what is an HR manager?
Human resource managers contribute to the success of a business by handling issues related to employees and maximising their value in a company. In your HR manager role, you recruit new employees and manage them to ensure they become valuable assets to your employer. Aside from performance management, you also handle promotions and the learning and development of all staff in the company.
To do an excellent job, you should focus on individual employee needs and the work environment. For instance, ensuring workers have a conducive work environment to boost productivity is vital. Aside from supporting the company's staff, your role entails dealing with uncomfortable aspects of employment. You will handle human resource violations, laying off workers and disciplining employees.
Your specific responsibility varies depending on the size of the company. Small businesses usually have one HR manager to cover all the roles, while in a large company, you are likely to handle one aspect of employee management. For instance, your focus could be managing employees from a specific department or handling aspects of human resource management like employee relations.
average salary of an HR manager
The average salary for HR managers is $120,000 per year. However, your salary and benefits vary based on the company's size, industry and experience. Your average salary increases as you improve your expertise and provide specialised services. The types of benefits also affect your remuneration package. For instance, some employers provide healthcare coverage, car allowance and bonuses, while others only offer a basic salary.
what factors affect your salary as an HR manager?
As an HR manager, your salary is based on your experience and qualifications. Entry-level positions pay less, but you will gain invaluable experience that builds your career. With expert knowledge and specialised skills, your remuneration package reflects your qualification levels. It is crucial to grow your skills gradually to scale the heights in human resources and increase your salary.
types of HR managers
In a small business, you will handle all HR tasks alone, but in large companies, an HR manager focuses on one of the following areas:
- employee relations hr manager: the responsibility of a labour relations HR manager is to oversee employment policies and ensure the company complies with the legislation in union and non-union settings. You will coordinate grievances and handle labour complaints affecting the organisation. Labour relations also involve negotiating labour contracts, including wages and benefits.
- job placement specialist: when you are in charge of job placements in the human resource department, your job is to match skills with job roles. The process starts with recruiting and selecting the best candidates for a position. You use performance management details during promotions to promote employees according to their expertise.
- remuneration and benefits hr manager: as a remuneration HR manager, you ensure employees are reimbursed for their services. You also ensure your employer keeps up with workers' health insurance payments and the vital benefits required by the law.
working as an HR manager
To become a successful HR manager, it is crucial to have a knack for recognising talent and expertise in organising personnel in a company. Some of the responsibilities and your daily tasks as an HR manager are explained below.
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duties and responsibilities
As an HR manager, your responsibility revolves around the human capital in your company. You match the company's workers to various tasks based on their skills and competency. The primary responsibilities of an HR manager include the following:
- recruiting and selecting new employees: as an HR manager, you are responsible for staffing. That means you identify a company's recruitment needs and assist with the search and selection of executive staff. You direct the recruitment process and delegate search and selection tasks. You also negotiate the contract terms, including determining the remuneration.
- administrative tasks: as an HR manager, you are responsible for human resource administrative tasks. For instance, you delegate payroll tasks and develop compensation policies and performance appraisals. You recommend the HR software and tools to use in the company and assist with communication between managers and employees.
- implementing learning and development: as an HR manager, you are in charge of implementing personal development plans to enhance the company's human resources skills. You establish monitoring and evaluation tools for performance appraisal. You also identify gaps in the company and recommend learning and development.
- developing hr policies: as an HR manager, you develop an HR policy that reflects the company’s vision and values. You also improve the company’s brand to ensure the employer is attractive to potential employees.
HR managers and technology
Nowadays, HR managers perform minimal administrative tasks due to the human resource software and technologies available. For instance, payroll processing is now automated, and HR managers can keep all records in one system and perform all functions. Scheduling software has also automated employee scheduling, while performance management software streamlines performance appraisals and employee monitoring.
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work environment
As a human resource manager, you have various employers to choose from. You can work in government offices, recruiting and managing employees for government institutions. HR manager opportunities are available in professional, scientific and technical consultancy firms. Most manufacturing and mining companies also need HR managers to handle labour relations and work safety issues.
Regardless of your industry, most of your roles are office-based, with minimal off-site duties like conferences and learning workshops. You can work from home or complete all your tasks remotely as an HR manager. Remote working is possible with the increased adoption of human resource management technologies.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include HR business partners, talent acquisition professionals and learning and development specialists. You might also be working in close proximity to workplace health and safety professionals and employee engagement specialists, as well as other professionals that could include, but not be limited to, remuneration and benefits specialists, finance professionals and legal teams.
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work schedule
As an HR manager, your typical workday runs from 9 am to 5 pm with few overtime hours. If you have deadlines or some work to catch up on, you can extend your workday to include evenings and weekends. During company events, you attend events at night. Most HR manager positions are full-time, but getting a part-time job or a remote working opportunity is possible. Your job also involves travelling when organising learning and development workshops or attending conferences. Interstate travel is common, but overseas travel is minimal unless you work for a multinational company.
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job outlook
Human resource managers have a significant influence at the leadership table due to their crucial contribution to achieving business goals. As an HR manager, you have a promising career path in higher managerial positions if you gain the skills and expertise needed. From an HR manager position, you can become the HR director supervising the implementation of human resource policies. You can also become the chief human resource officer in an organisation and work alongside top-level executives in developing human resources plans that affect the company. An HR manager role also allows you to specialise and become a consultant in labour relations, payroll, recruitment and diversity and inclusion.
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advantages of finding an HR manager job through randstad
Finding your HR manager job through Randstad provides important advantages such as the following:
- a wide variety of learning and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an HR manager is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
In Australia, having a bachelor’s degree is not mandatory for HR managers. However, you need at least a diploma-level qualification to tackle the complexity of the role. Other educational qualifications include:
- bachelor's and master's degrees: the first step in your journey to becoming an HR manager is getting a degree in business and HR management or psychology. Once you complete your undergraduate, you can look for an entry-level position in human resources to improve your skills and experience. A postgraduate degree will also propel you to a managerial position faster.
- certifications: the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) certifies all HR professionals in Australia. AHRI offers entry-level to senior-level professionals training and awards them certifications for the specialist skills attained during the training.
skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of an HR manager include:
- organisation skills: as an HR manager, you require an orderly approach to human resource functions and processes. You require organisational skills to prioritise tasks and ensure all the HR processes are accomplished. Strong time management skills also help you improve your HR efficiency.
- critical thinking skills: as an HR manager, you require critical thinking skills to make crucial HR decisions. For instance, thinking critically is important when negotiating salaries or handling grievance procedures. Your critical thinking skills help you analyse situations critically before making decisions.
- communication skills: you need excellent communication skills since you link the company with the best talents in the industry. Your communication ability will help you provide clear instructions to employees and report the progress in your department to stakeholders. Knowledge of various modes of communication is crucial to your success and promotes transparency.
- administrative expertise: since your role involves scheduling and filing, administrative skills will help you manage your tasks efficiently. Organising your tasks helps avoid missing deadlines or forgetting important details.
FAQs about working as an HR manager
Here are the most asked questions about working as an HR manager:
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what is the role of an HR manager?
The primary function of an HR manager is to lead and direct employees in an organisation. They also care for personnel welfare, from salaries and benefits to learning and development. As an HR manager, you report to the senior management team on human resource issues.
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what are the 7 functions of HR managers?
HR manager roles include recruitment and selection, performance management, learning & development, employee & industrial relations and remuneration & benefits administration. HR managers also work closely with finance and legal teams to handle payroll and ensure compliance with employment laws.
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who is a good HR manager?
A good HR manager has exceptional communication skills and is a quick decision-maker. It is vital to relay information clearly to other employees. You also make key decisions on human resource issues like recruitment and selection or employee relations. You need problem-solving skills and proactiveness to excel in the role.
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what qualifications are necessary for an HR manager?
You need at least a diploma in human resource courses to qualify for the role, but a bachelor’s degree improves your competitiveness. A certification from AHRI is also an added advantage. Aside from educational qualifications, you require a few years of experience in entry-level and mid-management roles.
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what can HR managers do for employees?
An HR manager takes care of employees' welfare and ensures they have the resources to succeed. They also handle disputes and resolve workplace conflicts. As an HR manager, you are responsible for workplace safety and ensuring a conducive work environment.
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how do I apply for an HR manager vacancy?
Applying for an HR manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.