Principal Human Resources Generalist Full Time NEW

About the Role

This is a foundational hire. As our first HR professional, you will build the people function from the ground up, designing the systems, policies, and culture that will scale with us as we grow. You will not be inheriting a playbook. You will be creating one.

We are a LegalTech startup of around 20 people, moving fast and hiring quickly. We need someone who can take full ownership of hiring across roles, especially tech, ensure compliance with Indian employment law, and help build a workplace where people genuinely want to be.

What You’ll Do

Talent Acquisition

• Own end-to-end hiring across functions, with a strong focus on tech roles including engineers, product, and legal-tech profiles
• Build and manage hiring pipelines, coordinate interviews, and ensure a high-quality candidate experience from first touchpoint to offer
• Partner directly with founders to define role requirements, evaluate fit, and close offers efficiently
• Set up sourcing strategies across job boards, LinkedIn, referrals, and campus channels to build a strong pipeline

HR Policy and Compliance

• Design and implement core HR policies such as leave, attendance, code of conduct, moonlighting, POSH, and more, tailored to an early-stage startup
• Ensure compliance with Indian employment regulations including PF, ESI, Shops and Establishment Act, Bonus Act, and Payment of Wages Act
• Draft and maintain employment agreements, offer letters, NDAs, and other employee documentation
• Build and roll out SOPs for key HR processes such as onboarding, offboarding, performance cycles, and disciplinary procedures

Employee Engagement and Culture

• Design and run employee engagement initiatives, rewards and recognition programmes, and team-building activities that reflect our culture
• Act as the go-to person for employee queries, concerns, and feedback, helping maintain a healthy and open workplace
• Run periodic pulse checks and feedback loops to understand team sentiment and flag issues early

HR Operations

• Own the HRIS and ensure accurate, up-to-date employee records across the full employee lifecycle
• Manage payroll inputs, coordinate with finance on compensation changes, and handle exit processes including full and final settlements
• Track and report on key HR metrics such as hiring velocity, attrition, headcount, and engagement

What We’re Looking For

You have done this before, not necessarily at scale, but in a hands-on way. You understand what good hiring looks like, you are comfortable with compliance, and you genuinely care about people. Startup chaos does not overwhelm you. It motivates you.

Must Haves

• 2–3 years of generalist HR experience, ideally in a startup or high-growth environment
• Proven track record of hiring for tech roles such as engineers and product managers
• Working knowledge of Indian employment law and statutory compliance including PF, ESI, Shops Act, and POSH
• Hands-on experience drafting HR policies, SOPs, and employment documentation
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion

Nice to Have

• Experience as the first or only HR hire at an early-stage company
• Exposure to LegalTech, SaaS, or other tech-first environments
• Familiarity with HRIS tools, ATS platforms, or payroll software
• Experience designing or running engagement and recognition programmes from scratch

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to build the HR function from zero with full ownership and minimal bureaucracy
• Work closely with founders and contribute directly to people decisions
• Be part of a mission-driven LegalTech company at an exciting stage of growth
• Competitive compensation and a steep learning curve that comes with early-stage startups