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Job description: HR manager

Published on: 29 Apr 2016

HR managers provide a comprehensive HR service which ensures that managers and employees are equipped with best practice to foster a high performance culture.

The HR manager can expect their role to be hands-on and will be required to assist with the management of the overall HR operations and the delivery of strategic objectives.

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Key duties

  • Manage complex employee relations casework including dispute resolutions, disciplinaries, grievances, absence, retirement and redundancy.
  • Apply HR and business knowledge evidencing appropriate decision making skills.
  • Advise managers on the terms and conditions of employment and knowledge share best practice with them.
  • Develop HR policy and procedures to drive performance and mitigate disputes.
  • Implement learning and development policy.
  • Provide first line advice on current and existing benefits for employees and managers.
  • Administer payroll and payroll records and keep accounts appraised of any changes.
  • Work with appropriate parties on reward strategy.
  • Provide advice on recruitment and selection strategies.
  • Support the recruitment process – this may include writing job descriptions and preparing interview questions and application forms etc.
  • Carry out new starter inductions.
  • Manage talent and succession planning.
  • Drive alignment between HR strategy and business goals.
  • Continuously monitor and review HR policies and processes and implement changes where necessary.
  • Participate in the implementation of specific projects, procedures and guidelines to help align the workforce with the strategic goals of the organisation.
  • Support change management processes.

Qualifications

Being educated to degree level is desirable. A CIPD qualification is also expected. Graduates with a level 7 qualification will be in highest demand. An MBA in human resource management is an alternative. Some employers will also welcome a BTEC HNC/HND in human resource management.

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Previous experience

  • Proven HR generalist experience of three to five years is expected.
  • Exceptional organisational and communication skills is required together with proven leadership capabilities and solid knowledge of employment legislation and its application.
  • HR managers should be proactive team players with strong customer service and problem solving skills.
  • Experienced in developing and supporting line managers through change.
  • An ability to maintain confidentiality and act with discretion and diplomacy is crucial.
  • Self-motivated and able to work under own autonomy or as part of a team.

Expected salary

£24,400 - £49,982 per annum.

The average pay for a human resources manager is around £34,000 per year. Salaries vary according to sector and company and can rise up to as much as £60,000 per year.

Hours

Typical working hours: 9.00am – 5.30pm.

Career steps

Your next steps may include:

  • HR Director
  • Head of HR

Transferring skills to an alternative career such as communication or marketing is a further option. Those who wish to become self-employed may consider becoming an HR consultant.

An HR manager’s perspective

"As HR manager for Land Rover BAR I have had to draw on my many years of experience within the field of human resources. Every day is different and every day presents new challenges and I thrive on this variety and pressure. My work involves all the HR functions and as the sole HR person in the team, I am responsible for running recruitment campaigns, sorting out legal queries, running induction sessions, drafting contracts of employment and answering many queries ranging from how to set up a UK bank account to how to enroll someone on an apprenticeship course.

“Whether I am dealing with members of staff, contractors, work experience students, apprentices or graduate interns, it is a privilege to be part of a professional sports team who all share a common goal – a desire to win the most prestigious of sailing trophies in the world."

Joanna Despard HR Manager, Land Rover BAR