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CHRO | Retail - FMCG | Chennai

Chennai Permanent View Job Description
The CHRO will drive strategic human resource initiatives, aligning HR policies with business goals in the FMCG sector. This role is based in Coimbatore/Chennai and requires expertise in fostering a high-performance culture within the food industry.
  • Build from Zero at Scale: Rare opportunity to set up the entire HR
  • Direct Impact & Leadership Visibility: Work closely with the MD, CFO, and Board

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established, family-driven food & retail enterprise with a strong brand legacy in South India. Recently backed by private equity investment, the organization is transitioning into a structured, high-growth, professionally governed business.

Job Description

The incumbent will work closely with the MD, CFO, and Board, and will be accountable for:

1. HR Function Build (0 → 1)

  • Establish the HR operating model, org structure, and governance frameworks
  • Build and scale an in-house HR team across corporate and field operations
  • Set up scalable processes for a high-volume, distributed workforce



2. Systems, Process & Compliance

  • Implement HRMS, payroll, compliance, and workforce management systems
  • Ensure robust statutory compliance across manufacturing units and retail outlets
  • Standardize policies, documentation, and labor frameworks (especially for blue-collar workforce)



3. Workforce Strategy (Blue-Collar Heavy)

  • Design HR strategies for a workforce that is ~95% blue-collar
  • Drive hiring, deployment, productivity, and retention across stores and production units
  • Create scalable models for high-volume retail hiring and workforce planning



4. Performance & Culture

  • Build a performance management system (currently absent)
  • Introduce structured employee engagement and retention programs
  • Drive a shift from an informal setup to a high-accountability, performance-driven culture



5. Learning & Capability Building

  • Establish L&D frameworks, especially for store staff and frontline workforce
  • Drive capability building for store operations, production staff, and supervisors



6. Expansion Readiness

  • Partner with business leaders to support multi-city expansion (Chennai, Coimbatore, Trichy, Kochi, etc.)
  • Ensure HR readiness for rapid store/unit scale-up



7. Board & Leadership Interface

  • Present HR strategy, metrics, and transformation roadmap to the Board & PE stakeholders
  • Act as a trusted advisor to promoters during professionalization of the organization



The Successful Applicant

Candidate ProfileMust-Haves

  • 12-18 years of experience in HR, with strong exposure to retail / QSR / FMCG / manufacturing-led organizations
  • Proven experience in building HR functions from scratch or scaling HR in high-growth environments
  • Deep expertise in managing large blue-collar / frontline workforce
  • Strong understanding of labor laws, compliance, and payroll systems
  • Experience in multi-location operations and high-volume hiring
  • Based in Chennai (or willing to relocate immediately)
  • Fluency in Tamil (highly preferred, given workforce mix)



What's on Offer

  • Competitive salary package commensurate with industry standards.
  • Opportunity to lead HR initiatives within a large organization in the food FMCG sector.
  • A professional and collaborative working environment in Coimbatore.
  • Access to resources for personal and professional growth.



If you are an experienced HR professional looking to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply for this exciting CHRO role in the FMCG industry.

Quote job ref
JN-062026-7045400

Job summary

Function
Human Resources
Sub Sector
HR Director
What is your area of specialisation?
Retail
Location
Chennai
Job Type
Permanent
Job Reference
JN-062026-7045400

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.