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
Job outlook
Projected growth
7%
New jobs
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
