HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

PRESENTATION

Reporting directly to general management, the Human Resources Manager’s main task is to oversee all human relations within the company. Also referred to as an HR manager or HRD, this professional oversees social relations within the company they work for.
WHAT IS A HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER? 

The Human Resources Manager, also known as the Human Resources Director or Personnel Manager, plays a key role in the company’s operating strategy. Indeed, it’s the manager’s demanding responsibility to recruit the personnel who will be able to meet the company’s requirements and the objectives set by management. To assist them, the human resources manager can count on the recruitment officers who help them select the candidates likely to bring added value to the company and manage the personnel.

In addition to their responsibilities related to staff recruitment, the HR manager must be in constant contact with the general management in order to stay informed of the objectives in terms of revenue growth, for example. The company’s expectations and needs are at the heart of the HR manager’s responsibilities.

The HR manager is also an expert in labor law, as they must ensure that all operations are carried out in compliance with regulations. To do this, they verify the compliance of contracts and company practices.

The human resources manager must have a solid personality in order to successfully carry out their tasks. Indeed, they will need to be able to handle the daily workload as well as a busy schedule.

The human resources manager must also demonstrate diplomacy in all circumstances, as human relations are their main concern. Finally, discretion is one of the HR manager’s primary qualities, as they must absolutely preserve the company’s confidential information.

Holding a crucial position, the human resources manager may work in small, medium or large companies. This will depend on their professional experience, the way their career evolves, and their future projects.

WHAT DOES A HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER DO? 

The human resources manager’s tasks are technical, strategic and operational. First and foremost, the responsibilities of the HR manager cover all aspects of human relations within the company. Therefore, they have numerous and complex tasks to perform as they are in charge of supervising social relations, i.e. the dialogue with social partners such as unions, works councils, employee representatives, as well as with the administration and personnel.

In addition to this, they are responsible for the internal communication of the company in which they work, handle recruitments, and draft contracts.

Reporting directly to the general manager, it is the HR manager who proposes a human resources management policy and defines its methods of implementation. They must also propose a policy regarding pay and organize the career management of the company’s employees, their professional development, and their progression within the hierarchy. Similarly, they are responsible for ensuring the administrative follow-up of the staff. This means that they take care of contracts, pay slips, vacation requests, sick leave, and even their training. In short, they take care of the employees, from the time of hiring until the end of their contract.

Finally, the HR manager must know how to lead and facilitate internal meetings, as well as manage any individual and collective conflicts that may arise within the company. It should be noted that all of these tasks are variable depending on the companies and the size of their workforce. However, regardless of the size, the HR manager remains involved in the company’s performance and the well-being of employees through the command of very specific skills.

WHAT QUALITIES AND SKILLS ARE REQUIRED FOR A HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER?

The job of a human resources manager is far from being an easy profession to enter. Indeed, not everyone has all the qualities and skills required to perform well in this field. Here are a few that are essential to the performance of all the HR manager’s functions:

• authority
• listening skills
• ensure daily reporting
• a good business culture
• strong managerial skills
• an aptitude for strategy and policy-making
• a sense of dialogue and conciliation
• availability
• be a driving force
• be an excellent negotiator
• be versatile and operational
• be able to manage a strategy
• be able to identify strategic priorities
• be diplomatic
• master IT tools
• proficiency in one or more foreign languages
• know how to manage and motivate a team

WHAT ARE THE CAREER PROSPECTS AND SALARY OF A HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER?

The pay of a Human Resources Manager is quite high, and can vary according to the number of years of experience. Typically, the salary of an HR manager can range from €80,000 to €150,000 gross per year. On the other hand, the HR manager may be awarded bonuses or other benefits for the duration of their contract.

As far as career development is concerned, HR managers can broaden their role by taking on the administrative or financial side of the business, or even move into general management. Others opt for a career as a consultant in a human resources consultancy.

HOW DO YOU BECOME A HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER?

To become a human resources manager, you must have a baccalaureate or equivalent. To qualify for the position of Human Resources Manager, it is essential to have completed a 5-year degree in one of the key areas of the job, i.e. human resources, labor law, social sciences or political science. These courses are generally offered by business or management schools such as the CMH.

At the CMH, students aiming for the position of HR manager can opt for courses such as masters and MBAs, the Grande École Program or the International Grande École Program. All CMH diplomas are recognized by the French State.

Positions for human resources managers are few and far between, and highly selective.. You’ll need to focus on your skills and training to stand out from the crowd.

The HR manager is a real pillar of a company, and their role is crucial! The studies are long and intensive, but human resources professions are accessible to all those who show determination and perseverance!