Vice President - People & Operations

About Us

Wadhwani AI Global is a mission-driven startup working to bring cutting-edge AI into the hands of governments and public systems across the Global South. Our work spans AI solutions + embedded advisory across public health, education, and agriculture. We partner with ministries, multilateral organisations, and donors to transform innovation into significant public impact.

Your Role

The Vice President - People & Operations will build, integrate, and lead WAIG’s end-to-end People & Operations function. This role blends strategic leadership with strong execution discipline and will be critical in creating the organisational backbone required for WAIG’s next phase of growth.

The role spans ownership across:

• Human Resources & Culture
• Administration & Office Operations
• Travel & Logistics
• Procurement & Vendor Management
• Facilities & Workplace Experience
• IT, Tools & Infrastructure
• Governance & Organisational Compliance (non-legal)

What you’ll own

People & Culture Leadership

• Own the complete employee lifecycle, from hiring and onboarding through growth, performance, and exits.
• Lead talent strategy across India and global operating geographies.
• Strengthen organisational culture, values, leadership capability, and ways of working.
• Act as a trusted advisor to leadership and people managers on people, performance, and organisational matters.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Oversee HR operations including documentation, payroll coordination, and employee records.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Indian labour laws and Private Limited Company (PLC) requirements.
• Maintain secure, accurate, and audit-ready people data and records.
• Lead POSH governance and ensure safe, compliant, and respectful workplace practices.

Performance, Compensation & Engagement

• Design and drive performance management systems including OKRs, reviews, and feedback cycles.
• Manage compensation reviews, bonus processes, and related employee communications.
• Build sustainable programs for employee wellbeing, engagement, learning, and recognition.

Operations, Administration & Travel

• Establish efficient and reliable administrative systems across offices and locations.
• Standardise travel policies, approvals, reimbursements, and logistics coordination.
• Strengthen expense governance, controls, and transparency.

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Define procurement SOPs, approval frameworks, and documentation standards.
• Oversee vendor sourcing, evaluation, onboarding, performance reviews, and renewals.
• Drive cost efficiency, risk management, and operational discipline across vendor relationships.

IT, Tools & Systems

• Oversee office IT infrastructure, device provisioning, asset tracking, and access management.
• Ensure smooth functioning of collaboration tools and internal systems.
• Partner with internal technology teams on baseline security, tooling, and support needs.

Facilities & Workplace Experience

• Manage offices, leases, utilities, security, housekeeping, and workplace services.
• Plan space utilisation, seating, and workplace experience as the organisation scales.
• Establish safety protocols, incident reporting mechanisms, and workplace standards.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in senior HR and operations leadership roles.
• Proven experience building and scaling systems in fast-growing organisations.
• Strong working knowledge of Indian labour laws, statutory compliance, and HR governance.
• Demonstrated ability to design processes, build teams, and implement scalable operating systems.
• A people-first leader with sound judgement, high ownership, and strong execution discipline.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ₹4,000,000.00 - ₹5,500,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Provident Fund
• Work from home

Work Location: In person