Sudhakar Piridi
Lead - Skill Development & Strategic Partnerships
Hyderabad
Summary
Dynamic professional with nearly two decades of expertise in strategic partnerships, skill development, workforce development, and stakeholder engagement. Dedicated to driving sustainable growth and fostering high-impact collaborations. Proven ability to develop and manage comprehensive skill development ecosystems while leading cross-functional teams to implement innovative, outcome-driven strategies.
Overview
3
3
Certifications
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Ecosystem Head
Wadhwani Foundation (Skills Development Network)
09.2025 - 05.2026
- Program Leadership and Delivery:
- Developed and implemented strategies to enhance skills development initiatives across diverse ecosystems.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to identify skill gaps and design targeted training programs.
- Facilitated workshops and seminars to promote knowledge sharing among ecosystem partners.
- Analyzed program outcomes, refining approaches for continuous improvement in skills delivery.
- Managed relationships with key organizations to foster collaboration and resource sharing.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing projects aligned with strategic goals of the foundation.
- Drove efforts to integrate innovative technologies into skills development practices, enhancing efficiency.
- Mentored junior team members, providing guidance on best practices and project execution techniques.
- Led the complete lifecycle of skilling programs — from design and development to partner onboarding, execution, monitoring, and impact measurement.
- Ensure alignment of skilling initiatives with national and state-level employment priorities.
- Ecosystem Development:
- Build and scale a demand-led ecosystem by onboarding employers and identifying sector-specific talent needs.
- Scaled the supply-side ecosystem by onboarding training partners aligned with regional demand and industry needs.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Engage effectively with government bodies, vocational training providers (VTPs), ITIs, polytechnics, and other ecosystem actors to co-create impactful solutions.
- Actively represent the Foundation in industry forums, academia, and policy platforms to shape and contribute to the broader skilling discourse.
- Process Management:
- Design and institutionalize scalable processes across the student lifecycle — from mobilization, counseling, training, placement, to post-placement tracking.
- Designed operational frameworks that transformed complex implementation plans into actionable micro-processes.
- www.wadhwanifoundation.org
Vice President – TA, Corporate & University Relations
Sapphirus Systems Pvt. Ltd (India & USA)
11.2022 - 11.2023
- Talent Acquisition & Client Acquisition:
- Manage the talent acquisition team as they oversee the entire lifecycle, i.e., recruiting candidate generation through direct sourcing, interviewing, and hiring.
- Coach the team to leverage the best practices and internal technologies to develop an effective pipeline of key talent potentially available for immediate hire.
- Partner with hiring managers to evolve best practices in interviewing, market mapping, and collaborating on achieving hiring objectives, while delivering exceptional customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.
- Gather market intelligence on talent, competitor landscape, recruitment trends, and practices, provided guidance and support to the team.
- Create and implement data-driven practices to optimize hiring performance.
- Understand and Improve recruitment processes to make them more efficient, while upholding quality, Volume in pipelines, and closures.
- Drive and manage employer branding events as needed.
- University Relations & Campus Hiring:
- Build and develop campus recruitment strategies from scratch.
- Manage a calendared campus roadmap for all campus programs for Graduate and Post Graduate cohorts.
- Created new initiatives in campus programs, achieving 100% of hiring targets annually.
- Handle end-to-end campus recruitment cycle.
- Build and execute a flagship Engagement platform with campuses.
- Managing regular engagement through speaker sessions, live projects, and internship opportunities.
- Build employer brand at campuses and make us an employer of choice.
- Plan & execute best-in-class orientation program.
- Planning summer internships, case study competitions to actively engage with students and smooth execution of these initiatives.
- Facilitated quarterly feedback and productivity discussions with each campus hire.
- Planning and execution of mentorship, buddy assignment, rotational stints, and periodic reviews with the leadership team for certain campus programs.
- Maintained company website content.
Assoc. Director - Corporate PR & New Campus Initiatives
GeekLurn EdTech Services Pvt. Ltd
01.2022 - 10.2022
- Corporate Relations and Employer Branding:
- Build, plan, and implement the overall campus hiring strategies.
- Manage the placement strategy and be able to secure MoUs and corporate relations with HR consulting and IT organizations for conducting placement activities at GEEKLURN.
- Responsible for conducting placement drives exclusively for GEEKLURN students by inviting MNCs and startups to the GEEKLURN campus with the help of personal corporate relations and obtaining MOUs with top HR firms and advisors.
- Must be able to conduct at least one job fair every three months, PAN India wide, inviting relevant IT companies and start-ups to participate in the same.
- Lead the campus diversity strategy at target universities, and determine appropriate business engagement.
- Tracked data on all facets of the hiring process, monitored ROI (P&L responsibility), and adjusted the recruiting strategy based on an analysis of past data.
- Coordinate and follow up with existing clients to expand our business growth.
- Acquired new clients through targeted outreach, and maintained regular communication with existing clients to strengthen relationships.
- Identify potential clients for IT staffing and consulting, whether mid- to big-sized clients or other implementation partners.
- Communicate the roadmap vision for the talent acquisition team, and develop goals and objectives based on Staffing, Development, and Retention.
- Work closely with the talent acquisition team, and track their progress to ensure that the committed headcount requirements are fulfilled, resources are hired, and onboarded on timeline as given by the clients.
- Track the data regarding all facets of the hiring process, and monitor ROI (P&L responsibility). Adjust the recruiting strategy based on the analysis of past data.
- Showed job opportunities from various sources, including social media, HR consulting organizations, and direct MOUs with IT companies across technologies like data science and cloud computing throughout PAN India.
- Responsible for tracking the interview performance of the students by interacting with the concerned HR managers and grooming the students for the next upcoming opportunities.
- Tracked students' interview performance by collaborating with HR managers, and prepared students for upcoming opportunities.
- Conducted quarterly job fairs across pan-India, inviting relevant IT companies and start-ups to participate.
- Responsible for maintaining documentation of the HR and Placement activities, and reporting to the management on a day-to-day basis.
- Managed internal hiring processes for GEEKLURN employees, including employee hiring, screening, background verification, salary negotiation, preparing offer letters, and onboarding.
- Maintained documentation of HR and placement activities, and reported to management daily.
- Maintained the official website for GEEKLURN, ensuring up-to-date content and information.
Placement Officer
Indian Institute of Management (IIM)
04.2020 - 12.2021
- Improve industry relationships to result in increased placements, internships, consultancy projects, and sponsorships.
- Facilitate the placement of students while interacting with media and industry.
- Improve industry relationships to result in increased placements, internships, consultancy projects, and sponsorships.
- Industry communication and arranging campus hiring processes. Coordination and management of training opportunities.
- The responsibility for current placement activities and the development of new placement strategies.
- Engaged with organizations and key decision-makers in relevant industries, fostering synergistic interactions with industry bodies and associations.
- Facilitated communication between departmental initiatives and industry by making pitches and proposals for assignments and research.
- Interaction with potential partners who provide solutions that can be used to enhance the efficacy of departments to better equip their students for their careers.
- Managed institutional website content to ensure up-to-date information for users.
Head-Training & Placements Cum Public Relations
IIITDM, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
08.2019 - 04.2020
- Planned, organized, and executed recruitment events at college, including corporate presentations, guest lectures, career fairs, networking events, interviews, internships, and final placements, enhancing student engagement and industry connections.
- Secured full funding from the MHRD and the Government of India for educational initiatives.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Sr. Manager-Industry Relations & Placements
SRM University, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh
07.2018 - 12.2018
- Managed campus recruitment initiatives to attract top talent.
- Coordination of Career, Training, and Development Programs.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance operational efficiency and achieve strategic objectives.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive academic programs aligned with institutional goals.
- Managed budgeting processes, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for departmental initiatives.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance academic program offerings and operational efficiency.
- Mentored faculty and staff to foster a collaborative learning environment and improve performance outcomes.
Global Head-Placements & Corporate Relations
Regenesys Business School, Navi Mumbai
11.2017 - 05.2018
- Coordinated internships, live projects, and final placements for MBA and digital marketing graduates.
- Worked on contract basis for project completion
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Corporate Interface Manager
Institute of Clinical Research India Pvt. Ltd (ICRI)
03.2017 - 06.2017
- Coordinated placements for MBA graduates in logistics, supply chain management, pharmacy, and aviation fields.
- Worked on a contract basis to fulfill project needs.
- Led cross-functional teams to enhance clinical trial processes and improve operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff, fostering skill development, and knowledge retention.
- Oversaw project timelines, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, and organizational objectives.
AGM-Corporate Relations & Placements
WOXSEN School Of Business, Hyderabad
03.2016 - 06.2016
- Facilitated connections between campus and multinational corporations to enhance student opportunities.
- Developed collaborative initiatives with IT and ITeS industries to foster student engagement.
- Organized corporate relations and human resources summits to facilitate industry engagement.
- Worked on a contractual basis to fulfill project requirements.
Manager-Corporate Relations & Placements
ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad
10.2012 - 07.2014
- Conducted cold calls and engaged with HR representatives to establish partnerships.
- Facilitated campus recruitment events
- Led curriculum development initiatives to enhance educational offerings and align with industry standards.
- Managed faculty recruitment processes, ensuring selection of qualified candidates for academic excellence.
- Implemented strategic marketing plans to increase enrollment and expand brand visibility in competitive markets.
Manager-Training & Placements
KITE Group of Institutions
08.2011 - 08.2012
- Public Relations & Branding
- Directed operational strategies to enhance institutional performance and student engagement.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff, improving instructional quality across departments.
- Streamlined administrative processes, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced turnaround times.
Asst. Manager-Corporate Alliances
Nexwave Talent Management Solutions Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad
03.2011 - 07.2011
- Acquired clients through targeted outreach efforts.
- Handled the entire campus hiring process.
- Led recruitment strategies to enhance talent acquisition processes.
- Developed training programs to improve employee performance and engagement.
- Streamlined onboarding procedures, ensuring compliance with company policies.
Head-Training & Placement Wing
St. Peter’s Engineering College, Hyderabad
06.2010 - 02.2011
- Coordination of Career Enhancement / Training & Development Programs.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Head-Training & Placement Cell
St. Martin’s Engineering College, Hyderabad
06.2009 - 05.2010
- Facilitated placements for B. Tech, M. Tech, MBA, MCA, Pharma, Healthcare, Aviation, ITeS, Agri-Business, Law, Manufacturing, and Bio-Tech candidates.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Incharge-Training & Placement Dept
Annamacharya Institute of Technology & Sciences
06.2007 - 05.2009
- Conducted placements for B. Tech, M. Tech, MBA, MCA, Pharma, Healthcare, Aviation, ITeS, Agri-Business, Law, Manufacturing, Bio-Tech, and other fields.
- Developed and delivered engaging course content for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- Mentored students in research methodologies and academic writing skills to enhance scholarly output.
- Collaborated with faculty to design curriculum improvements that align with industry standards.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
Lecturer Cum Training & Placement Officer
Sri Prakash Engineering College
06.2006 - 05.2007
- Facilitated placements for B. Tech, M. Tech, MBA, MCA, Pharma, Healthcare, Aviation, ITeS, Agri-Business, Law, Manufacturing, and Bio-Tech candidates.
- Developed and delivered engaging lectures on engineering principles and practices.
- Designed curriculum and assessment tools to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Guided research projects, fostering critical thinking and innovation among students.
- Developed and delivered engaging course materials to enhance student comprehension and retention.
- Mentored junior faculty, providing guidance on curriculum development and instructional strategies.
Education
MBA - Human Resources Management
National Institute of Business Management (NIBM)
Chennai 04.2001 -
M.Sc - Environmental Studies
GITAM University
Visakhapatnam01-2003
B.Sc - Chemistry, Botany, Zoology
Dr. V.S. Krishna Government Degree College
Visakhapatnam10-1999
Skills
Ecosystem Strategy & Development
Strategic Partnerships
Stakeholder Engagement
Talent Development Strategy
Campus Talent Outreach
Industry & Innovation Engagement
Operational Leadership
Career Development Services
University Relations
Skill Development & Operations
Program Management
Liaisoning with Government Organizations
Professional Certifications:
- Certified in Global Mastery Program in Recruitment (GMP) offered by Middle Earth HR Pvt. Ltd.
- Certified Talent Acquisition Specialist (CTAS) with expertise in recruitment strategies.
- Additional Course Contents: Payroll & HRMS, Learning Management Systems (LMS), and Latest trends in the L&D domain.
- Certified Psychometric Test Professional (CPTP) with proficiency in psychometric testing methodologies.
- Certified Learning & Development Manager (CLDM) specializing in creating effective learning programs.
Industrial Exposure:
- Apr’04 – Apr’06 : Worked as as Trainee Executive-EMS with Nicholas Piramal India Ltd (API division), Hyderabad, Telangana.
- Sep’03 – Mar’04 : Worked as Trainee Executive / Effluent Treatment Plant Supervisor with G.T.N. Textiles Ltd (YPU), Hyderabad, Telangana.
Certification
NCC (National Cadet Corps) Certificate with ‘Grade A’, in 1990-92.
Research Paper Presentations & Publications:
- International Level:
- Research paper in “International Conference on “Bio-Technological Approaches in Bio-Resource Management” on the eve of silver jubilee celebrations of Bharathidasan University on January 23rd – 26th, 2007 at Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India.
- National Level:
- Research paper in a “National Conference on sustainability of pollen and pollinator resources for food and nutritional security for human welfare (ISSN 0022-3379)” held on November 25-27, 2003, at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam Dt.
- Technical paper in a “National Seminar on Advances in the frontiers in the Environmental Research” held on November 19-21, 2005, at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam Dt.
- Technical paper in a “National Seminar on Environmental Challenges and Strategies” held on July 4-5, 2006, at Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar, Guntur Dt.
Major Achievements & Awards:
- Accomplished recipient of the prestigious "Best Placement Officer Award" at IEG-JKC, Andhra Pradesh State in 2009.
- Recognized as one of the "Top 50 Training and Placement Officers in Higher Education in India (2019- 2020)" by uLektz Wall of Fame, New Delhi.
Timeline
Ecosystem Head
Wadhwani Foundation (Skills Development Network)
09.2025 - 05.2026
Vice President – TA, Corporate & University Relations
Sapphirus Systems Pvt. Ltd (India & USA)
11.2022 - 11.2023
Assoc. Director - Corporate PR & New Campus Initiatives
GeekLurn EdTech Services Pvt. Ltd
01.2022 - 10.2022
Placement Officer
Indian Institute of Management (IIM)
04.2020 - 12.2021
Head-Training & Placements Cum Public Relations
IIITDM, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
08.2019 - 04.2020
Sr. Manager-Industry Relations & Placements
SRM University, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh
07.2018 - 12.2018
Global Head-Placements & Corporate Relations
Regenesys Business School, Navi Mumbai
11.2017 - 05.2018
Corporate Interface Manager
Institute of Clinical Research India Pvt. Ltd (ICRI)
03.2017 - 06.2017
AGM-Corporate Relations & Placements
WOXSEN School Of Business, Hyderabad
03.2016 - 06.2016
Manager-Corporate Relations & Placements
ICFAI Business School, Hyderabad
10.2012 - 07.2014
Manager-Training & Placements
KITE Group of Institutions
08.2011 - 08.2012
Asst. Manager-Corporate Alliances
Nexwave Talent Management Solutions Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad
03.2011 - 07.2011
Keenly participated in The Indian HR Convention – 2010, held at Hotel Marriot, Hyderabad.
08-2010
Head-Training & Placement Wing
St. Peter’s Engineering College, Hyderabad
06.2010 - 02.2011
Head-Training & Placement Cell
St. Martin’s Engineering College, Hyderabad
06.2009 - 05.2010
Incharge-Training & Placement Dept
Annamacharya Institute of Technology & Sciences
06.2007 - 05.2009
Lecturer Cum Training & Placement Officer
Sri Prakash Engineering College
06.2006 - 05.2007
MBA - Human Resources Management
National Institute of Business Management (NIBM)
04.2001 -
NSS Certificate for taking part in Janma Bhoomi Programme in 1998-99.
06-1998
NCC (National Cadet Corps) Certificate with ‘Grade A’, in 1990-92.
06-1991
M.Sc - Environmental Studies
GITAM University
B.Sc - Chemistry, Botany, Zoology
Dr. V.S. Krishna Government Degree College