HRIS Manager Career Guide

What is an HRIS manager?

An HRIS manager helps link the HR (human resources) and IT (information technology) teams in a company. Their main job is to use technology to make the HR department work better and more efficiently. They play a key role in handling information about employees, like their details and HR rules, and they work on improving HR systems to make everything run smoother.

Duties and responsibilities

An HRIS manager’s big tasks are to look after the HR systems where important information about employees and the company is kept. They create plans for these systems, keep the data accurate, and make reports to see how things are going. They also manage a team, train HR staff on new systems, handle upgrades, and fix any system problems. They make sure all the employee information in the system is correct and that it meets privacy standards.

Work environment

HRIS managers usually work in an office, either in the HR or IT department, or sometimes they have their own office. They often talk to other teams, so good communication is important. They spend a lot of time on the computer managing systems and data. Regular interaction with team members and other departments is a normal part of their day.

Typical work hours

HRIS managers typically work 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Sometimes, they might work evenings or weekends, especially if there are system upgrades or urgent IT issues. Depending on the company, they might have options to work remotely or have flexible hours.

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How to become an HRIS manager

Want to manage the tech side of HR? Here’s how to start your journey to become an HRIS manager:

Step 1: Earn a bachelor’s degree

Go for a degree in human resources, business administration, information technology, or something similar. These will teach you the basics you need to know about managing HR tech systems.

Step 2: Gain experience

After college, start in a basic job in HR or IT. This helps you learn how both departments work, which is important since you’ll need to know both well.

Step 3: Learn HRIS skills

As you work, learn to use different HRIS software and get good at analyzing data and understanding how HRIS systems are built and protected.

Step 4: Get certified

Certifications like the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or tech-specific ones like Oracle HCM Cloud show you know your stuff.

Step 5: Develop leadership skills

Since you’ll need to manage people, learn skills like project management, good communication, and how to plan strategically.

Step 6: Apply for jobs

With the right education, skills, and experience, start applying for HRIS manager jobs. Make sure your resume highlights your skills and get ready to impress in interviews.

Step 7: Keep learning

Even after you get the job, keep learning about new HRIS tech, management methods, and changes in laws to stay great at your job.

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How much do HRIS managers make?

HRIS manager salaries will vary by experience, industry, education, location, and organization size. The complexity of the HR systems managed, the number of system users, and the HRIS platform used can also significantly impact their salary range.

Highest paying industries

• Computer Systems Design: $139,900
• Management of Companies and Enterprises: $132,560
• Insurance Carriers: $130,210
• Scientific Research and Development Services: $128,760
• Advertising and Public Relations: $126,550

Browse HRIS manager salary data by market

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Types of HRIS managers

HRIS managers can specialize in different areas, depending on what interests them the most. Here are some common types of HRIS jobs you might consider:

HRIS analyst

HRIS analysts make sure the HR software works well and meets the company’s needs. They fix issues and find ways to make the system better.

HRIS administrator

These pros manage the everyday stuff for the HRIS system. This includes keeping the system running smoothly, managing who gets access, ensuring data is safe, and updating the system when needed.

HRIS implementation specialist

When a company needs a new HRIS system or needs to update an old one, an HRIS implementation specialist sets it up. They know a lot about different HRIS systems and lead the setup from beginning to end, including teaching people how to use it.

HRIS project manager

These managers handle big HRIS projects. They plan, carry out, and finish projects, making sure everything works as it should by coordinating with different teams and people within the company.

HRIS consultant

Consultants help companies figure out which HRIS system is best for them. They know a lot about different systems and can also help set them up, improve how they work, and train staff on using them.

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Top skills for HRIS managers

Becoming a great HRIS manager means you’ll need a mix of tech skills and people skills. Here’s what you need to shine in this job:

Technical proficiency

You need to really understand HRIS systems, how databases work, and how to develop these systems. Being good with data analysis tools is also a must.

Communication skills

You should be able to explain tech stuff in simple terms to everyone, from your team to big bosses. This includes running meetings and teaching others how to use systems.

Analytical thinking

It’s important to figure out how to make systems better and fix any issues. You’ll also need to look at complex data and use it to help make big decisions.

Project management

You’ll often manage projects, like starting a new HRIS system or updating an old one. This means planning, organizing, and making sure everything is done right and on time.

Understanding of HR procedures

Besides tech, knowing HR rules and processes is crucial. This helps you set up and tweak the HRIS to meet what your company needs.

Leadership abilities

Since you might be in charge of a team, good leadership is key. This includes working well with others, making decisions, and providing helpful feedback to keep your team on top of their game.

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HRIS manager career path options

Starting as an HRIS manager is just the beginning. As you get better at managing HR tech and understanding HR needs, you can move up to even cooler jobs. Here are a few paths you might take:

Senior HRIS manager or HRIS director

After gaining a lot of experience, you might become a senior HRIS manager or even an HRIS director. In these roles, you’re in charge of a team and make big decisions about the company’s HR tech strategies, budgets, and making sure all the data is correct. You’ll also manage big projects and work with other companies that provide your HR systems.

Chief HR officer (CHRO)

If you keep climbing up the ladder, you could end up as a CHRO. This is a top job where you help decide the main HR rules and goals of the whole company. You work closely with the CEO and have a big say in how the company runs.

HR technology consultant

If you like the idea of working with lots of different companies, being an HR technology consultant could be exciting. You’d help companies set up, update, or switch their HR systems. This job needs a lot of know-how about HR and tech, and you also need to be good at making new clients and selling your services.

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Similar job titles

• HR Manager
• IT Manager
• Data Analyst
• Business Analyst
• IT Project Manager
• Systems Analyst
• Payroll Manager

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Position trends and outlook for HRIS managers

HR departments are getting more digital, and that’s creating a lot of opportunities for HRIS managers. As everything moves online—from employee records to how we manage HR tasks—companies really need people who can handle and improve these digital tools.

• Tech takeover: With more companies using AI, automation, and cloud tech, there’s a big demand for experts who know how to work with these technologies in HR.
• Skills needed: If you want to be an HRIS manager, you should know about data analysis, project management, HR practices, and the latest HR tech software. These skills are what companies look for.

Employment projections

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says jobs for HR management folks are expected to grow by 7% through 2031. That’s faster than a lot of other jobs. Even when the economy isn’t doing great, companies still need to plan strategically and keep digitizing their HR processes, which means they’ll need HRIS managers.

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HRIS manager career tips

Understand the system landscape

Learn all about the HR systems your company uses. Understand how these systems work together, their features, and how they help the HR team. This will help you manage them better and spot areas for improvement.

Develop technical proficiency

Keep up with the latest tech in HR. This might mean learning SQL to manage databases, improving your Excel skills for data work, or even picking up some programming. These skills help you fix problems and update systems smartly.

Build your network

Joining HR groups can help you meet other professionals and learn from them. Consider:

• International Association for Human Resource Information Management
• Society for Human Resource Management
• American Payroll Association

Stay updated with legal compliance

It’s crucial to understand the laws about handling employee data and privacy, especially where your company operates. This keeps your systems legal and secure.

Engage in continuous learning

The world of HR tech always changes. Keep learning through:

• Conferences and webinars about HR technology
• Online courses on new HR tech and practices
• Certifications like HR Information Professional (HRIP)

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FAQs