Job Description

About the Role
Our client represents a well-established IT Managed Services Provider based in the United States, currently experiencing rapid expansion across global markets with particular emphasis on establishing a strong presence in India. They specialize in providing essential technology infrastructure to highly regulated industries, including healthcare and financial services organizations.
The Chennai facility will serve as a cornerstone of their worldwide service delivery framework, housing a round-the-clock Network Operations Center (NOC) while supporting various critical business functions including cybersecurity operations, financial management, DevOps practices, and additional mission-essential services.
The Position: Our client is looking for a seasoned and visionary Head of Operations to assume the most senior leadership position at their Chennai location. This represents a foundational opportunity to establish and grow operations for a rapidly expanding international organization. The successful candidate will oversee operational management, lead diverse functional teams, drive talent acquisition strategies, and maintain effective coordination with international partners.
This position presents an exceptional chance to create something meaningful from the ground level, establishing office infrastructure, developing high-impact teams, and making a substantial contribution in a strategically important market.
Primary Accountabilities
Strategic & Operational Management

• Manage daily operational activities supporting worldwide service delivery objectives
• Act as the primary local executive liaison ensuring synchronization between Chennai-based personnel and international leadership
• Supervise continuous operations including scheduling coordination, incident escalation protocols, and service excellence standards

Talent Development & People Management

• Collaborate with Human Resources and talent acquisition teams to source and retain exceptional professionals across technology, security, finance, and operational domains
• Foster a culture of high achievement and inclusivity that promotes professional growth and advancement opportunities
• Implement strategic workforce planning to ensure adequate staffing for continuous operational coverage

International Partnership

• Maintain close working relationships with senior leaders globally to implement strategic business initiatives
• Track and communicate key performance indicators and operational objectives
• Facilitate coordination across various departments and international time zones

Regulatory & Administrative Oversight

• Maintain adherence to Indian employment legislation, corporate governance standards, and organizational policies
• Manage local facility operations, administrative functions, vendor partnerships, and financial coordination activities

Requirements
Required Qualifications:

• Professional Background: 12+ years within IT operations, managed services, or enterprise technology sectors
• Management Experience: 3-5 years minimum in executive leadership positions overseeing cross-functional or multi-shift operations
• Operational Expertise: Demonstrated success in managing or supporting continuous 24x7 service operations
• Leadership Capabilities:

• Seasoned leadership approach with outstanding relationship-building abilities
• Effective stakeholder engagement across diverse cultural and geographical contexts
• Capacity to develop and sustain positive organizational culture
• Regional Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of Indian labor regulations, compliance frameworks, and talent acquisition landscape
• Language Skills: Fluent English communication abilities essential

Desired Qualifications:

• Educational Background: Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced education
• Industry Experience: Previous work within healthcare or financial services technology environments
• Service Provider Background: History with IT Managed Services organizations
• Market Development: Demonstrated experience establishing or expanding operations in emerging markets

Leadership Characteristics:

• Visionary yet practical leader who excels in dynamic, rapidly growing environments
• Effective communicator who establishes credibility across international teams
• Performance-focused with a commitment to employee development
• Enthusiasm for team building and operational superiority

Benefits
Benefits Package:

• Complete healthcare coverage
• Annual U.S. travel opportunity (once yearly)
• Comprehensive leave structure: 25 days annual vacation plus recognized holidays
• Accident and life insurance protection
• Diverse leave options: privilege, casual, sick, medical, marriage, and emergency leave
• Retirement savings plan/provident fund contribution

Compensation Structure:

• Competitive annual salary: 8m - 12m INR
• Performance-based annual incentive

Working Conditions:

• Chennai-based position requiring on-site presence
• Standard Chennai business hours with occasional flexibility for operational needs
• Adaptability needed to support round-the-clock service operations

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy
Equal Opportunity Statement (India): Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to merit-based employment practices in India. For all positions in India, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, place of birth, descent, disability, age, marital status, pregnancy, HIV/AIDS status, or any other characteristic protected under the Constitution of India and applicable Central and State labour laws.
Constitutional Commitment: We uphold the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India, including Article 14 (equality before law), Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination), and Article 16 (equality of opportunity in matters of public employment).
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environments in India where all individuals are valued regardless of their background, identity, or personal characteristics.
Legal Compliance in India: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable Indian Central and State laws governing employment practices, including but not limited to:

• The Constitution of India
• The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976
• The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
• The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019
• The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (as amended)
• The HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017
• The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
• Applicable provisions of the Code on Wages, 2019
• All other relevant Indian labour codes and regulations

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment in India, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and termination.
Equal Remuneration: In accordance with the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 and the Code on Wages, 2019, both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing equal remuneration to men and women workers in India for the same work or work of a similar nature. No discrimination is made in recruitment or terms of employment on the basis of gender.
Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities, pregnant employees, and nursing mothers as required under Indian laws. We engage in good-faith discussions to determine effective accommodations that enable full participation in the workplace.
Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace harassment of any kind in India, including sexual harassment. In compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, our clients with 10 or more employees maintain Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) to address complaints of sexual harassment. All employees have the right to a workplace free from harassment, intimidation, and discrimination.
Compensation Information: Compensation details for positions in India are provided in the job posting where available. Compensation is stated in Indian Rupees (INR). If not initially provided, compensation information will be shared during the interview process. Actual compensation may vary based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.
Maternity and Family Benefits: In accordance with the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (as amended in 2017), eligible employees in India are entitled to paid maternity leave and related benefits. Our clients comply with all statutory provisions regarding maternity benefits, adoption leave, and commissioning mother provisions as per Indian law.
Health Information Privacy: In accordance with the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 and applicable privacy laws in India, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on HIV status or other health conditions. We do not require disclosure of HIV status or other protected health information except as permitted by Indian law. All health information is treated with strict confidentiality.
Grievance Redressal: Our clients in India maintain appropriate grievance redressal mechanisms to address complaints of discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment in accordance with Indian labour laws. Employees and applicants have the right to raise concerns without fear of retaliation.
Compliance with Central and State Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable Indian Central labour laws and State-specific labour legislation, rules, and regulations in the Indian states and union territories where we operate, including applicable Shops and Establishments Acts and other State labour laws.
No Retaliation: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients strictly prohibit retaliation against any individual who reports discrimination, harassment, or other workplace concerns, or who participates in an investigation of such matters in accordance with Indian employment law.
Note: This job posting is for a position located in India, either with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients operating in India. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment terms, conditions, and legal requirements are governed by applicable Indian Central and State labour laws and regulations. All employment will be in accordance with the laws of India.

Skills Required