Human Resources Manager

Human resources managers oversee the recruitment, development and welfare of company personnel. They contribute to the smooth running of a company and ensure good relationships between employees and management.

Managers are in charge of the department dealing with personnel. It may be more common to begin as a human resources office and work your way up through the department after gaining experience and responsibility.

Typical work activities

• Preparing job descriptions and advertising job vacancies through various media outlets
• Interviewing and selecting new recruits
• Responding to job applicants
• Planning future personnel needs for the company
• Referring employees to payroll
• Managing staffing needs
• Managing training of new and existing staff
• Planning staff rotas and shift patterns
• Disciplining staff
• Promoting health and safety and equality policy
• Mediating staff disputes
• Maintaining employee records
• Developing human resources policy and procedures
• Monitoring and ensuring staff welfare
• Following employment laws
• Advising staff on pay, benefits, promotion and other benefits

Qualifications

1. A good standard of education is required, for which a degree will put you ahead in some applications.
2. Lots of larger companies are now offering graduate training programmes.

Work experience

Experience of working in an office environment is important, with some managerial or leadership experience crucial for applications to a managerial role.

Experience in a human resources environment may also be necessary to gain knowledge of the relevant legislation and policy regarding employment.

More information

The prospects website has more information about this career path.

The Careers and Employability Service has more resources to assist you in your careers research.