Senior HR Manager | For a Leading QSR Brand | 8-12 Years of Exp.

The role will focus on building a strong workforce and positive workplace culture for a rapidly expanding QSR business. The Senior HR Manager will handle both strategic and hands-on HR responsibilities – from talent acquisition and development to HR policy implementation –

ensuring that the organization can attract, develop, and retain the talent needed for growth in India (and prepare for future international expansion).

Key Responsibilities (Strategic & Operational):

Talent Acquisition & Employer Branding: Lead recruitment efforts for corporate and key

operational roles (e.g., area managers, store managers, kitchen staff for new outlets).

Implement efficient hiring processes and employer branding initiatives to attract top talent in

the QSR/retail industry.

Onboarding & Training: Develop a robust onboarding program for new hires and oversee

continuous training & development programs for employees at all levels. Coordinate with

Operations to design training for front-line restaurant staff that maintains service

and quality standards.

Performance Management: Execute the performance management cycle, including goal

setting, mid-year and annual reviews, and feedback processes. Coach line managers on

effective performance appraisal techniques and ensure merit-based recognition and

Promotions.

Employee Engagement & Culture: Implement initiatives to foster a positive, inclusive, and

high-performance work culture. Organize engagement activities, feedback surveys, and

retention programs tailored to a workforce that includes both corporate staff and a large

front-line team across outlets.

HR Operations & Compliance: Oversee day-to-day HR operations including payroll

coordination, leave management, and HRIS data accuracy. Ensure compliance with all labor

laws and regulations (shops and establishment acts, health and safety, POSH, etc.) across

different states of operation.

Policy Implementation: Roll out and enforce HR policies and standard operating procedures

(SOPs) in areas such as attendance, discipline, grievance handling, and career progression.

Regularly review and update policies to support the company’s growth and ensure fairness

and compliance.

Support Strategic HR Projects: Work closely with the Head of HR on strategic initiatives like

manpower planning for new outlets, organizational structuring, succession planning for critical

roles, and preparing the workforce for any entry into new markets (e.g., understanding UK

HR norms in advance).

Required Skills & Competencies:

HR Generalist Expertise: Broad knowledge across HR functions – recruitment, training,

compensation & benefits, employee relations, and compliance. Proven ability to manage end-

to-end HR processes in a multi-location operation.

Communication & People Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to connect with

employees on the shop floor as well as senior executives. Effective communicator and

mediator, capable of handling employee grievances or conflicts with empathy and fairness.

Organizational Skills: Strong planning and organizational abilities to manage multiple HR

projects and a high volume of recruitment and onboarding, especially during periods of rapid

expansion. Detail-oriented in maintaining HR records and documentation.

Analytical & HRIS Skills: Comfort with HR analytics – can interpret attrition data, employee

feedback, and other HR metrics to derive insights. Proficiency in using HRIS and other tools

to streamline HR processes.

Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment. Should be hands-

on and ready to roll up sleeves to set up processes or handle urgent HR issues in a growing

Company.

Ethical Judgment: High integrity and confidentiality in dealing with employee information and

sensitive management discussions. Sound judgment in enforcing discipline and making

people-related decisions that align with company values.

Preferred Background & Domain Expertise:

Industry Experience: Experience in HR roles within QSR, retail, hospitality, or consumer

services sectors where managing a dispersed workforce is key. Understanding the challenges

of high-volume hiring and labor-intensive operations.

Education: MBA or Master’s in HR, Organizational Psychology, or related field is preferred.

Professional HR certifications (like SHRM or PHR) can be an added advantage.

Growth Phase Experience: Demonstrated experience in scaling HR operations during periods

of rapid growth or organizational change. For example, having helped grow a company from

a few hundred to several thousand employees.

International Awareness: Some exposure to or knowledge of HR practices beyond India (such

as familiarity with UK employment practices or global HR trends) is a plus, supporting the

company’s potential international expansion plans.