Lead - HR Operations

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

The vision of KLA’s global human resources organization is to become a leader and partner to operating leadership in support of the company’s efforts to achieve its strategic growth, customer and operating objectives through strategic talent management. Our mission is to enable the business, and leverage human resources to achieve short and long-term business objectives. Our primary areas of strategic focus include talent acquisition, individual and organizational assessment and development, performance management, inclusion and engagement, and rewards. The global HR organization includes HR business partners, learning and development, talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employee communications, and HR system operations.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

Role Overview:

The HR Operations role is responsible for delivering efficient, compliant, and employee‑centric HR operational services across the employee lifecycle and maintaining data integrity within Workday. This role ensures accuracy of HR transactions, adherence to statutory and company policies, effective HR systems usage, and continuous process improvement.

The ideal candidate will combine deep operational knowledge with strong systems expertise and process improvement capabilities.

This is a full-time, on-site role located in Chennai. This is an individual contributor role, report to Manager HR, KLA India.

Key Responsibilities

1. HR Operations & Employee Lifecycle Management

• Manage end‑to‑end HR operations including onboarding, employee records management, confirmation, internal movements, exits, and offboarding.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of employee data in Workday.
• Own documentation, letters, contracts, amendments, and employment records.

2. HR Systems & Data Management

• Act as the primary owner for Workday, data integrity, audits, and reporting.
• Support system enhancements, UAT, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Generate periodic HR reports and dashboards for leadership and compliance.

3. Payroll, Benefits & Vendor Coordination

• Partner with Payroll, Finance, and external vendors to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing.
• Manage benefits administration, reimbursements, and employee queries related to compensation and benefits.
• Ensure statutory compliance related to PF, ESI, gratuity, income tax, and other applicable laws.

4. Compliance & Governance

• Ensure adherence to Indian labor laws, statutory requirements, and internal HR policies.
• Support internal and external audits, inspections, government filings, and surveys.
• Maintain SOPs, controls, and documentation for HR operations.

5. Employee Support & Query Management

• Serve as the first point of contact for employees and managers on HR operations queries.
• Provide consistent, policy‑aligned guidance while ensuring a positive employee experience.
• Handle sensitive employee data with high confidentiality and professionalism.

6. Process Improvement & Projects

• Drive HR process standardization, simplification, and automation.
• Participate in HR transformation projects, shared services initiatives, and AI HR programs.
• Identify operational risks and proactively recommend solutions.

7. Stakeholder & Team Collaboration

• Work closely with HRBPs, employees/stakeholders, Workday, MyConnect, C&B team.
• Support India and global HR teams on cross‑regional HR operations requirements.
• Mentor and guide junior HR operations team members (where applicable).

8. HR Metrics & Reporting

• Develop and maintain HR operational dashboards and reports.
• Analyze HR operational metrics such as onboarding cycle time, data accuracy, and service delivery efficiency.

Skills & Experience:

• 4+ years of experience in managing shared services, HR Operations including payroll, statutory compliances, statutory audit, insurance and benefit administration of 800+ employees is mandatory.
• Hands-on experience of working on Workday (transaction, business processes, reporting) is mandatory.
• MBA/PGDM in HR or equivalent specialization
• Strong Processes and System orientation. Proven track record of building processes and build compliances in the work, managing audits.
• Solid knowledge of labor law compliance and HR operational controls.
• Excellent Communication and Presentation skills.
• Willingness and ability to take initiatives, project work mindset.
• Analytical mindset with process improvement orientation
• Strong executional skills and support mindset to stakeholders.
• Additional certifications in labor laws/POSH/HR Analytics preferred

Minimum Qualifications

Doctorate (Academic) Degree and 0 years related work experience; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 5 years

We offer a competitive, family friendly total rewards package. We design our programs to reflect our commitment to an inclusive environment, while ensuring we provide benefits that meet the diverse needs of our employees.

KLA is proud to be an equal opportunity employer

Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees.  KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings.  KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers.  If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to [email protected] to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.