Director - Labor & Employee Relations

We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to head Labor & Employee Relations for our client's organization. This role is accountable for defining and executing the India Labor & Employee Relations strategy, ensuring statutory compliance, managing complex employee relations matters , and partnering closely with business and People Solutions leadership. The incumbent will balance strategic thought leadership with strong execution and leverage technology, data, and AI-enabled tools to strengthen compliance, risk mitigation, operational efficiency, and employee experience. Role & responsibilities: Workplace Issues & Grievances: - 1. Confidentially carry out high-end & high-risk investigations/enquiries, gathering information / documentary evidence from the concerned departments and other sources in support of the case. - 2. Managing labor authority inspections under PF, ESI, PT & other applicable statutory & labor laws, PF withdrawals/Transfers. - 3. Administer grievance procedures, employee issues and complaints. - 4. Adhere to employee misconduct, allegations and violation to company policies. Employment Laws: - 1. Provide advice and guidance to leadership regarding any changes to ER / Labor Laws / Rules / Regulations / Notifications etc. - 2. Identify changes in the existing landscape and share regular updates with the People Solutions team on legislative changes and employment laws. - 3. Assessment & Interpretation of Labor Law amendments and their impact on business. Policy Review & Development: - 1. Dealing with Central and State Government authorities for Labour Law reforms & monitor amendments / developments from time to time. - 2. Review and revise the labor consultant strategy to respond to those changes. - 3. Development & maintenance of policies & related legal documents, in line with local legislation & as per the business needs. - 4. Framing LER related policies, Letter drafting Termination, Show Cause Notice, Contracts. Employee Litigations: - 1. Representing the organization in labor courts and tribunals. - 2. Handling of Police Matters, Court Matters and dispute resolution, Litigation & dispute related to Employees, Court cases etc. - 3. Partnering with the management and legal counsel on litigation strategy. - 4. Representing the company before external agencies & Government Authorities on labour matters. - 5. Manage Internal/External/Client audits. Labor Compliances: - 1. Responsible for ensuring the organization is compliant with its statutory obligations for ER/Labor compliance. - 2. Preparation of compliance deck for internal reviews & Sexual Harassment Policy. - 3. Monitor and verify compliance certificates, and carry out process, statutory and regulatory compliances for the organization. - 4. Coordinating with governmental officials regarding the legal compliance issues. - 5. Work closely with the functional teams, external vendor(s) and legal team to implement the legal and statutory compliances. - 6. Review of client agreements, vendor agreements from statutory compliance standpoint. - 7. Audit Legal Compliances, prepared status & legal due diligence report and update the management periodically. - 8. Deal with local statutory compliance regulations covering areas such as CLRA, Shops & Establishment Act - Min. wage, Hours of work, Leaves/Holidays. - 9. Statutory Registrations/Renewals, Filing of Compliance returns to Government Authorities. Stakeholder & Leadership Management: - 1. Manage Stakeholders/Business relationship in the region. - 2. Communicate effectively with businesses for any non-compliance issue/s. - 3. Help management with decision making on matters related to legal notices/summons. - 4. Coordination with other stakeholders for smooth implementation of new amendments or enactments. People Management & Training: - 1. Develop & facilitate training to the concerned staff on various aspects of Labour Laws & ER on a continuous basis. - 2. Coach/Train teams and business leaders to develop ER skills and contribute to risk mitigation. - 3. Training and Awareness of People Solutions group on Labour Law related matters & changes in legislation. AI, Technology & Data-Driven Deliverables: - 1. Digitize grievance handling, investigations, and ER documentation using HR technology platforms. - 2. Leverage dashboards and analytics to monitor ER trends, risks, and compliance health. - 3. Use AI-enabled tools for early risk identification and pattern analysis. - 4. Partner with People Solutions Tech and People Analytics teams to automate ER workflows. - 5. Ensure ethical, responsible, and compliant use of AI in ER decision-making. Preferred candidate profile: - 1. Should have 16+ years of experience in Employee Relations, Labor Law, and Statutory Compliance. - 2. Qualifications: LL.B (Labor Law specialization preferred). - 3. Strong background in investigations, litigation, and government liaison. - 4. Knowledge of recent changes in Labor laws, compliances and statutory norms. - 5. Experience managing PAN-India operations in a complex organization. - 6. Proven success in leading teams within matrixed global organizations. - 7. Excellent communication, negotiation, and analytical skills. - 8. Proven track record of building strong relationships with stakeholders. - 9. Analytical acumen and the ability to streamline complex processes.