Job description

HR managers oversee and manage the human resources department of a company. Their work involves handling employee-related services, regulatory compliance and employee relations, among other things.

They often share duties with other HR managers in large corporations but may run an entire department on their own if employed by a small business.

HR managers are generally seen as a link between a company’s management and its employees.

Duties

    • Develop HR policies and procedures
    • Advise management on employment legislation and health and safety regulations
    • Oversee the company’s recruitment, interview and hiring processes
    • Mediate staff disputes
    • Discipline employees and implement appropriate disciplinary procedures
    • Advise on pay, benefits and promotions
    • Manage training programmes and staff development
    • Maintain employee records
    • Talk to staff about personal or work problems
    • Mentor and coach staff
    • Manage the payroll

Skills and qualities

Active listening
Communication
Interpersonal
Decision-making
Problem-solving
Organisational
Speaking
Organisational
Attention to detail
Coordination
Negotiation
Time management
Business management
Leadership
Teamwork
Hr and employment law
Psychology
Hr software

Job outlook

Projected growth
The projected growth rate of employment in the US from 2018 to 2028, based on data collected through the BLS Employment Projections (EP) programme. The national average growth rate for all professions is 5%.

7%

New jobs
The number of jobs projected to become available in the US between 2018 and 2028, based on data collected through the BLS Employment Projections (EP) programme.

10.8k

Automation risk

0.55%

Career progression

HR managers generally start their careers as HR advisors and gradually move up the ranks. Many specialise in particular areas of human resource management, including employee relations, health and safety, and training and development.

With appropriate experience and qualifications, you could move into senior management.

Some HR managers, meanwhile, go on to set up their own consultancy firms offering specialised services in areas such as recruitment, training or policy-making.

Working conditions

Average hours

40h/ week

Typical schedule

Full Time

Standard business hours

HR managers typically work in an office-based environment, though they may need to attend off-site meetings on occasion, especially if the company they work for has more than one office. Local, and sometimes international, travel may be required to attend conferences.

The hours can be long, and some weekend work may be required.

The work can be stressful, particularly when dealing with staffing problems or disciplinary issues.

Salary

Bottom 10%

$67k

Median

$110k

Top 10%

$200k

Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.

Qualifications and training

Education level

Undergraduate

Bachelor’s degree in human resources

Study time

4 years

To become an HR manager, you’ll generally need a bachelor’s degree in human resources from an accredited university. Employers also consider candidates with degrees in subjects such as business management, education or finance.

Many managers typically go on to earn a master’s degree, which can significantly improve their job prospects as well as their overall career advancement.

Last Updated: Wednesday, November 2, 2022

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