Senior Manager - People Advisory

People Advisory Senior Manager

Role: People Advisory, Senior Manager

Location: Pune, India

Life. Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

We are looking for an experienced People Advisory Senior Manager to lead a regional People Advisory function and partner with senior leaders across geographies. This is a strategic, hands-on leadership role, responsible for delivering high-quality people advisory services, managing complex employee relations matters, and driving continuous improvement across the People Services model.

You will lead and develop a team of People Advisory Consultants, act as a regional control tower for service delivery, and play a critical role in enabling leaders to manage performance, change, and employee relations effectively.

What will you be doing?

Performance & Customer Focus:

• Lead regional People Advisory service delivery, operating as a control tower across markets.
• Provide expert guidance to senior People Leaders on employee relations, performance, conduct, absence, and disciplinary matters.
• Manage and resolve high-risk, complex ER cases and investigations.
• Partner with People Strategy Business Partners and People Experience COEs on org design, restructuring, M&A, and cyclical programme (performance reviews, salary cycles, workforce planning).
• Ensure legal, policy, and legislative changes are embedded into service delivery, communications, and People systems.
• Monitor cases leading to employment tribunals; embed learnings and cost controls.
• Drive service quality through SLAs, MI, customer feedback, and continuous improvement.

Coaching People Managers:

• Coach leaders on effective application of People policies and best practice ER management.
• Build manager capability through targeted interventions, tools, and training programmes.
• Use data and insights to proactively address attendance, performance, and engagement risks.

Driving Continuous Improvement:

• Champion customer-centric service improvements and innovation.
• Improve People Advisory operating models, case management, and ServiceNow workflows.
• Use MI to identify risk, improve productivity, and enhance decision-making.
• Contribute to policy, process, and system enhancements aligned with global standards.

Building & Leading Teams:

• Lead, develop, and motivate the regional People Advisory team.
• Ensure strong capability through coaching, audits, regular observations, and feedback.
• Build a culture of accountability, inclusion, and high professional standards.
• Ensure consultants are engaged at the right level on complex cases.

Relationship Management:

• Develop strong partnerships with business leaders and stakeholders.
• Manage third-party providers and ensure SLA adherence.
• Clearly articulate business outcomes for ER and people interventions.

What will you need to be successful?

• Master’s or Bachelor's degree level with Human Resources or equivalent is desirable and evidence of continuing professional development. HR / People-related professional qualification or certifications preferred.
• Strong experience in employee relations (ER) and employment law within a complex, matrixed organization. Understanding of a HR Shared services or GBS / GCC environment is good to have.
• Regional experience preferably within APAC region along with India preferred.
• Proven people leadership experience, ideally within a People Services / shared services model.
• Prior Experience in complex case management preferably at leadership level.
• Background in HR generalist or advisory roles, with exposure to regional or global operations.
• Experience partnering with senior leaders and influencing across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capability.
• Should be comfortable working with Workday and HR case management systems like ServiceNow.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and relationship‑building skills.

You Unlimited.

We believe in crafting the greatest good for society. Our strongest investments are in our people and the patients we serve.

Inclusion + Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving. Learn more about Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (https://www.smith-nephew.com/).

Other reasons why you will love it here!

• Your Future: Major medical coverage + policy exclusions and insurance non-medical limit. Educational Assistance.
• Work/Life Balance: Flexible Personal/Vacation Time Off, Privilege Leave, Floater Leave.
• Your Wellbeing: Parents/Parents-in-Law’s Insurance (Employee Contribution of 8,000/- annually), Employee Assistance Program, Parental Leave.
• Flexibility: Hybrid Work Model (For most professional roles)
• Training: Hands-On, Team-Customized, Mentorship
• Extra Perks: Free Cab Transport Facility for all employees; One-Time Meal provided to all employees as per shift. Night shift allowances.

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Experience Level

Senior Level