Suraj Shetty

CSR Professional with Expertise in Strategic Operations and Social Impact

A seasoned professional with a Bachelor's in Commerce and an extensive career spanning 22 years, marked by diverse expertise in production operations, factory management, HR and administration, project management, and vendor relations. Currently serving as Assistant Manager, CSR at Parle Agro Private Limited, leveraging a unique blend of strategic management and social responsibility to drive impactful programs.

Key CSR Achievements and Initiatives:

Demand-Driven Livelihood Approach:

Spearheaded a demand-driven methodology for livelihood initiatives, ensuring alignment with industry needs.

Outcomes included increased job-focused youth enrolment, reduced program dropouts, higher placement rates, and improved job retention, reflecting enhanced program efficacy.

Program Innovation and Replication:

Successfully piloted new livelihood programs in the Mumbai region, achieving stabilization and replicability across multiple locations.

Demonstrated strategic insight in scaling impactful initiatives while maintaining quality and relevance.

HR Systems for Empowerment:

Proficient in designing and implementing HR systems and policies that prioritize manpower planning, recruitment, performance management, and employee development.

Created a nurturing environment for workforce upskilling and inclusion within CSR programs.

Holistic Community Engagement:

Integrated CSR programs with general administration expertise, optimizing facility management, procurement, vendor negotiations, and asset management to support social impact activities.

Maintained a seamless balance between operational efficiency and community service objectives.

Quality-Driven Project Execution

Coordinated effectively with stakeholders and government agencies to uphold compliance and deliver impactful outcomes.

Skills and Expertise:

Livelihood Development: Crafting tailored programs that address unemployment and enhance economic opportunities for underserved communities.

Project Management: From planning to execution, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with organizational goals.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Skilled in liaison and negotiation with vendors, partners, and governmental bodies to achieve project goals.

Budgeting & Cost Optimization: Ensuring cost-effective implementation of CSR initiatives without compromising impact.

Statutory Compliance & Legal Acumen: Expertise in navigating legal frameworks and maintaining ethical integrity in operations.

CSR Vision:

To combine operational excellence with social innovation, creating sustainable programs that uplift communities, address systemic challenges, and foster long-term positive change.

1. Assistant Manager - CSR, Parle Agro Private Limited

Nov 2022 – Present

Key Contributions and Achievements:

Formulated strategies to strengthen CSR initiatives, aligning with organizational goals and community development.

Spearheaded the entire project management lifecycle, including monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment.

Identified and cultivated partnerships with key stakeholders and social development organizations.

Managed project-related tasks such as drafting MOUs, budget monitoring, and project evaluations, often involving field visits nationwide.

Developed and analyzed MIS data for reporting and decision-making.

Designed communication strategies for various platforms to enhance the visibility and impact of CSR initiatives.

Contributed to research, policy ideation, and smooth operations of CSR functions through meticulous planning and execution.

2. City Manager - Livelihood, Magic Bus India Foundation

Feb 2018 – Aug 2022

Key Contributions and Achievements:

Successfully mobilized, trained, and placed candidates across the Mumbai region, overseeing 10 projects.

Navigated pandemic challenges by setting up livelihood projects, including recruitment, area mapping, center setups, budget management, and funder engagement.

Secured partnerships with skilling organizations (e.g., KidZania, GE Healthcare), ensuring high-quality training and placement opportunities.

Directed a team of 20, ensuring the achievement of enrolment, training, and placement targets.

Managed project budgets, stakeholder reporting, and documentation, ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.

Developed pathways for self-employment and entrepreneurship among youth.

Conducted internal audits to maintain transparency and efficiency across centers.

3. Cluster Manager, Labour Net Services India Pvt Ltd

Dec 2014 – Feb 2018

Key Contributions and Achievements:

Supervised mobilization, training, and placement activities for 20 skill development centers across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.

Led a 70-member team to meet annual targets for enrolments, certifications, and placements under CSR and government-funded programs.

Managed partnerships with CSR clients, ensuring compliance with their requirements.

Organized placement drives and signed MOUs with employers at a national level to provide employment opportunities for students.

Strategically planned and analyzed student placements, ensuring quality outcomes and client satisfaction.

4. HR Manager, Zenith Industrial Rubber Products Pvt. Ltd.

July 2013 – Dec 2014

Key Contributions and Achievements:

Managed HR activities for a workforce of 550 employees, covering recruitment, onboarding, training, and employee engagement.

Designed and implemented an annual training calendar and competency-based training plans.

Oversaw performance appraisal processes, enabling smooth execution and payroll coordination.

Enhanced employee engagement through stress relief sessions and events.

Conducted internal audits and ensured compliance with safety and ISO standards.

5. Factory/Production Management Roles (2001 – 2013)

Polco Creation Pvt. Ltd. (2012 – 2013)

Managed a production unit of 300 employees and oversaw HR, compliance, and procurement functions.

Ensured quality compliance and streamlined procurement processes for cost efficiency.

6. JAJ International (2001 – 2012) 

Supervised a workforce of 500 in garment production, handling HR and compliance functions. Conducted social audits and optimized operational processes to achieve production targets.

Elaboration of Current Role (Parle Agro - CSR)

Strategic Leadership: Designed and implemented CSR strategies, aligning with Parle Agro's sustainability and social responsibility vision.

Partnership Development: Built collaborations with NGOs and government bodies to maximize project reach and impact.

Monitoring & Evaluation: Ensured projects met quality standards through continuous evaluation and data-driven insights.

Communication Excellence: Authored reports and presentations to highlight CSR achievements for stakeholders and platforms.

Policy Innovation: Contributed to developing policies that facilitate efficient CSR execution.

Hands-on Field Engagement: Conducted site visits to monitor on-ground progress, providing insights for improvement.

Educational Credentials

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.)

• Institution: Mumbai University
• Year of Completion: 1998
• Key Highlights:
  • Built a foundational understanding of accounting, finance, economics, and business management principles.
  • Acquired analytical and decision-making skills crucial for roles in management, CSR, and HR functions.
  • Developed a keen interest in organizational development, which shaped the trajectory of a diverse professional career.

IT Skills

Proficiency in MS Office Suite:

• MS Word: Skilled in creating, editing, and formatting professional documents, reports, and correspondence.
• MS Excel:
  • Experienced in data analysis using functions, pivot tables, and formulas.
  • Proficient in managing budgets, project tracking, and generating detailed MIS reports.
• MS PowerPoint:
  • Adept at designing visually engaging presentations for stakeholders, board meetings, and training sessions.

Internet & Email Communication:

• Competent in leveraging internet tools for research, networking, and staying updated on industry trends.
• Well-versed in professional email communication, ensuring clarity and timely correspondence