Umapathy A E

Senior HR Leader with 25+ years of progressive experience driving strategic HR initiatives across Automobile, EV, Garments, Leather, and Manufacturing industries. Proven track record in managing large-scale, multi-plant workforce operations — including Industrial Relations, mass recruitment, statutory compliance, and HR transformation. Adept at aligning HR strategy with business objectives to enhance workforce productivity, reduce costs, and build high-performance cultures.

Brings deep expertise in union negotiations, wage settlements, and labour law, with a consistent record of achieving zero production loss through proactive IR management.

Assistant General Manager – HR at Sona Comstar (2014-03 – Present)

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

• Lead end-to-end HR function for a ~2,000-employee multi-shift manufacturing facility, partnering with COO and senior leadership on workforce strategy, IR, and operational excellence.
• Reduced absenteeism from 27% to 5% and attrition from 17% to 4% through targeted employee engagement, communication drives, and retention initiatives.
• Delivered ₹1.8 crore+/year in manpower cost savings by strategically deploying NATS, NAPS, and statutory trainee schemes across the shop floor.
• Led and concluded long-term 18(1) wage settlements for three consecutive 4-year cycles (2015–2027), ensuring zero production loss throughout negotiations.
• Achieved 100%-win rate across 14 labour court cases; facilitated withdrawal of 2 major government cases (2016 & 2024).
• Directed payroll processing, exit formalities, promotions, disciplinary actions, and statutory compliance (PF, ESI, Gratuity) for the entire workforce.
• Managed transport, canteen, EHS coordination, Security management and liaison with government and statutory authorities.
• Led annual cultural and engagement events (Pongal, Ayudha Pooja, Long Service Awards, monthly birthdays, Safety Month) to strengthen employee morale.

Senior Manager – HR at JBM Group (2013-06 – 2014-02)

Reporting to: Vice President / Unit Head

• Managed HR and IR operations for ~900 employees across manufacturing operations.
• Drove shop-floor discipline, daily leadership reviews, and monthly all-employee communication meetings on business objectives.
• Handled union relations, grievance management, and statutory compliance for the unit.

Senior Manager – HR at Daebu Automotive Seats (2011-06 – 2013-05)

Reporting to: Managing Director

• Managed HR, recruitment, and employee relations for ~1,200 employees in a Korean-owned automotive seat manufacturer.
• Resolved complex land acquisition and approval challenges affecting factory operations.
• Introduced employee welfare initiatives — in-house kitchen, transportation, monthly gifts, and MD home visits — significantly improving employee satisfaction.
• Managed Korean embassy liaison, MBO meetings (annual, monthly, weekly), and cross-cultural HR practices.

Manager – HR at Mainetti India (2003-12 – 2011-05)

Reporting to: CEO – India

• Managed HR operations for ~1,200 employees across 6 manufacturing units and multiple offices at various locations pan-India.
• Set up ~6 new manufacturing units, managing end-to-end HR infrastructure including recruitment, compliance, and workforce onboarding.
• Played a core role in achieving IGBC Platinum Green Factory Certification — the first in India — through EHS and audit coordination.
• Led statutory and compliance audits by Walmart, KPMG, and government authorities; ensured 100% compliance across all units.
• Facilitated withdrawal of 1 major government case (2010); handled all admin, IR, and policy functions across the group.

HR Officer at Sunbright Fashions (2001-05 – 2003-11)

Reporting to: Managing Director

• Managed attendance, absenteeism control, training coordination, and payroll for ~1,000 employees in a garment manufacturing unit.

Executive – Personnel at Forward Shoes (2000-05 – 2001-04)

Reporting to: General Manager – Personnel

• Managed attendance, absenteeism, and payroll for ~3,000 employees across group units.
• Assigned to conduct periodic HR audits across all group units and submit monthly review reports to the Head of HR.

M.Phil in Labour Studies – Madurai Kamaraj University (2000 – 2002)

MBA in Human Resource Management – University of Madras (2008 – 2010)

MLM - Master of Labour Management – University of Madras (TILS) (1995 – 2000)