Nikita Karambelkar
Mumbai
Summary
Versatile and results-driven HR professional with nearly 8 years of global experience across India, the U.S., and Canada, leading strategic and operational HR initiatives that drive measurable business outcomes. Proven ability to align people strategy with organizational goals through deep expertise in talent management, performance enablement, employee relations, compensation & benefits, compliance, and internal communications.
Credentialed with an MBA in Human Resources, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Relations, and PHRca certification, and currently pursuing an online program in Project Management studies from Cornell University. Adept at partnering with senior leadership to solve complex people challenges, optimize organizational design, and cultivate inclusive, high-performing workplace cultures.
Known for integrating data-driven decision-making with a human-centered approach, bringing a global mindset, strong business acumen, and a passion for building agile, future-ready HR functions.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Associate, Human Resources
ClimateWorks Foundation
San Francisco
04.2025 - Current
- Partnering with business leaders to align HR strategy with organizational goals, enabling workforce effectiveness and scalable team structures.
- Driving workforce and succession planning to build leadership pipelines, identifying high-potential talent and enabling long-term capability growth.
- Leading performance management cycles, including goal alignment, feedback loops, and appraisals, ensuring fair, growth-focused outcomes.
- Advising managers on employee relations matters, guiding conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and grievance handling with empathy and compliance.
- Designing and rolling out HR policies and SOPs, ensuring clarity, compliance with local/global labor laws, and alignment with evolving business needs.
- Conducting compensation benchmarking and internal equity reviews, supporting competitive salary strategies and informed pay decisions.
- Managing payroll coordination and benefits delivery, collaborating with finance and vendors to ensure accuracy, compliance, and employee satisfaction.
- Utilizing HRIS systems to streamline HR processes, improve data accuracy, and generate dashboards that inform leadership decisions.
- Implementing scalable onboarding, offboarding, and mobility programs, enhancing employee experience and operational continuity.
- Analyzing engagement survey results and developing targeted retention strategies, directly influencing culture and employee satisfaction.
- Leading DEI initiatives, promoting inclusive hiring practices, equitable policy design, and awareness programming across the organization.
- Facilitating manager and employee development programs, strengthening leadership skills, compliance knowledge, and business alignment.
Human Resources Generalist / Specialist
ClimateWorks Foundation
San Francisco
04.2022 - 04.2025
- Led end-to-end onboarding for 100+ new hires within 8 months, redesigning orientation programs to drive early engagement and faster cultural assimilation.
- Streamlined benefits administration through automation and centralized documentation, improving new hire enrollments, coverage accuracy, and support during annual planning.
- Owned payroll processing for exempt and non-exempt employees, ensuring 100% accuracy, compliance with regulatory standards, and error-free 401(k) audits.
- Automated HR processes across onboarding, LOA tracking, and compliance workflows—reducing manual workload and increasing team efficiency.
- Managed LOA and FMLA administration, ensuring legal compliance, timely communication, and minimal business disruption.
- Improved recruitment operations, optimizing job postings, applicant screening, and hiring workflows, reducing time-to-fill while scaling headcount efficiently.
- Led HR compliance and safety audits, ensuring full alignment with ACA, OSHA, EEOC, and other regulatory frameworks.
- Implemented a Learning Management System (LMS) and developed development-focused training modules to support employee growth and engagement.
- Maintained HRIS integrity, automating data inputs and generating reports to support leadership in strategic decision-making.
- Facilitated employee training on policies, compliance, and development, strengthening adherence and workforce capability.
- Monitored and analyzed HR metrics (turnover, engagement, training ROI) to guide continuous improvement and data-informed decisions.
- Contributed to DEI initiatives and supported a culture of equity and inclusion through programs and communications that strengthened belonging.
HR Administrative Assistant
Localcoin
Toronto
09.2018 - 05.2019
- Built foundational HR processes in a high-growth crypto startup, balancing structure and agility to support business scale across Canada.
- Developed and implemented core HR policies, employee handbooks, and onboarding protocols from the ground up, ensuring alignment with company culture and compliance standards.
- Attracted purpose-driven talent by emphasizing mission alignment and growth opportunities, helping overcome non-competitive compensation through compelling employer branding.
- Led onboarding programs that reinforced company values, boosted early engagement, and accelerated time-to-productivity for new hires.
- Partnered with leadership to shape a compelling employee experience, despite startup resource constraints—driving retention through culture, not just compensation.
- Implemented low-cost engagement initiatives, team-building events, and recognition programs to build community and morale in a distributed team.
- Supported end-to-end recruitment operations—posting roles, screening applicants, and facilitating interviews—while refining hiring practices to scale effectively.
- Maintained accurate HR data and managed compliance in a highly regulated industry, including leave tracking, audits, and policy updates.
- Resolved employee concerns through empathetic and fair conflict resolution, ensuring transparency, trust, and a psychologically safe environment.
- Collaborated with finance and payroll teams to streamline processes, resolve discrepancies, and ensure timely payments with high accuracy.
- Conducted internal investigations and supported disciplinary processes with confidentiality and consistency, aligned with employment law and internal values.
- Acted as a strategic advisor to leadership, providing insight into people trends, turnover risks, and culture opportunities in a rapidly evolving organization.
Communications and Marketing Administrator
MD Financial Management
Toronto
09.2017 - 05.2018
- Developed and implemented internal communication strategies to support HR policies, cultural initiatives, and organizational updates, enhancing alignment and employee engagement.
- Partnered closely with HR leadership to translate complex people initiatives—such as benefits, wellness, and performance programs—into clear, engaging communications.
- Created high-impact content for internal channels (newsletters, intranet, digital signage), improving employee awareness and participation in HR programs.
- Applied HR academic knowledge and prior practitioner experience to ensure messaging resonated with diverse audiences and reinforced key people priorities.
- Facilitated pulse surveys and feedback loops to capture employee sentiment, using insights to refine communication strategies and elevate employee experience.
- Coordinated training sessions for people managers on communication best practices, feedback delivery, and empathetic leadership—linking HR learning goals with internal messaging.
- Managed change and crisis communications with sensitivity and clarity during organizational shifts, reducing uncertainty and reinforcing trust.
- Leveraged digital platforms (e.g., SharePoint, email automation, internal social) to streamline communication flows and make HR resources more accessible and user-centric.
Unit HR Head
Shoppers Stop Ltd.
Mumbai
06.2015 - 11.2016
- Oversaw end-to-end HR operations at the company’s flagship store while supporting corporate HR initiatives, ensuring seamless alignment with broader business and HR strategies.
- Acted as the primary HR point of contact for a high-visibility business unit, building trust with leadership and frontline teams through effective employee relations, and proactive support.
- Led full-cycle recruitment, onboarding, and background checks, ensuring swift staffing for critical roles while maintaining candidate experience and quality standards.
- Designed and conducted structured induction programs to embed company values and accelerate new hire integration into both retail and corporate functions.
- Handled employee grievances and conflict resolution with fairness and discretion, fostering a positive, legally compliant, and performance-driven work environment.
- Drove performance management practices by supporting reviews, coaching line managers, and facilitating improvement plans that improved team accountability and outcomes.
- Identified capability gaps and rolled out cross-functional training programs to upskill both store-level and corporate employees, contributing to a stronger internal talent pipeline.
- Managed payroll and ensured 100% compliance with all labor laws, including PF, ESI, and Shops & Establishments regulations—eliminating risk and audit exceptions.
- Spearheaded engagement initiatives such as recognition programs, feedback forums, and team-building activities that directly improved morale and retention.
- Supported the development and enforcement of consistent HR policies and procedures across units, ensuring ethical practices and regulatory alignment.
- Coordinated HR audits and maintained statutory documentation, ensuring full readiness for internal and external compliance checks.
- Recognized for quickly adapting to a high-responsibility role at a flagship location, demonstrating strong business acumen, leadership potential, and a solutions-first approach in a complex retail environment.
Education
Post Graduate Diploma - Public Relations and Corporate Communications
Seneca College
Toronto, ON, CA01.2018
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Human Resources
University of Mumbai
Mumbai, MH, IN05.2015
Bachelor of Commerce - Financial Markets
University of Mumbai
Mumbai, MH, IN04.2013
Skills
- Strategic HR Planning
- Workforce Planning
- Organizational Development
- Change Management
- Succession Planning
- Talent Management
- Leadership Development
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
- Performance Management
- Learning & Development Strategy
- HR Data Analysis & Reporting
- Compensation & Benefits Strategy
Certification
Professional in Human Resources - California (PHRca), HRCI
Timeline
Senior Associate, Human Resources
ClimateWorks Foundation
04.2025 - Current
Human Resources Generalist / Specialist
ClimateWorks Foundation
04.2022 - 04.2025
HR Administrative Assistant
Localcoin
09.2018 - 05.2019
Communications and Marketing Administrator
MD Financial Management
09.2017 - 05.2018
Unit HR Head
Shoppers Stop Ltd.
06.2015 - 11.2016
Post Graduate Diploma - Public Relations and Corporate Communications
Seneca College
Master of Business Administration (MBA) - Human Resources
University of Mumbai
Bachelor of Commerce - Financial Markets
University of Mumbai
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