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Human resources manager

Alternative titles for this job include HR manager, personnel manager, HR director

Human resources (HR) managers develop, deliver and manage HR policies and plans.

Average salary (a year)

£35,000 Starter

to

£150,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become a human resources manager

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

You'll need a a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree course in:

  • human resources management
  • business management and human resources
  • psychology
  • business with languages

You could also do a postgraduate course in human resource management if you have a first degree.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

More information

College

You could do a college course like:

  • Level 5 Diploma in Business Management and Human Resources
  • Level 5 Diploma In Applied Human Resources
  • Level 5 Diploma In Human Resource Management

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More information

Apprenticeship

You can get into this role through a HR consultant or partner higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

More information

Work

You could start as an assistant in a human resources department and work your way up through training and promotion.

Other routes

You can do professional qualifications in human resources, either online or at a training centre, approved by The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Some companies also have general management or human resources graduate training schemes.

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You can join The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You'll find more advice about careers in HR through The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • knowledge of human resources and employment law
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • leadership skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • business management skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to motivate and manage staff
  • you will be expected to use a computer confidently as part of this job.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

  • leading an organisation’s HR team
  • supporting managers in getting the best out of their staff
  • planning staff policies
  • designing and advising on company benefits packages
  • training and developing staff
  • handling complicated HR issues
  • working to improve employee relations
  • managing budgets

Working environment

You could work in an office or from home.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could set up your own consultancy offering recruitment services, training, or advice on HR strategy and policy planning.

Training opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Level 5 HR Consultant/Partner Apprenticeship Programme

  • Wage : £17,000.00 Annually
  • Location: KT1 2BA

HR Recruitment Apprentice (an Arch apprenticeship)

  • Wage : £20,150.00 Annually
  • Location: Leeds LS1 6AE
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

HR Principles for Non-HR Managers

  • Provider: GUILDFORD COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
  • Start date: 05 February 2020
  • Location: Guildford

HR Administrator Diploma

  • Provider: Pitman Training London
  • Start date: 01 October 2019
  • Location: LONDON
Find courses near you

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