Head of Operations

JOB DESCRIPTION

Head – Administration, Human Resources & Operations

ABOUT ASHRI DEFENCE

ASHRI Defence Private Limited is an early-stage, high-growth defence technology company developing indigenous AI-enabled Counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) platforms for the Indian Armed Forces and global markets. Incorporated in April 2026 and headquartered in Mumbai with its Research & Development and Production Centre at the KIADB Hi-Tech & Aerospace Park in Bengaluru, ASHRI operates at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Spectrum Analysis and Advanced Defence Systems.

We are a lean, mission-driven organisation at an inflection point – transitioning from technology development to procurement-readiness and commercial scale. We are seeking a highly capable and battle-hardened leader to anchor our administrative, HR and operational backbone as we scale.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Head – Administration, HR & Operations is a critical leadership role that will own and drive the non-technical functions of the company. This is a generalist leadership position requiring someone who can simultaneously build robust HR and administrative systems, lead day-to-day operations, interface with government and regulatory bodies, manage facilities and vendors, and ensure the organisation runs smoothly as it scales from a start-up to a fully operational defence company.

This role is well-suited for a former Commissioned Officer from the Indian Armed Forces who brings organisational discipline, operational rigour, leadership under pressure, and an understanding of the defence ecosystem in India. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who thrives in ambiguity, builds systems from the ground up and instils a culture of accountability and excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Human Resources

• Design, build and implement the Company’s HR framework from the ground up, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, learning & development and employee engagement.

• Lead end-to-end talent acquisition – sourcing, screening, interviewing, offer management and onboarding – with a focus on attracting high-quality engineering, technical and operational talent.

• Draft and implement HR policies, service rules, employment agreements, codes of conduct, POSH policies and all related documentation in compliance with applicable Indian labour laws.

• Build and manage payroll, statutory compliances (PF, ESI, PT, TDS, Gratuity, Bonus), HRMS systems and employee records.

• Handle employee relations, grievance redressal, disciplinary proceedings and separation processes professionally and in accordance with applicable law.

• Manage employment visa and regulatory processes for international employees and consultants, coordinating with legal and government authorities as required.

B. Administration

• Establish and manage the Company’s administrative infrastructure including facility management, office administration, travel management, vendor management, procurement and security protocols.

• Oversee all contracts, agreements, licences, registrations, statutory filings and regulatory interactions with government authorities including ROC, labour departments, DGQA, DRDO liaison, MHA, MoD and other relevant bodies.

• Manage the Company’s physical infrastructure at Bengaluru including the R&D facility, laboratory and production centre, ensuring operational readiness at all times.

• Ensure robust documentation, records management, filing systems and information security protocols across administrative functions.

• Coordinate logistics, scheduling and administrative support for senior leadership, Board meetings, investor interactions and official visits.

C. Operations

• Head the operational function of the Company, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations across HR, administration, procurement, facilities, travel and support services.

• Build and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across all non-technical functions to drive efficiency, consistency and scalability.

• Interface with the CEO and the leadership team on strategic operational matters including resource planning, hiring roadmaps, cost management and process improvement.

• Manage relationships with external stakeholders including government agencies, defence establishments, statutory authorities, legal advisers, auditors, banks, insurance providers and service vendors.

• Monitor and control administrative and operational expenditure, ensuring efficient utilisation of Company resources and tight cost discipline.

• Support the CEO and Board in preparing for defence procurement processes, due diligence, investor engagements and regulatory interactions.

• Take ownership of the Company’s operational readiness for customer demonstrations, government inspections, DGQA certifications and audit processes.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Mandatory

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) from a recognised university or institution.

• 10 to 15 years of progressive experience in HR, Administration and/or Operations leadership, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple functions simultaneously.

• Proven track record of building systems, teams and processes in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.

• Strong command of written and spoken English; excellent communication, presentation and interpersonal skills are non-negotiable.

Strongly Preferred

• Commissioned Officer from the Indian Army, Navy or Air Force (any service), having served a minimum of 10 years in uniform.

◦ Armed Forces Officers bring the discipline, leadership under pressure, logistics and operations experience, integrity, and institutional understanding of the defence ecosystem that is directly relevant to this role.

◦ Retired or retiring officers in the rank of Major / Lieutenant Commander / Squadron Leader and above are particularly encouraged to apply.

• Prior experience in a defence or aerospace company, government-linked enterprise, or regulated industry.

• Exposure to defence procurement processes, DRDO / DGQA interactions, or MoD regulatory environments.

Added Advantage

• Working knowledge of financial management, budgeting, cost control and basic accounting principles.

• Proficiency with HR and operations technology – HRMS platforms, ERP systems, project management tools, MS Office suite and digital collaboration tools.

• Familiarity with IT infrastructure, cybersecurity protocols and digital workplace environments.

• Experience managing or interfacing with international employees, foreign nationals.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Leadership & Team Building – ability to lead, inspire and develop a multi-disciplinary team

• Operational Excellence – process-driven, detail-oriented, execution-focused

• Communication – outstanding written and verbal communication in English; confident public speaker

• Integrity & Discretion – highest standards of personal and professional conduct; trusted with sensitive information

• Strategic Thinking – ability to contribute at the leadership table on organisational and business matters

• Adaptability – comfortable in a fast-moving, early-stage, high-growth environment

• Stakeholder Management – skilled in managing government, regulatory, investor and vendor relationships

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

ASHRI Defence offers compensation that is best in the industry and fully commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications, profile and experience. The Company recognises the premium value of the right individual in this role and will not allow compensation to be a barrier to attracting the best talent.

Compensation details will be shared and discussed transparently at the appropriate stage of the selection process.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are invited to send their CV and a brief cover note (not more than 300 words) explaining why they believe they are the right fit for this role to:

Email: info@ashrid

Subject Line: Application – Head Admin, HR & Operations

Website: www.ashridefence.in

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. ASHRI Defence is an equal opportunity employer.