Every successful organization has to have an effective and efficient Human Resource Manager. Their role in helping recruit, educate, and retain good employees is one of the most vital roles in a company’s well-being.
But what exactly does an HR manager do, and how do you become one? We’ll discuss the job description and skills needed as well as the career path for HR managers.
What Is a Human Resource Manager?
At its core, an HR manager is in charge of a company’s human resources department, including HR generalists, HR specialists, and HR assistants. As they oversee all HR activities, they are also the liaison between corporate officers and a company’s workforce and provide an advisory role with upper management. Their purpose is to help employees fulfill their potential as they align policies and practices with company goals and values.
Human Resource Manager Job Responsibilities
The job description of an HR manager can often feel vague, so let’s dive into some of their key responsibilities.
Hiring, Recruitment, and Onboarding
Although an HR manager is not responsible for deciding who is hired, they do oversee the hiring process, including recruitment and outreach, writing and listing job descriptions, and scheduling interviews with company managers. Once new employees have been hired, an HR manager oversees new employee training and adjustment.
Payroll and Benefits
An HR manager oversees payroll procedures and policies, ensuring that employees are paid on time, accurate records are kept, and that payroll laws and regulations are followed. An HR manager may also be responsible for developing a benefits plan and determining cost and compensation for employees. Benefits can include heath and dental insurance, retirement plans, wellness plans, and paid time off.
Employee Education
Employee education can take two forms: one being health and safety training that is required by law. HR managers are responsible for the training employees go through in compliance with laws and regulations. Employee education can also be company-specific with topics employees can benefit from, including new software or technology training, team building, time management, and work-life balance to name a few, and can be developed in conjunction with line managers.
Performance Reviews
Performance reviews are an important part of making sure a company can work efficiently. HR managers are responsible for developing, conducting, and compiling performance reviews. These critical performance reviews can also help them make other HR policies and strategies to help employees and their work ethics.
Conflict Resolution
An HR manager is the mediator between conflicting parties and facilitates opportunities for de-escalation. They may also be involved in the discipline, termination, or transfer of employees to different departments to help make the workplace a safe and productive place to work.
How to Become a Human Resource Manager
With all the responsibilities an HR manager has, it takes a lot of education and experience to get to that point.
Not everyone’s career path is linear, but here are some common stepping stones for HR managers:
- Bachelor’s Degree: The typical career path for HR managers starts with a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field, such as management.
- HR Generalist: This entry-level job is often the first stop for future HR managers, and allows them to get experience with all aspects of human resources. HR generalists usually assist senior-level HR professionals based on what their company’s needs are at the time.
- Continued Education: Continued education is essential if you want to continue on your career path. If your goal is to become an HR manager, we suggest courses and certifications such as your PHR (Professional in Human Resources), or your SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources), which is often required for HR management positions. Getting a master’s degree is also highly valued, and sometimes required, for certain positions.
- HR Specialist: Sometimes, in between an HR generalist and a manager, you may become an HR specialist where you specialize in a certain part of human resources. An HR specialist handles day to day tasks of other HR professionals and can give them experience in a leadership role.
- HR Manager: After your continued education and some years of experience, you are finally ready to apply to be an HR manager.
Becoming an HR Manager Through HREN
Continuing your education will be an essential part of your successful career path for HR managers. Not only should you search out new certifications, but keep up on being recertified. However, doing this while continuing to be a hardworking employee can be a difficult balance.
HREN allows you to study to be certified and recertified all at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. With stress-free studying and easily accessible courses, continuing on your HR career path has never been easier.
