HR Business Partner

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced HR Business Partner to lead the entire HR function at Natura X, a fast-expanding telehealth skincare startup. This role involves driving strategic and operational HR initiatives for a geographically dispersed team, collaborating closely with the company Founder and leadership to influence hiring, development, retention, and reward strategies across multiple states and departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end recruitment processes across diverse functions including sales, medical, operations, and technology, overseeing multiple openings simultaneously.
• Develop region-specific sourcing channels, especially targeting clinical and healthcare professionals.
• Own employer branding and ensure a seamless candidate experience from initial contact to offer stage.
• Initiate and maintain internal referral programs and nurture a continuous talent network.
• Design and facilitate scalable performance review cycles (quarterly and annual) suitable for a high-growth startup environment.
• Collaborate with managers to define clear goals and promote continuous feedback mechanisms.
• Create frameworks to recognize high performers, manage underperformance with sensitivity, and guarantee fairness across locations.
• Analyze performance data and present insights to senior leadership.
• Assess L&D needs, construct yearly training agendas, and develop onboarding programs to accelerate new hire productivity.
• Source external training, certifications, and leadership development opportunities.
• Enhance managerial capabilities through coaching and formal initiatives.
• Oversee payroll processing accurately and in compliance across multiple states, either directly or via partners.
• Ensure statutory compliance related to PF, ESIC, PT, TDS, gratuity, and labour laws in all operating states.
• Conduct compensation benchmarking with recommendations to remain competitive.
• Manage final settlements, salary increments, and bonus disbursements.
• Serve as the primary contact for employee relations issues including conflicts, grievances, and concerns, resolving them discreetly and fairly.
• Foster a healthy and respectful workplace culture, including POSH compliance and committee management.
• Monitor workforce sentiment and proactively tackle retention risks to reduce attrition.
• Maintain and continually improve HR operational processes such as onboarding, contracts, offboarding, and record keeping.
• Administer the HRMS/people operations platform, ensuring data accuracy and report generation.
• Stay updated on labour law developments across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
• Prepare HR dashboards and monthly management reports for leadership review.
• Implement employee engagement programs suitable for regional and cultural diversity.
• Maintain high morale particularly among sales teams through events and recognition programs that reinforce company values.
• Regularly visit regional offices to maintain consistent HR practices and stay connected with teams.

Candidate Profile

• MBA or PGDM in HR, or MSW/MSc in HRM from a recognized institution.
• 7 to 8 years of progressive HR experience with a demonstrated track record in recruitment, performance management, learning & development, and payroll.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Indian labour laws and statutory requirements (PF, ESIC, PT, TDS) spanning multiple states.
• Proven capability to manage concurrent recruitment projects across varied business functions.
• Strong conflict resolution skills, high emotional intelligence, and discretion.
• Fluency in Malayalam and English, both spoken and written.
• Willing to frequently travel and based in or ready to relocate to Kozhikode.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare, direct-to-consumer, telehealth, or startup sectors.
• Background in recruiting clinical or medically qualified roles.
• Familiarity with HRMS systems such as Darwinbox, Keka, Zoho People, or similar platforms.
• Fluency in Tamil, Kannada, or Telugu languages.
• Experience establishing or growing an HR function from the ground up.

Why Choose Natura X?

• Opportunity to be the inaugural dedicated HR leader shaping a company with significant clinical impact and rapid growth.
• Direct collaboration with the Founder, influencing company culture at its foundation.
• Competitive salary coupled with performance-based incentives.
• Potential career progression to a Head of People position as the organization expands.
• Work at the convergence of healthcare, technology, and consumer brand sectors.

Equal Opportunity

Natura X is committed to equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications from women.