What does an HR Manager do?

An HR Manager oversees the people function, from hiring and onboarding to employee relations, policy, and compliance. They coach managers, resolve workplace issues, and run processes like performance reviews. The role balances supporting employees with meeting the needs of the business.

What are the main responsibilities of an HR Manager?

The core duties are managing the employee lifecycle, advising managers, and keeping the company compliant with employment law. HR Managers also own policies, performance cycles, and benefits, and partner with leadership on workforce planning. Reporting on people metrics guides decisions.

What skills does an HR Manager need?

They need strong employee relations and conflict-resolution skills, plus solid knowledge of employment law and compliance. Comfort with an HRIS and performance management processes is essential. Discretion, empathy, and sound judgment underpin everything they do.

What should an HR Manager job description include?

A good job description opens with a one-line definition and a short brief, then lists the key responsibilities, the full duties, and the required experience and certifications. Noting company size, the HRIS you use, and whether the role manages a team helps candidates gauge fit.

Who does an HR Manager work with?

HR Managers work with employees at every level, coach people managers, and partner closely with leadership on strategy. They also coordinate with recruiting, payroll, finance, and sometimes external legal counsel on compliance matters.

HR & People

HR Manager Job Description

HR Generalist Recruiter Talent Acquisition Specialist HR Business Partner HR Coordinator HR Executive HR Director People Operations Manager Learning & Development Manager Compensation & Benefits Manager Payroll Specialist CHRO

About the role

We are hiring an HR Manager to lead our people function and make this a place employees want to stay. You will own the full employee lifecycle, from onboarding through development and offboarding, while keeping us compliant and our managers well supported. This role suits a pragmatic HR leader who balances employee advocacy with business needs and can build process where little exists.

Key responsibilities

Oversee the full employee lifecycle and HR operations
Advise managers on employee relations and performance
Ensure HR policy and legal compliance across the company

Responsibilities

Manage the employee lifecycle from onboarding to offboarding
Advise and coach managers on performance, conflict, and difficult conversations
Handle employee relations cases and workplace investigations fairly and confidentially
Develop, update, and enforce HR policies and the employee handbook
Ensure compliance with employment law and keep accurate records in the HRIS
Run the performance review and goal-setting cycles company-wide
Partner with leadership on workforce planning and headcount
Oversee compensation bands, benefits administration, and leave management
Design and deliver initiatives that improve engagement and retention
Report on people metrics such as turnover, headcount, and time to hire

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in human resources, business, psychology, or a related field
5 or more years in HR with at least 2 in a supervisory or manager role
Solid working knowledge of employment law and HR compliance
Proven experience handling employee relations and performance issues
HR certification such as SHRM-CP, PHR, or CIPD is preferred

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