Director, Human Resources

Customers trust the Alation Data Intelligence Platform for self-service analytics, cloud transformation, data governance, and AI-ready data, fostering data-driven innovation at scale. With more than $340M in funding – valued at over $1.7 billion and nearly 600 customers, including 40% of the Fortune 100 — Alation helps organizations realize value from data and AI initiatives.

Alation has been recognized in 2024 as one of Inc. Magazine's Best Workplaces for the fifth time, a testament to our commitment to creating an inclusive, innovative, and collaborative environment. 

Collaboration is at the forefront of everything we do. We strive to bring diverse perspectives together and empower each team member to contribute their unique strengths to live out our values each day. These are: Move the Ball, Build for the Long Term, Listen Like You’re Wrong, and Measure Through Customer Impact. 

Joining Alation means being part of a fast-paced, high-growth company where every voice matters, and where we’re shaping the future of data intelligence with AI-ready data. 

Join us on our journey to build a world where data culture thrives and curiosity is celebrated each day!

Job Description:

Alation seeks a strategic and hands-on HR Director to lead our India People team and drive our culture as we continue to scale. This role will serve as a key advisor and influencer, partnering with senior leaders to develop and execute people strategies that foster engagement, talent development, and organizational growth. This role is also responsible for aligning HR practices with business objectives, driving HR initiatives, and managing the full employee lifecycle. This role will oversee country-specific HR operations, ensuring compliance with local regulations, employee engagement, and alignment with global HR policies. 

The candidate will partner closely with the Center of Excellence (COEs) and HRBPs to identify, design, and implement HR initiatives that support the organization's business needs. This role is based in Chennai, India, requiring at least two days per week in the office.

What you’ll be doing:

Strategic HR Leadership & Business Partnership

• Partner with senior leadership to guide and execute people programs and talent strategies, including performance management, compensation, talent development, employee engagement, and retention.

• Act as a trusted advisor to both managers and employees, providing guidance on talent management, employee relations, performance management, and organizational development.

• Collaborate with regional counterparts and Centers of Excellence (COEs) to foster a learning culture, providing unbiased counsel, coaching, and direct feedback to leaders.

• Lead organizational design and workforce planning initiatives to ensure Alation scales efficiently.

• Act as a thought leader in HR best practices, ensuring alignment between people strategy and business objectives.

HR Systems & Operations

• Oversee the HR operations and processes that drive efficiencies to scale globally and build new approaches to deliver a great employee experience.

• Lead and mentor the team members in managing various aspects of People operations (e.g., onboarding and offboarding, HRIS, HR tickets management, reporting, perks, and other administrations.)

• Identify and mature the needed HR tools and functionality to enable HR processes.

• Proven experience with Workday configurations, system integrations with payroll systems, benefit providers/carriers, and other third-party vendor systems.

• Own the delivery, documentation, and effectiveness of core People operations and processes, systems of record, and communication protocols with other functions such as IT, Finance, Payroll, Legal, and Communications.

• Play a lead role in the development, implementation, management, support, and maintenance of Alation’s people systems and operations.

• Partner closely with peers, stakeholders, leadership team, and direct reports to design, influence, prioritize, and develop systems automation to reduce and eliminate manual processes.

• Ensure compliance with local employment laws and regulations. Ensure employee master data is accurate and current. 

Data-Driven People Practices & Continuous Improvement

• Leverage HR analytics and people data to identify trends, develop insights, and drive HR strategies that enhance performance and engagement.

• Continuously refine people operations by identifying inefficiencies and implementing automation or technology-driven solutions.

• Work closely with Talent Acquisition to build and maintain a strong pipeline for future talent needs.

Who you are:

• Experienced HR Leader – 15+ years of progressive HR experience, ideally in high-growth or startup environments. Deep expertise in HR programs such as total rewards, leadership development, coaching, performance management, compliance, and labor relations.

• 5 years of progressive and relevant hands-on Workday experience is required.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in leading and developing an international team of 8-10 members.

• Strategic and Hands-On – Comfortable operating at both the strategic and tactical levels, pivoting from coaching leadership teams to resolving employee concerns.

• Trusted Partner & Influencer – You excel at building trust-based relationships at all levels, facilitating difficult conversations, and guiding leadership teams with an unbiased, confident, and clear approach.

• Problem Solver with Strong Business Acumen – You thrive in complexity, quickly identifying root causes and solutions while balancing business impact, team dynamics, and company culture.

• Culture Champion & Engagement Driver – Passionate about creating a high-performance workplace, keeping employees engaged, and fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment.

• Tech-Savvy & Data-Driven – You use HR analytics and technology to inform decisions, track progress, and drive continuous improvement in HR processes.

• Execution-Focused & Highly Organized – A strong project manager, process-driven with exceptional attention to detail, and committed to delivering high-impact results.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

• PHR, SPHR, or SHRM certification is a plus.

• Experience supporting global teams is preferred.

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Alation, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to that individual’s race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.                                   
 

The Company will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to permit qualified applicants who have a need for an accommodation to participate in the hiring process (e.g., accommodations for a job interview) if so requested.  
 

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