Director / Head – HR

Director / Head – HR - University of Aberdeen, Mumbai Campus

Location : Mumbai, India

Department : HR

Reporting to : Chief Operating Officer – India Campus

Employment Type : Full-time

About the University and the Role

Founded more than five centuries ago, the University of Aberdeen is a leading research institution that drives innovation and prepares students for future careers. It is ranked 2nd in Scotland and 12th in the UK in the 2025 Guardian University Guide, and is listed among the top 250 universities worldwide in the 2025 QS and Times Higher Education rankings.

The University of Aberdeen will open its Mumbai campus in Powai in September 2026. At launch, it will offer six programmes : four-year undergraduate degrees in Computing, Data Science, Economics, and Business Management, along with one-year master’s degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Business Administration.

We are seeking a seasoned and visionary HR leader to establish and lead the Human Resources function. This role is central to building a world-class academic and administrative workforce, fostering a high performance culture, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and university policies. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience from Indian universities, global exposure, and a proven ability to attract top talent from across the globe. A strong understanding of Indian regulatory frameworks in a university setting is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with the university’s mission and international standards.

Lead all HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, compensation, and compliance.

Build and nurture a strong organizational culture that reflects the university’s values and global outlook.

Partner with academic and administrative leaders to support workforce planning and talent development.

Drive international recruitment strategies to attract top-tier faculty and staff from around the world.

Ensure compliance with Indian labor laws, university policies, and accreditation requirements.

Develop and oversee HR systems, policies, and procedures.

Manage employee relations and foster a positive, inclusive work environment.

Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across the campus.

Provide strategic HR insights to senior leadership and contribute to decision-making.

Qualifications & Experience

Master’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

10+ years of progressive HR experience in premier higher education institutions.

Demonstrated experience in global talent acquisition and international HR practices.

Proven leadership experience in building and scaling HR functions.

Strong understanding of Indian labor laws, university HR operations, and accreditation frameworks (e.g., UGC, NAAC, AICTE).

Required Skills

Entrepreneurial Agility : A mindset to build and scale new initiatives, fostering innovation and institutional growth.

Strategic Thinking : Proven ability to design and implement HR strategies aligned with organizational goals.

Strategic HR Leadership : Ability to align HR strategy with institutional goals and global standards.

Global Talent Acquisition : Experience in attracting and onboarding international faculty and staff.

Higher Education Expertise : Deep understanding of HR dynamics in Indian universities.

Accreditation & Compliance : Knowledge of Indian and international regulatory frameworks and accreditation bodies.

Organizational Development : Expertise in performance management and leadership development.

Change Management : Ability to lead HR transformation and manage organizational change.

Communication & Influence : Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to influence stakeholders.

Technology Proficiency : Experience with HRIS platforms and digital HR tools.

Analytical Thinking : Ability to interpret HR metrics and drive data-informed decisions.

Collaboration : Strong team player with the ability to work across departments and cultures.

Why Join Us?

Join the founding team of a leading UK university establishing a centre of academic excellence in India.

Play a key role in expanding world-class opportunities for students in India.

Contribute to building high-quality team, culture, and impact within a mission-driven, collaborative environment.

Access competitive compensation and benefits.

Emeritus provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state laws