Lead - Employee Relations

About Zinnov

Zinnov is a global management consulting firm that helps organizations make decisions that actually get used — and deliver results that matter. For over two decades, we’ve partnered with leading enterprises, high-growth technology companies, and investors to answer some of the toughest questions they face:

• Where should we invest?

• How do we scale globally?

• What capabilities will win in the next decade?

Our work shapes market entry strategies, global operating models, M&A decisions, and long-term growth bets. We’re known for being data-led, execution-focused, and outcome-driven — not opinion-heavy slideware.

At Zinnov, how you work matters as much as what you deliver. We value independent thinking, crisp communication, and early ownership. With 450+ professionals across 10 global offices, we work across industries including Digital Services, ER&D, Enterprise Software, Semiconductors, Healthcare, BFSI, Automotive, Media & Telecom, and Private Equity.

Zinnov isn’t for everyone. It’s for people who want steep learning curves, honest feedback, and the chance to see their work influence real business decisions — not just presentations.

We're seeking an experienced ER Manager to join our People practice, delivering end-to-end Employee Relations advisory and case management services to our top clients operating Global Capability Centers (GCCs) across India and other regions. In this role, you will be a trusted advisor to our clients' leadership teams, managing complex ER matters, conducting investigations, advising on regulatory compliance, and developing scalable ER frameworks. You'll work closely with client legal teams, HR departments, and senior management to resolve sensitive employee issues while building institutional capability. This is an opportunity to shape how leading organizations manage people matters in complex, matrix-driven environments.

What You'll Do

ER Advisory & Consulting
•    Provide strategic employee relations counsel to on-ground leaders and stakeholders across multiple client engagements
•    Design enterprise-wide ER frameworks, policies, standard operating procedures, and governance models tailored to client GCC contexts
•    Assess organizational ER maturity and develop roadmaps for capability enhancement and process optimization
•    Advise on complex organizational changes including restructuring, workforce transitions, sensitive terminations, and retention strategies

Case Management & Investigations

•    Lead or oversee complex workplace investigations into misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and policy violations
•    Conduct objective fact-finding, witness interviews, and evidence analysis to reach defensible conclusions
•    Manage disciplinary and performance-related cases with appropriate escalation and documentation
•    Partner with client legal counsel to assess litigation risk and develop mitigation strategies

Labour Law & Compliance

•    Apply deep expertise in Indian labour laws and Codes (Shops & Establishment Act Industrial Disputes Act, Labour Codes, Standing Orders, state-specific regulations) to client matters
•    Monitor regulatory changes and assess impact on client policies, practices, and compliance posture
•    Support clients through labour inspections, audits, and regulatory correspondence
•    Advise on severance packages, statutory compliances, and risk mitigation during employee separations

Client Relationship & Account Management

•    Build and maintain strong relationships with client HR leadership, legal teams, and senior executives
•    Serve as primary point of escalation for sensitive ER matters and urgent requests
•    Manage engagement scope, timelines, and deliverables; ensure client satisfaction and outcomes delivery
•    Identify upsell opportunities and recommend additional advisory services

Capability Building & Knowledge Transfer

•    Develop training programs and playbooks for client HR teams on investigations, documentation, performance management, and ER governance
•    Coach client managers and HR practitioners on best practices in employee relations case handling
•    Build internal Zinnov knowledge base and case studies from client engagements

Analytics & Insights

•    Track ER metrics, case trends, and risk indicators across client engagements
•    Generate data-driven insights and strategic recommendations for client leadership
•    Develop business cases for capability investments, policy changes, and process improvements

What We're Looking For

Experience

•    10–15+ years of progressive Employee Relations experience in HR roles, ideally in multinational, GCC, or matrix organizations
•    Post graduate diploma in Industrial Relations will be preferred 
•    Demonstrated expertise in Indian labour law and employment regulations
•    Track record of managing complex investigations, disciplinary cases, and sensitive separations
•    Experience working with external legal counsel and managing litigation risk
•    Prior consulting experience, client advisory role, or business partnering at enterprise scale is a plus
•    Experience working across technology, shared services, BPO, or operations environments is valued

Core Competencies

•    Deep ER expertise with proven ability to apply knowledge across diverse client scenarios
•    Strong investigation and fact-finding capabilities; ability to remain objective and thorough
•    Excellent stakeholder management and executive presence; comfort with C-suite engagement
•    Strategic thinking and business acumen; ability to translate ER matters into business impact
•    Strong communication skills – able to articulate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences
•    Discretion, judgment, and ability to handle highly sensitive information
•    Self-directed, independent thinker with strong work ethic and client-first mindset
•    Ability to thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous, consulting environment

Why Zinnov

•    Work on high-impact engagements with leading Fortune 500 technology companies
•    Build deep expertise and stay current with emerging trends in global talent and ER practices
•    Steep learning curve with exposure to diverse industries, business models, and organizational challenges
•    Work culture that values independent thinking, crisp communication, and early ownership
•    Opportunity to see your work influence real business decisions and client outcomes
•    Collaborative team environment with mentorship and career development support
•    Competitive compensation, flexible work arrangements, and strong benefits package

About You

You're an ER professional who thrives on complexity and ambiguity. You have deep labour law expertise and a proven track record managing sensitive employee matters. You're a strategic thinker who can translate technical ER knowledge into business insights. You enjoy client interaction and have the presence and communication skills to advise senior leadership. You're self-directed, intellectually curious, and excited about the opportunity to work across different organizations and solve real business challenges. You value learning and feedback, and you're committed to delivering excellence in everything you do. Zinnov isn't for everyone — it's for people who want steep learning curves, honest feedback, and the chance to see their work influence real business decisions.

Zinnov is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, communities, and experiences.

Zinnov is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, communities, and experiences.