Open to opportunities

Asha J Rao

@ashajrao

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I've led global HR operations, people strategy, and transformation for distributed workforces of up to 900 employees.

India

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What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead people strategy, global HR operations, and transformation initiatives where I can partner with senior leaders, build scalable people processes, use HR technology and analytics, and strengthen compliant, high-performing, people-centric organizations.

I've led global HR strategy and operations at University of the People, partnering with C-suite leaders on organizational design, workforce planning, performance management, and multi-country compliance for a 400+ employee remote workforce.

I built Power BI HR dashboards that helped reduce attrition by 18%, implemented AI-based workforce forecasting to improve hiring accuracy, and redesigned digital onboarding to improve new-hire productivity by 35%.

Previously, I directed HR operations, payroll governance, HRIS, and compensation strategy at Starmark Software, and spent more than eight years at Unilog Content Solutions leading employee operations, total rewards, succession planning, DEI, employee relations, and compliance for a 900-person global workforce.

Across higher education, IT/ITES, software, manufacturing, and BPO environments, I've built scalable HR processes, coached leaders, managed complex employee relations, and used people data, technology, and practical business partnership to strengthen employee experience and organizational performance.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Associate HR Director – India Region

University of the People

Nov 2022 - Sep 2025 (2 years 10 months)

Led organizational design and workforce planning initiatives, ensuring talent readiness for rapid growth. Partnered with C-suite to design and execute global HR strategy aligned with KRAs/KPIs, improving organizational scalability and resilience.

Strategic HR Leadership HR Business Partnering Organizational Design Workforce Planning HR Analytics Performance Management Employee Relations Compliance HRIS SAP SuccessFactors BambooHR GreytHR Peoplesoft ChatGpt Claude Microsoft Copilot

Assistant General Manager – HR

Starmark Software Pvt Ltd

Nov 2021 - Oct 2022 (11 months)

Directed end-to-end HR operations, including payroll governance, HRIS, and compensation strategy for RCM/Medical billing organization. Resolved complex employee relations issues, improving retention and compliance outcomes.

HR Operations Payroll Management HRIS Compensation Strategy Employee Relations Compliance

Associate Director – HR

Unilog Content Solutions Pvt Ltd

Jul 2013 - Nov 2021 (8 years 4 months)

Led overall HR activities including talent acquisition, development, policy implementation, compensation, benefits, and compliance. Managed employee operations team, drove engagement and D&I programs, and oversaw total rewards and risk management.

Talent Acquisition Talent Management Succession Planning Performance Management Compensation And Benefits Employee Engagement Diversity And Inclusion Compliance HRIS Employee Relations Training and Development Vendor Management

Senior HR Executive

SPI – Software Paradigms Infotech Pvt Ltd

Apr 2011 - Jun 2013 (2 years 2 months)

Managed payroll for offshore and onsite teams, leave management, vendor management, and full and final settlements. Processed monthly payroll for 800+ employees across India, Australia, and Singapore.

Payroll Management Leave Management Vendor Management Full And Final Settlements HRIS ERP

Senior HR Executive

Sagas Auto

Jul 2010 - Feb 2011 (7 months)

Handled recruitments, process management, and performance management. Prepared organization structure and HR policies, and implemented performance management systems across departments.

Recruitment Performance Management HR Policy Organizational structure Employee Onboarding

Team Leader

iGATE Global Solutions

Nov 2007 - Mar 2010 (2 years 4 months)

Mentored and analyzed team performance, prepared process flows per ISO requirements, and analyzed business requirements for test cases. Prepared and monitored MIS reports and ISO documents.

Team Leadership Performance Analysis Process Improvement ISO MIS Reporting

Team Leader

Bharat BPO Services Ltd.

Apr 2007 - Jun 2007 (2 months)

Monitored and handled escalation calls, managed a team of 20 members, and conducted training programs. Prepared reports on incentives, dashboards, and quality metrics.

Team Management Escalation Handling Training Quality Assurance Reporting

Process Associate

iGATE Global Solutions

Jul 2005 - Mar 2007 (1 year 8 months)

Provided monthly remittance reports for portfolios to investors and managed investor portfolios. Reported loan details and prepared wires, and conducted refresher training sessions.

Portfolio Management Reporting Training Financial Analysis

Transaction Process Associate

Nipuna Services Ltd

May 2004 - Jul 2005 (1 year 2 months)

Boarded customer information into the Fidelity system and provided monthly insurance coverage amounts. Conducted American voice and accent training for a team of 45 members.

Data Entry Insurance Processing Training

Management Executive

Mytec Process Pvt Ltd

Oct 2001 - Feb 2004 (2 years 4 months)

Created layouts for printing jobs, prepared job cards, and designed artworks. Supported as Administration Executive, handling calls for clients from USA, Thailand, and Singapore.

Printing Design Administration Client Communication

Production Executive

The Printers (Mysore) Pvt Ltd

Sep 2000 - Aug 2001 (11 months)

Coordinated with pre-press and press departments as per production job flow. Served as single point of contact between pre-press unit, advertising, and press department.

Production Coordination