Mahinthan Subenthiran

Mahinthan Subenthiran

Manager HR & Admin

Academic Qualifications​

Academic Qualifications

IIC University of Technology Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management Second Class upper division with 3.51 GPA
Department of Technical Education and Training – Sri Lanka Jan 2013 – Dec 2013
National Certificate in English for Commerce, Industry and further Education – Grade Merit

Employment History

SLIIT | NORTHERN UNI – Sri Lanka Jan 2025 – Present

Group Manager- HR & Admin

Reporting directly to the Group Director – HR, with an indirect reporting line to the heads of each entity for administrative functions. Oversee the end-to-end HR and administrative operations across NORTHERN UNI & Magick Tech, ensuring strategic alignment with the group’s business objectives.

  • Lead HR strategy development and execution across multiple industries, driving policies, talent management, and organizational development.
  • Spearhead workforce planning, performance management, and leadership development to enhance operational efficiency and business growth.
  • Implement HR best practices to optimize recruitment, retention, employee engagement, and culture transformation.
  • Oversee compliance, labor law adherence, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure governance and regulatory alignment.
  • Manage administrative functions, streamlining processes for operational excellence and cost efficiency.
  • Partner with executive leadership to drive change management, digital transformation, and HR innovation across the group.

W.I. Tel Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – Colombo Nov 2022 – Jan 2025

Head of HR & Admin

As the Head of the HR & Admin department (including legal), I lead operations for both Sri Lanka and the USA, reporting directly to the CEO and with a dotted line to the Head of Operations in Sri Lanka. Our organization operates multinational across 15 industries, employing 250 staff in Sri Lanka (including 25 remote employees) and 125 in the US. I oversee a team of 13 (10 in Sri Lanka and 3 in the US) and manage complex operations across three distinct regional calendars: Sri Lanka, the US, and the UAE. This role encompasses driving all People & Culture initiatives, strategic planning, policy implementation, and collaboration with C-level executives and department heads. As the Head of Department (HoD), I actively engage with the HR Business Partner (HRBP) and the HR team to ensure a thorough understanding of each project and its objectives. Given that we operate across multiple projects with diverse teams, this collaboration is essential to align HR strategies with project goals and outcomes, ensuring seamless execution and successful results.

  • Plan, direct, supervise, and coordinate the end-to-end HR and Admin functions, along with legal responsibilities, for the organization.
  • An effectively implemented HRIS (HSenid) resulted in a notable reduction in manual tasks for HR department staff and generated positive feedback from employees.
  • Developed and maintained a comprehensive Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual through collaborative efforts with the HR team, ensuring regular revisions and incorporating feedback for continuous improvement.
  • Introduced short-term goals and KPIs systems to the organization, beyond regular or annual tasks, to foster increased productivity and facilitate frequent performance management.
  • Implemented a pay grade and employee grade system to establish a standardized pay structure and promotion criteria across the organization.
  • Restructured the organization’s employment positions to align with employee grades and pay structures, adhering to a standardized organizational structure with a simplified hierarchy.
  • Promoted HR business partnering over traditional HR operational roles, resulting in increased productivity and improved staff engagement.
  • Introduced remote employment; we now successfully operate 25 remote employees. Introduced weekly and monthly performance evaluations, complemented by comprehensive annual appraisals, with a strong focus on involving learning and development initiatives (with L&D representatives) to evaluate the effectiveness of provided training and feedback mechanisms. Integrated learning and development with performance management to drive organizational productivity and address performance gaps.
  • Established cross-functional teams to address complex organizational matters and support the transformation process, directly enhancing employee relations and ensuring comprehensive welfare through teamwork.

Subash Exports (Pvt) Ltd– Colombo Dec 2021

Nov 2022 Manager – HR & Admin

Established an autonomous HR department, complete with legal functions and necessary facilities, transitioning from a previous integration with Finance. As the head of the department, I directly reported to the CEO and managed head office HR operations. The business operates in the European market with its head office located in Switzerland, spanning various industries while enhancing the supply chain.

  • Heading the HR and Admin department, I managed comprehensive HR operations, including strategic initiatives, HR analytics, policy implementation, and generalist responsibilities. Additionally, I acted as an HR business partner, collaborating with different stakeholders and employees to identify gaps and working with Learning & Development and training teams to enhance productivity.

Agriculture Sector Modernization Project – Funded by The World Bank -Colombo July 2018- Dec 2021

Program Officer – HR & Admin

Led the HR team for the “Agriculture Sector Modernization Project,” funded by the World Bank, in collaboration with the Ministry of Plantation Industries. Reported to the Project Director and World Bank representatives for the Asia and Pacific region, I was also assigned to work with the project implementation team. Additionally, I oversaw the entire Northern region in terms of project implementation and overall management. I worked collaboratively with a multinational team comprising specialists from diverse fields.

  • My role demanded a meticulous approach to each task, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards (human capital management both locally and internationally) and project objectives, while maintaining effective communication channels with all stakeholders involved.
  • Led comprehensive HR functions, managing recruitment, onboarding, attendance, training coordination, performance management, leave, and payroll. Initiated stakeholder engagement programs, oversaw disciplinary proceedings, ensured regulatory compliance, and coordinated all administrative tasks closely with senior management and the Board of Directors for meeting and approval procedures
  • In addition to HR responsibilities, I undertook project implementation duties, evaluating project applications and proposals for alignment with project objectives. Successfully presented and obtained approval for 48 projects within one year and eight months, representing the Northern region. Provided ongoing oversight throughout project operations, including financial management, until the completion of approved projects.

Link Engineering (Pvt) Ltd – Colombo July 2014

July 2018 Executive – HR & Admin

Coordinated seamless interview processes and managed end-to-end recruitment efforts. Ensured compliance with HR standards, conducted orientation, and facilitated payroll and attendance management. Managed disciplinary procedures, upheld staff welfare programs, and oversaw operational functions while reporting directly to the Head of HR.

Honors and Awards

Research Interests & Memberships

Interests
Memberships

Ongoing Research

Publications

My Publications

Founder and Chairman

Introducing the visionary entrepreneur, Mr. Indy Pathmanadan, affectionately known as Mr. Indy, a driving force in the Bath Furniture and Modular Kitchen industries. With over 30 years of expertise, Mr.Indy’s journey is one of extraordinary accomplishments and relentless pursuit of excellence.

A graduate in engineering from the prestigious University of Waterloo, Ontario, Mr. Indy’s entrepreneurial journey began as a Coop student in his Canadian garage. From humble beginnings, he transformed MagickWoods into a global powerhouse with operations spanning across North America and Asia. Today, MagickWoods stands tall with an impressive presence in renowned retailers such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards. Mr. Indy’s bold vision includes establishing a strong domestic presence in the USA, facilitating the transformation from China to Aurora. His innovative approach involves forging exclusive partnerships with retailers, creating bespoke brands tailored to their discerning customer base.

With an unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled quality, Mr. Indy is a firm believer in the digital economy. His passion for enhancing the customer experience led him to pioneer the use of cuttingedge 3D and augmented reality technologies in kitchen design, revolutionising the industry. Demonstrating his forward-thinking mindset, Mr. Indy recently unveiled Magickhome.com, an exceptional ecommerce platform that offers direct-to-consumer digital sales channels, further expanding his reach and impact. Notably, he holds a patent for his groundbreaking invention, the Bath weighing scale product, exemplifying his dedication to innovation.

Mr. Indy’s exceptional contributions have earned him a plethora of accolades. From prestigious design awards for his innovative creations at Bath Furniture to receiving the esteemed Young Entrepreneur Award from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, his outstanding achievements have been recognised on numerous occasions. Additionally, his remarkable export performance and job creation efforts have garnered accolades from the Government of India, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavours, Mr. Indy actively engages in social causes close to his heart. As the co-founder of CanTYD, a non-profit organisation focused on youth development in Canada, he channels his passion for empowering the younger generation. Furthermore, he dedicated four years of his life to serving on the Southeast Asian Consultative Committee of the Metropolitan Toronto Police, striving to create a safer community for all.

As a proud parent of three children, Mr. Indy finds solace in the embrace of nature. Whether it’s the thrill of running, the serenity of hiking, the pursuit of adventure through hunting, or the freedom of cycling amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, he cherishes the moments that rejuvenate his spirit. Mr. Indrakumar Pathmanadan, the epitome of entrepreneurial brilliance, continues to redefine industry standards through his remarkable achievements. Join us at our university as we draw inspiration from Mr.Indy’s journey, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and unwavering determination.

Founder and Chairman

Introducing the visionary entrepreneur, Mr. Indy Pathmanadan, affectionately known as Mr. Indy, a driving force in the Bath Furniture and Modular Kitchen industries. With over 30 years of expertise, Mr.Indy’s journey is one of extraordinary accomplishments and relentless pursuit of excellence.

A graduate in engineering from the prestigious University of Waterloo, Ontario, Mr. Indy’s entrepreneurial journey began as a Coop student in his Canadian garage. From humble beginnings, he transformed MagickWoods into a global powerhouse with operations spanning across North America and Asia. Today, MagickWoods stands tall with an impressive presence in renowned retailers such as Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards. Mr. Indy’s bold vision includes establishing a strong domestic presence in the USA, facilitating the transformation from China to Aurora. His innovative approach involves forging exclusive partnerships with retailers, creating bespoke brands tailored to their discerning customer base.

With an unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled quality, Mr. Indy is a firm believer in the digital economy. His passion for enhancing the customer experience led him to pioneer the use of cuttingedge 3D and augmented reality technologies in kitchen design, revolutionising the industry. Demonstrating his forward-thinking mindset, Mr. Indy recently unveiled Magickhome.com, an exceptional ecommerce platform that offers direct-to-consumer digital sales channels, further expanding his reach and impact. Notably, he holds a patent for his groundbreaking invention, the Bath weighing scale product, exemplifying his dedication to innovation.

Mr. Indy’s exceptional contributions have earned him a plethora of accolades. From prestigious design awards for his innovative creations at Bath Furniture to receiving the esteemed Young Entrepreneur Award from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, his outstanding achievements have been recognised on numerous occasions. Additionally, his remarkable export performance and job creation efforts have garnered accolades from the Government of India, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavours, Mr. Indy actively engages in social causes close to his heart. As the co-founder of CanTYD, a non-profit organisation focused on youth development in Canada, he channels his passion for empowering the younger generation. Furthermore, he dedicated four years of his life to serving on the Southeast Asian Consultative Committee of the Metropolitan Toronto Police, striving to create a safer community for all.

As a proud parent of three children, Mr. Indy finds solace in the embrace of nature. Whether it’s the thrill of running, the serenity of hiking, the pursuit of adventure through hunting, or the freedom of cycling amidst the majestic Rocky Mountains, he cherishes the moments that rejuvenate his spirit. Mr. Indrakumar Pathmanadan, the epitome of entrepreneurial brilliance, continues to redefine industry standards through his remarkable achievements. Join us at our university as we draw inspiration from Mr.Indy’s journey, fostering a culture of innovation, excellence, and unwavering determination.