Manager, HR Vendor Management & Operations - India | Hyderabad, IN

Manager, HR Vendor Management & Operations - India {"description": "If you're passionate about becoming a Nationwide associate and believe you have the potential to be something great, let's talk. At Nationwide®, "on your side" goes beyond just words. Our customers are at the center of everything we do and we're looking for associates who are passionate about delivering extraordinary care. Job Description Summary The Manager, HR Vendor Management & Operations - India is accountable for HR vendor management, local compliance, and end-to-end operations for payroll, time/absence, and benefits in India. The role manages the full vendor lifecycle (selection, contracting, performance, risk, escalation, and continuous improvement) to meet Nationwide standards, SLAs, and India regulatory requirements. This role leads a player-coach model over India HR operations and serves as the primary operational bridge between India HR, HR vendors, and U.S.-based HR and HR Center of Excellence (COE) partners, translating global programs into effective local execution. Job Description Key Responsibilities Vendor Management & Governance • Own day-to-day governance, performance, and issue resolution for India HR vendors (payroll, absence, benefits, related services). • Run regular governance reviews (SLAs, KPIs, issues, remediation). • Partner with U.S. HR COEs to align services with global design and India regulatory needs. • Coordinate with Procurement, Legal, Finance, and Risk on contracts and scope changes. • Ensure vendor compliance with data privacy, security, and regulatory obligations. Pay, Absence & Benefits Operations • Lead end-to-end operations for India payroll, time/absence, and benefits within global policy frameworks. • Ensure accurate, timely payroll and statutory filings; oversee reconciliations and data integrity. • Oversee statutory and non-statutory benefits administration and act as final escalation point for complex cases. Compliance, Risk & Controls • Ensure compliance with India labor, tax, and social security laws (e.g., PF, ESI, Professional Tax, gratuity, maternity, leave). • Maintain strong controls (approvals, reconciliations, access, documentation) aligned to enterprise risk standards. • Lead audits and regulatory reviews; monitor regulatory changes and update processes and vendors in partnership with U.S. HR, HR Tech, and COEs. Business Continuity & DR • Maintain business continuity plans (BCP) and Disaster Recover (DR) for payroll and critical HR services. • Test continuity plans and maintain contingencies for regulatory changes, strikes, system failures, and vendor disruptions Associate Experience & Service Delivery • Ensure consistent, compliant, high-quality associate experience in vendor-delivered services. • Partner with India HRBPs, HR Service Center and Associate Relations, and U.S. HR to improve end-to-end journeys. • Oversee vendor helpdesk and case management, and lead India communications on pay, absence, and benefits. Data, Reporting & Continuous Improvement • Own India HR operations dashboards and KPIs (accuracy, timeliness, SLAs, volumes, defects). • Use vendor and HR system data to drive process, control, and automation improvements. Global & Cross-Border Partnership • Act as primary operational liaison between India HR Operations and U.S.-based HR COEs, HR Technology, and Enterprise Risk. • Represent India in global HR operations and vendor forums; ensure India needs are reflected in decisions. People Leadership (Player-Coach) • Lead and coach the Pay/Absence Specialist and other India HR operations resources. • Stay hands-on for complex issues, audits, and escalations while maintaining strong delegation and controls. • Promote continuous improvement and adoption of best practices while honoring India-specific requirements. Reporting Relationships: Reports directly to the VP, Human Resources - India Key Matrix Partners will be U.S. HR Operations, HR Centers of Excellence (COEs - Total Rewards, Talent, Culture & TA), HR Technology, Legal, Finance, Procurement) Typical Skills and Experiences: Education Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field required. Advanced degree and/or professional certifications in HR, Payroll, Benefits, or Compliance are a plus. Experience • Typically, 8 or more years of progressive HR operations experience in India, including hands-on- exposure to payroll, absence/leave, and benefits administration. • 5 or more years managing or closely partnering with HR vendors/TPAs (e.g., payroll providers, benefits brokers/insurers, leave/absence administrators, EAP, background checks, transportation, or similar services). • Demonstrated experience operating in a multinational or GCC environment, collaborating with a U.S. or global headquarters. • Proven track record implementing or improving operational controls, audits, and regulatory compliance in HR operations. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities • Deep knowledge of India labor and social security laws related to pay, time/absence, and benefits, and how these translate into vendor and system configuration. • Strong vendor management skills, including contract understanding, SLA/KPI design, performance management, and issue escalation (preferably Marsh, ADP, Randstad, Creche). • Proficiency with HR technology and integrations, preferably including Workday and leading payroll/benefits platforms. • Advanced analytical skills and fluency in Excel or similar tools; experience using data to tell a story and drive decisions. • Demonstrated process improvement and change management capabilities. • Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across levels and geographies. • Ability to work across multiple time zones and navigate a matrixed HR environment. Values: Regularly and consistently demonstrates the Nationwide Values. Job Conditions: Willingness to work across global time zones, primarily India and U.S. time zones. Local and global travel may be required. ADA: The above statements describe the principal and essential functions of this job. Specific circumstances may allow or require individuals to perform a different combination of duties.", "salary_raw": "Row(double=None, string=None)"}