AKHIL V C

As the first HR hire in a startup environment, I was responsible for establishing the Human Resources function from the ground up. This included designing and implementing the overall HR strategy, policies, and SOPs to ensure structure, consistency, and compliance across the organization. Over the past two years, I have developed scalable and strategic HR practices that support business growth, employee experience, and organizational culture. My role combined strategic partnership with leadership and end-to-end HR operations:

• Strategic Alignment:
  Partnered with the leadership team to understand business goals and translate them into people strategies. Developed workforce plans to support scaling, designed organizational structures, and aligned HR initiatives such as performance, culture, and learning with the company’s growth objectives. Acted as a strategic advisor to management on people and organizational matters.
• Talent Management:
  Led end-to-end talent acquisition and onboarding, ensuring strong pipelines and seamless new-hire integration. Designed and implemented a performance management framework (KRAs/KPIs, appraisal cycles, feedback mechanisms) and initiated leadership development and succession planning programs to build internal capabilities.
• Employee Relations & Engagement:
  Served as a trusted liaison between employees and management, ensuring transparent communication and prompt resolution of employee concerns. Drove engagement initiatives, wellbeing programs, and team-building activities that enhanced morale, retention, and organizational culture.
• Workforce Analytics & Decision Support:
  Established HR metrics and reporting dashboards to track key data such as turnover, engagement, and hiring effectiveness. Provided data-driven insights to leadership, enabling informed workforce decisions and continuous improvement in HR practices.
• Policy & Compliance Guidance:
  Developed and maintained comprehensive HR policies aligned with employment laws and best practices. Ensured compliance in all HR processes, managed audits, and advised leaders on employment law implications and fair employee relations practices.
• Change Management:
  Supported leadership during periods of organizational change and growth, including role restructuring and HR technology implementation. Coached managers on effective communication, stakeholder management, and team adaptation strategies during transitions.
• Coaching & Leadership Development:
  Partnered with leaders to strengthen people management skills, embed a culture of continuous feedback, and drive professional growth. Designed and coordinated learning and development initiatives addressing capability gaps and leadership readiness.
• HR Operations & Technology Enablement:
  Implemented HR automation tools, including HRMS, ticketing systems, and internal communication platforms, to streamline processes and enhance employee experience. Oversaw payroll, attendance, and documentation management ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
• Exit Management:
  Conducted structured exit interviews, analyzed feedback for retention insights, and ensured compliant, smooth offboarding processes that safeguarded brand reputation.

In addition to these responsibilities, I acted as a strategic HR partner to the leadership team aligning HR roadmaps with business direction, building a performance-driven culture, and supporting sustainable growth in a dynamic, high-growth environment.

• Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue and effectively targeting new markets.
• Oversaw the development and presentation of visually appealing products to enhance market appeal and attract customer interest.
• Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
• Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
• Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
• Reduced operational risks while organizing data to forecast performance trends.
• Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
• Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
• Reduced financial inconsistencies while assessing and verifying billing invoices and expense reports.
• Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.

• Identified and pursued valuable business opportunities to generate new company revenue and improve bottom line profit.
• Reached out to potential customers via telephone, email, and in-person inquiries.
• Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
• Established relationships with key decision-makers within customer's organization to promote growth and retention.
• Developed new proposals, contracts and procedures to draw in more clients and streamline work operations.
• Performed client research and identified opportunities for account growth, account penetration and market expansion.
• Monitored market trends and competitor activities to identify areas of potential opportunity.
• Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
• Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
• Collaborated with upper management to implement continuous improvements and exceed team goals.

Co-founded and built GoodDay Cafe, a tea and snacks concept, leading the business from idea to full operation. Designed the business model, operational framework, and brand identity while managing all aspects of staffing, compliance, and customer experience. Built the cafe infrastructure end-to-end, from concept development and vendor management to launch and daily operations.

• Collaborated with a business partner to design and execute the cafe’s brand identity, product offerings, and customer experience strategy.
• Recruited, trained, and led a small team, implementing structured operating procedures to ensure consistent quality and efficient service.
• Managed finances, procurement, and local compliance, maintaining profitability and smooth day-to-day operations.
• Developed marketing and branding initiatives that built the cafe’s local presence and customer loyalty.
• Established stable operational system and transitioned full management to the co-founder after one year to pursue a full-time corporate role.

• Compiled training and assessment resources based on understanding of technical processes and skills-development needs.
• Oversaw technical documentation, instruction and evaluation to meet education initiatives.
• Collaborated with technical manager to identify key areas necessitating training based on equipments and designs.
• Led syllabus preparation based on detailed breakdowns of technical concepts.
• Updated training coursework and requirements according to group and technology changes.
• Blended traditional learning approaches with existing and new technologies and used variety of learning tools to create and deliver learning programs that produced results.
• Developed lesson plans, instructional materials and written practice tests and training courses.
• Utilized variety of instructional design methodologies to create effective learning experiences.

• Oversaw work of direct report engineers engaged in quality assurance validation.
• Conducted research to test and analyze feasibility, design, operation and performance of equipment, components, and systems.
• Read and interpreted blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, and computer-generated reports.
• Provided input to team lead regarding areas for process and procedural improvement.
• Prepared action plans for problematic processes and assets.
• Performed preventative maintenance to keep tools and equipment functional.
• Trained and mentored competent and flexible workforce to meet project needs and promote positive work environment.
• Developed work plans for various personnel roles based on strengths and talents.
• Reviewed technical drawings