Operations Director - Managed IT Services

Our client is an established U.S.-based IT Managed Services Provider experiencing significant global growth, with a strategic focus on expanding operations in India. They deliver critical technology solutions to high-compliance clients in the healthcare and financial services sectors.

The Chennai location will play a pivotal role in their global service delivery model, operating a 24x7 Network Operations Center (NOC) and supporting teams across cybersecurity, finance, DevOps, and other mission-critical functions.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking an accomplished and dynamic Director of India Operations to serve as the senior-most leader in Chennai. This is a ground-floor opportunity to establish and scale operations for a thriving international company. You'll be responsible for operational oversight, cross-functional team leadership, talent strategy, and seamless collaboration with global stakeholders.

This role offers the unique opportunity to build something significant from the foundation up, establishing office operations, building high-performing teams, and creating a lasting impact in a key strategic market.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Strategic Leadership

• Lead day-to-day operations supporting global service delivery
• Oversee 24x7 operations including shift planning, escalation management, and service quality
• Act as local executive representative ensuring alignment between India-based teams and global leadership

People Leadership & Talent Strategy

• Partner with HR and recruiting teams to attract and retain top talent across IT, security, finance, and operations
• Ensure effective workforce planning and coverage for round-the-clock operations
• Foster a high-performance, inclusive culture supporting learning and career development

Global Collaboration

• Work closely with global leaders to execute strategic initiatives
• Monitor and report on KPIs and operational goals
• Coordinate across departments and time zones

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Indian labor laws, corporate regulations, and internal policies
• Oversee local facilities, administration, vendor relationships, and financial coordination

Requirements

Essential:

• Experience: 12+ years in IT operations, managed services, or enterprise technology environments
• Leadership: Minimum 3-5 years in senior leadership roles managing cross-functional or multi-shift teams
• Operations Expertise: Proven track record running or supporting 24x7 operations
• Leadership Competencies:
• Mature leadership presence with exceptional interpersonal skills
• Strong stakeholder management across cultures and time zones
• Ability to build and maintain positive workplace culture
• Local Knowledge: Deep understanding of Indian employment law, compliance requirements, and talent market dynamics
• Communication: Advanced English proficiency required

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree or higher
• Experience in healthcare or financial services IT sectors
• Background with IT Managed Services providers
• Track record of establishing or scaling operations in new markets

Leadership Attributes:

• Strategic yet hands-on leader who thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments
• Skilled communicator who builds trust across global teams
• Results-driven with a people-first mindset
• Passion for team development and operational excellence

Benefits

Compensation:

• Competitive salary range: 8m - 12m INR Per Year
• Annual performance bonus

Benefits Package:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage
• Accident and life insurance
• Generous leave policy: 25 days annual leave plus public holidays
• Multiple leave categories: privilege, casual, sick, medical, marriage, and emergency leave
• Retirement plan/provident fund
• Annual travel to the United States (1x per year)

Work Arrangement:

• On-site position in Chennai
• Flexibility required to support 24x7 operations
• Regular Chennai working hours with occasional flexibility as needed

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.