What Is an HR Manager? How to Become One, Salary, Skills.

HR managers serve as a bridge between executives and employees, guiding HR policies and strategies. They assist HR teams in establishing development and training programs. Here’s what to know about an HR manager’s needed skills, salary and how to become one.

What Is an HR Manager?

HR managers are responsible for establishing and maintaining a company’s human resources policies, as well as coordinating communications between employees and executives.

What Do HR Managers Do?

HR managers plan and monitor recruiting, hiring, talent management, employee benefits, compliance rules and other aspects of the employee experience. 

HR Manager Responsibilities

• Recruit and conduct interviews for the HR team. 
• Help maintain human resources policies.
• Maintain compliance with HR laws. 
• Help manage performance reviews, training programs and employee benefits.
• Develop new initiatives for the organization focusing on DEI, wellness and more.
• Document HR practices and policies.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities of an HR Manager 

• Respond to employee questions and resolve issues. 
• Communicate necessary information across the organization.
• Monitor the progress of ongoing HR initiatives. 

HR Manager Within a Company

HR managers are a mid-level role within a company’s HR team. They typically report to the HR director or VP of people, depending on the structure of the company. 

Importance of HR Manager 

HR managers are a vital part of a company’s daily operations. As HR managers coordinate communications between employees and leadership and develop HR policies, they help maintain a healthy work environment and ensure company-wide goals are met. 

What Skills Are Needed to Be an HR Manager?

Qualifications to Be an HR Manager 

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively across several different departments. 
• A firm understanding of labor and employment law.
• Ability to empathize with the needs of people. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and ongoing initiatives simultaneously. 

HR Manager Prerequisites

• HR managers usually have a bachelor’s degree in people management, HR management or a related field, or equivalent work experience. 

HR Manager Hard Skills

• People management and leadership skills. 
• Budget management.
• Recruiting and interviewing skills.
• Ability to use HR software tools, such as employee engagement platforms and applicant tracking systems.

HR Manager Soft Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Interpersonal skills. 
• Organizational skills. 
• Problem solving and decision making skills.
• Crisis management. 

Tools and Programs HR Manager Use

• HR management platforms like BambooHR, Gusto, Paycom, Namely and Workday. 
• Employee engagement platforms like 15Five, BetterUp, Bonusly and Culture Amp.
• Hiring platforms like Notch, Entelo, Deel and Applied. 

How to Become an HR Manager

HR Manager Education and Experience

HR manager roles typically require a bachelor’s degree in HR management or equivalent experience. HR managers should also have previous experience on people management teams.

HR Manager Certificates and Courses

• Certified HR Manager (CHRM)
• SHRM-SCP Certification
• Professional in Human Resources
• HR Management and Analytics: Unlock the Value of Human Capital

HR Manager Career Path

HR managers often begin their careers as interns and progress into roles such as HR coordinator or HR assistant. Common titles held after an HR manager include senior HR manager or HR director. 

HR Manager Salary and Job Outlook

HR managers can expect steady growth over the next several years. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job growth rate will increase 7 percent by 2031. 

The full compensation package for an HR manager depends on a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidate’s experience and geographic location. See below for detailed information on the average HR manager’s salary.