Are you a capable and resourceful individual who strives in the field of human resources? If you possess these skills, the position of HR manager could be right for you! This is a vital role that requires a strong sense of leadership and initiative within everyday tasks. The manager role is important as it helps implement employee relations and policies within the company.
HR managers will control and follow through with the functions of the human resources department, which includes hiring and interviewing applicants, managing pay, benefits, and leave, and imposing company policies.
Supervisory responsibilities include overseeing the workflow within the department, providing detailed and necessary performance evaluation, and handling discipline within the company policy. Other duties include working with fellow employees to understand and work through human resources needs, providing support and counsel to management, and studying movements in compensation and benefits. All while following regulatory changes and other employment laws.
Sample job description
As our company continues to grow, the need for a career-driven HR manager is integral. Through the work between the manager and employees, stronger performances occur and are exchanged. They help retain a positive and meaningful workplace environment where everyone is included, regardless of differences. Routine checks would be performed every day to ensure productivity is occurring. Ideal candidates must be very driven in their field and willing to help with the workflow of the company and the employees. The ability and knowledge of maintaining accurate access to administrative data is needed, as well as conceptualizing databases and providing integrity assurance to them.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Planning and evaluating the relations amongst employees
- Following human resource policies, programs, and practices
- Updating and observing job requirements and descriptions for employment posts
- Help create a recruiting and interview process
- Conduct exit interviews and propose changes
- Plan, monitor, and evaluate other employees’ work by training/working with managers to coach employees
- Schedule management conferences and listen to the employees’ comments/feedback
- Prepare, update, and study the human resource policies and follow through with procedures
Education and experience
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university
- 5+ years of human resource roles
- 3+ years of experience in labor relations and employee relations
- 3+ years of experience in a supervisor role
Required skills and qualifications
- Degree in human resources, business administration, business management, or an HR-related field
- Relevant experience in HR activities (e.g human capital, recruitment)
- Experience as an applicant systems administrator
- Experience mapping workflows within a system
Preferred qualifications
- Language proficiency in Spanish or French
- Proficiency with Office 365
- Strong verbal and written skills
- Work well in a fast-paced environment
Typical work environment
In the office, you will be working and overseeing all department functions. This will involve working closely with employees and listening to their problems or suggestions. There is an overall requirement to be well-versed with other people so they know there is someone to turn to if there is a problem. While working, the manager role will be within compensation and benefits, training and development, and selection of new recruits. To determine how to improve performance and productivity, this position conducts employee performance evaluations and looks through these work records. This will require speaking with employees and other workers in the department. There will be a constant need to ensure the workplace is free from discrimination and harassment. If this isn’t attained, the manager will conduct workplace investigations and resolve employee complaints.
Typical hours
HR managers work full time, up to 40 hours a week. A regular schedule is 9 am to 5 pm. Majority of the time, work will take place in an office-style work environment and indoors.
Available certifications
Certifications that are available for human resources managers are:
- Associate Professional in Human Resources. This certificate is for entry-level human resource workers as it doesn’t require previous work experience. It is the first-ever HR certification designed for professionals who are just beginning their HR career journey and proves your knowledge of foundational human resources. Perfect for college students who can complete it before graduating, this certification shows the investment you have made in your HR career. Each certification will have a requirement for the minimum amount of education and/or experience.
- SHRM Certified Professional. This certificate is offered by the Society of Human Resource Management. The certificate was designed for experienced HR professionals who are seeking out management-level positions. The HR professionals who have this certification are the ones who implement policies and strategies, are the contacts for staff and stakeholders, deliver HR services, and perform operational HR functions. Once you become an SHRM Recertification Provider, it will eliminate the guesswork for credential-holders, who will know by your status that your program qualifies for recertification credits. Once qualified, there will be a potential to work at conferences, college/university courses, seminars, workshops, and videoconferences.
- Senior Professional in Human Resources. This certificate is designed for experienced HR professionals that are looking to show their knowledge of the industry and job field. Mostly designed for people looking to advance their career to leader-oriented roles, certification demonstrates your mastery of the strategic and policy-making aspects of HR management. Overall, organizations seek out these professionals for their HR department goals, knowledge of all HR disciplines, and understanding of business issues within and out of the field.
Career path
To start working as a human resources manager, a bachelor’s degree is needed. The best path is seeking a four-year degree and choosing a human resources management major. There is the option to get a degree in humanities, which can create some leeway later in the future. Majority of people who seek managerial roles have studied business and other fields such as finance and marketing. While getting your degree, an internship is recommended so you will gain experience in an everyday work environment. Interns would perform tasks such as records management, recruitment, and data entry.
Another option after attaining a degree is getting a master’s degree. Many with an MBA have an emphasis on HR issues through their studies. Earning an MBA can fast track you to higher paying jobs.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 11-3121
| 2019 Employment | 165,200 |
| Projected Employment in 2022 | 168,300 |
| Projected 2019-2029 Percentage Shift | 6% increase |
| Projected 2019-2029 Numeric Shift | 6,000 increase |
Position trends
Employment for HR managers has a projected 6% increase between the years of 2019 to 2029, which means it is growing faster than other occupations. As new companies form and grow, it becomes necessary for a human resources manager to be hired. Within the company leadership, this position is very sought out as it helps organizations grow and retain their staff. Many recruitment firms have begun to focus on the placement of HR workers as they hire HR business partners. This is because there is stress that occurs with coordinating administrative functions within the workplace.