands.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Manpower Planning & Recruitment:

Develop and execute effective recruitment strategies to attract and hire a sufficient number of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers.

Proactively source candidates by building and maintaining strong relationships with local Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), labour contractors, employment agencies, and community leaders.

Manage the end-to-end recruitment process for all factory personnel, including staff, supervisors, and operators.

Ensure timely onboarding and induction for all new hires to integrate them effectively into the factory's culture and safety protocols.

2. Employee Relations & Grievance Management:

Foster a positive and productive work environment on the factory floor.

Act as the first point of contact for all employee queries, concerns, and grievances, ensuring timely and fair resolution.

Proactively manage and resolve disputes, and handle disciplinary actions in accordance with company policy and legal guidelines.

Conduct regular worker meetings and engagement activities to boost morale and maintain open lines of communication.

3. Statutory Compliance & Labour Law:

Ensure 100% compliance with all applicable labour laws, including the Factories Act, 1948, PF & ESI regulations, Minimum Wages Act, Payment of Bonus Act, Gratuity Act, and Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act.

Manage all statutory documentation, maintain required registers, and file timely returns.

Liaise with government officials from the Labour Department, PF Office, ESI Corporation, and Factory Inspectorate.

Represent the company during audits and inspections.

4. HR Operations & Administration:

Oversee time and attendance management, ensuring accuracy for payroll processing.

Manage payroll inputs and coordinate with the finance department for timely salary disbursement.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date employee records, both physical and digital.

Handle the complete exit process for employees, including full and final settlements.

5. Performance Management, Training & Development:

Implement performance appraisal systems for factory staff and supervisors.

Identify training needs for the workforce, focusing on skill enhancement, safety procedures, and productivity improvement.

Organize and coordinate training sessions as required.

Required Qualifications & Experience:

Education: Bachelor's degree is required. An MBA in HR or a Master's degree in Labour Welfare (MLW) / Social Work (MSW) is highly preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive HR experience, with at least 3 years in a direct HR management role within a manufacturing or factory environment.

Language Skills: Fluency in Gujarati and Hindi is mandatory for effective communication with the workforce. Proficiency in English is required for reporting and documentation.

Essential Skills & Competencies:

Expert Knowledge: In-depth, practical knowledge of Indian Labour Laws and factory compliance.

Recruitment Expertise: Proven track record of successful blue-collar/worker hiring and managing labour supply.

Conflict Resolution: Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills with the ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and firmness.

Interpersonal Skills: Excellent ability to build rapport and trust with employees at all levels, from shop floor workers to senior management.

Resilience: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure factory environment.

Integrity: High level of professionalism, ethics, and integrity.