Head HR & ER, SML

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

About SML

SML is a leading commercial vehicle manufacturer with decades of expertise in producing light and medium commercial vehicles. Known for its reliability and quality, SML serves diverse sectors such as transportation, logistics, and agriculture. Headquartered in Chandigarh, the company has built a strong presence across India through its innovative products and customer-focused approach.

Following its acquisition by Mahindra Truck and Buses, SML enters a new phase of growth, combining its legacy of excellence with Mahindra’s expertise and resources. 

Role Overview

SML is seeking an experienced leader to drive HR and ER, with a focus on fostering an inclusive culture, enhancing collaboration, and aligning HR initiatives with business goals. A key focus will be managing integration efforts post-acquisition and ensuring cultural alignment. This role will emphasize on design and implement proactive ER frameworks to address employee concerns, maintain trust, and promote fairness. 

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations (ER)

• Drive the overall Employee Relations strategy to foster a harmonious and conducive work environment
• Strong believer of Proactive and Strategical Industrial Relation. Proactively identify potential employee relations issues and implement measures to mitigate risks
• Ensure compliance with all labour laws, statutory regulations, and organizational policies while managing industrial relations
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with labour unions, employee committees, and other representative bodies
• Develop and implement grievance redressal frameworks to ensure timely, fair, and transparent resolution of employee concerns
• Manage workplace investigations related to misconduct, policy violations, or disputes, ensuring adherence to legal and ethical standards
• Well versed in labour laws and compliances

Human Resource Management

• Partner closely with the business leadership team to provide strategic HR support on workforce-related decisions, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities
• Drive talent management initiatives, including succession planning, mobility programs, and leadership development
• Act as a catalyst for collaboration across departments, encouraging open communication and teamwork to achieve common goals
• Lead capability-building efforts to strengthen organizational competencies and prepare the workforce for future challenges
• Monitor key HR metrics and provide actionable insights for continuous improvement

Experience

18+ years

Industry Preferred

Manufacturing / Automotive Sector

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience

• 18+ years of experience in HR and Employee Relations, preferably in the manufacturing/automotive sector
• Strong understanding of labour laws, industrial relations, and statutory compliance
• Proven ability to handle ER matters, including union negotiations, grievance management, and conflict resolution
• Demonstrated ability to partner with business leaders on strategic workforce decisions

General Requirements

Preferred:

• Familiarity with local language and cultural norms to connect effectively with the workforce in the region
• Experience working in a unionized environment in similar region will be an added advantage