Chief Manager - HR Operations & Payroll - BFSI

Role Overview: We are looking for an experienced HR Operations & Payroll leader to manage enterprise-scale HR operations, payroll governance, employee data management, HR systems, and workforce administration. The role requires strong operational discipline and statutory compliance expertise, with proven experience handling payroll for 20,000+ employees across multiple locations. This position is central to ensuring accuracy, consistency, compliance, and governance across all HR operational processes. Key Responsibilities: Payroll Management & Governance: - Lead end-to-end payroll processing for 20,000+ employees, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and statutory compliance. - Oversee payroll inputs, validation, reconciliation, variance analysis, and final salary processing. - Manage statutory compliance including PF, ESIC, PT, LWF, Income Tax, TDS, Form 24Q, Form 16. - Drive payroll controls through maker-checker processes, audit readiness, and documentation. - Handle complex payroll matters including arrears, F&F settlements, corrections, and taxation queries. - Ensure payroll governance across multiple business units and locations. Central HR Operations: - Own and manage core HR operations including employee lifecycle data, HR documentation, HR governance, and compliance. - Ensure accuracy and integrity of employee master data across HR systems. - Manage HR workflows, approvals, and operational SLAs across HR, Finance, and business teams. - Lead centralised HR processes such as onboarding, exits, transfers, and employee records management. - Strengthen operational controls and standardise processes across branches and business units. HR Systems Ownership: - Act as the functional owner for HRMS/Payroll systems - manage configurations, enhancements, UAT, and system upgrades. - Coordinate with IT and product teams for BRD/FRD creation, testing, defect resolution, and system improvements. - Ensure data accuracy, system hygiene, and governance across modules. - Drive automation and digital transformation across HR operations. MIS, Reporting & Dashboards: - Build and maintain HR dashboards covering headcount, payroll cost, attendance, overtime, compliance, and operational KPIs. - Generate monthly MIS for leadership review and statutory reporting. - Provide data-led insights to improve HR operations efficiency and accuracy. - Ensure timely and accurate reporting for audits, compliance, and management reviews. Stakeholder & Team Management: - Lead and mentor the HR Ops & Payroll team, ensuring structured delivery and quality. - Partner with HR, Finance, Audit, IT, and business leaders to resolve issues and streamline processes. - Manage escalations and ensure timely closure through root-cause analysis and corrective actions. - Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners. Who We're Looking For: Experience & Background: - 10-15 years of experience in HR Operations & Payroll. - Mandatory experience managing payroll for 20,000+ employees (multi-location preferred). - Strong exposure to statutory compliance, payroll governance, and HR systems. - Experience in HRMS implementation, UAT, BRD/FRD, and system enhancements. - Prior experience in Life Insurance, BFSI, or large multi-location organisations preferred. Skills & Competencies: - Deep understanding of payroll processes, statutory laws, and HR operations. - Strong analytical skills for reconciliation, variance analysis, and dashboard creation. - Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. - Ability to bring structure, accuracy, and governance to large-scale HR operations. - Team leadership experience with a focus on quality and delivery. The Opportunity: This role is ideal for someone who can bring discipline, governance, and operational excellence to a large workforce environment. You will shape how HR operations run at scale - ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a seamless employee experience across the organisation.