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Director – Human ResourcesCMR Group of Institutions & Ekya SchoolsLocation: BengaluruReports To: Group LeadershipAbout CMR Group: The CMR Group of Institutions is a unique education conglomerate based in Bangalore, India that offers a wide range of courses from the Montessori / Kindergarten level to Post Graduate and PhD programs. Founded in 1991 to meet the needs of local students, CMR Group currently comprises different brands of schools & colleges namely, CMRIT Bangalore, Ekya Schools, CMR National Colleges & the CMR university which was established in 2013.Institutions: 20+ | Programs: 80+ | Students: 18000+About Ekya Schools:Founded in 2010, Ekya Schools offers progressive K-12 education through CBSE, ICSE, and Cambridge IGCSE curricula, emphasising experiential learning. Alongside Ekya Schools, our chain of CMR Pre-University Colleges deliver an extensive pre-university program affiliated with the Karnataka Pre-University Board, offering a rigorous academic curriculum and a well-rounded learning experience. Drawing from the rich legacy of the CMR Group, we nurture lifelong learners equipped to thrive in a dynamic and evolving world.This year, we have launched our first Purpose-Based Schools, thematic schools where students develop specialized skills from an early age. The first, Ekya Nava, focuses on Innovation, Creativity, and Design, empowering students to become future technopreneurs, innovators, and changemakers. Ekya Vana is a nature-inspired, purpose-driven school within Ekya Schools that reimagines learning as a living ecosystem rooted in sustainability, curiosity, compassion, and real-world impact. It blends inquiry-led, interdisciplinary academics (IGCSE & IB) with immersive pathways in People & Planet, Earth Care, Living Systems, and Energy & Innovation — shaping creative thinkers, responsible stewards, and future change-makers.Role OverviewThe Director – Human Resources will serve as the chief architect of the Group’s people strategy, driving transformation across a dual ecosystem spanning Higher Education and K–12.This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for building a unified, future-ready HR function that strengthens academic excellence, organisational capability, cultural alignment, and long-term institutional sustainability.The mandate is transformation — not maintenance.Strategic Purpose of the RoleTo design, build, and institutionalise a modern, data-driven people strategy that:Enables institutional growth and scalabilityBuilds leadership pipelines across campusesEmbeds a high-performance and accountable cultureModernises systems and HR governanceStrengthens employer brand and talent magnetismAligns people decisions with educational outcomes and financial sustainabilityKey Outcomes1. Unified People StrategyDevelop and implement a group-wide HR strategy aligned with expansion and academic excellence goalsIntegrate University and K–12 workforce planning into a cohesive framework2. Workforce Planning & Organisational DesignEstablish structured succession planning across academic and administrative leadershipDesign scalable organisation structures to support growthBuild leadership capability pipelines3. HR Systems & Digital TransformationImplement and optimise a modern HRIS platform with analytics dashboardsDrive automation across the employee lifecycleEnsure 100% accuracy and governance of employee dataEmbed data-led decision making across leadership forums4. Performance & Talent Management ExcellenceInstitutionalise a consistent performance management framework across campusesEstablish talent review and high-potential development programsReduce regretted attrition through internal mobility and engagement strategiesEnsure high performers have structured development plans5. Safer Recruitment & Employer BrandStandardise safer recruitment protocols aligned with best practicesStrengthen faculty and leadership hiring qualityEmbed diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across hiringUse recruitment analytics to improve quality-of-hire and retention6. Culture, Engagement & Employee ExperienceDevelop and launch a clearly articulated Group Culture CharterDrive engagement survey frameworks with measurable action plansStrengthen wellbeing, belonging, and cross-campus collaborationSupport organisational change and new campus onboarding initiatives7. Compensation & GovernanceBenchmark compensation structures against market standardsLead annual salary review processes aligned with financial sustainabilityEnsure compliance with employment laws and education regulationsStandardise HR policies across institutionsKey ResponsibilitiesStrategic business partnering with Vice Chancellors, Deans, Principals, and Regional LeadersExecutive coaching and leadership advisoryComplex employee relations oversightHR project governance and transformation managementCollaboration with Finance on workforce budgeting and cost optimisationRepresentation of the Group in people-related strategic forumsIdeal Candidate ProfileExperience15+ years in progressive HR leadership rolesMinimum 7+ years in senior HR transformation capacityExperience in multi-unit, matrixed, or knowledge-driven organisationsExposure to education sector preferredCompetenciesStrategic HR leadershipOrganisational design & workforce analyticsCommercial and financial acumenChange and transformation leadershipTalent architecture & succession planningHRIS and digital capabilityStrong stakeholder influence at Board and Executive levelLeadership TraitsBuilder mindset with long-term institutional visionHigh ownership and accountabilityData-driven and pragmaticStrong ethical compassPurpose-led with operational disciplineAbility to balance academic culture with performance rigorImpact of the RoleThe Director – Human Resources will directly influence:Elevate HR from an operational support function to a strategic growth engine across the Group.Strengthen the quality, capability, and stability of academic and administrative leadership.Build a unified, high-performance culture that aligns University and K–12 ecosystems under a shared purpose and values framework.Improve talent attraction, development, and retention — ensuring the institutions consistently secure and nurture top-tier educators and professionals.Embed data-driven decision-making into workforce planning, performance management, and organisational design.Enhance employee engagement, belonging, and wellbeing across campuses.Safeguard governance, compliance, and ethical employment practices.Enable sustainable growth by aligning people strategy with financial discipline and long-term institutional vision.