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Human resource managers and directors plan, organise and direct the personnel, training and industrial relations policies of organisations, advise on resource allocation and utilisation problems, measure the effectiveness of an organisation’s systems, methods and procedures and advise on, plan and implement procedures to improve utilisation of labour, equipment and materials.

Main tasks

  • Stays abreast of relevant legislation, considers its impact on the organisation’s HR strategy and recommends appropriate action.
  • Considers alternative work procedures to improve productivity.
  • Examines and reports on company and departmental structures, chains of command, information flows, etc. and evaluates efficiency of existing operations.
  • Develops and administers salary, health and safety and promotion policies.
  • Undertakes industrial relations negotiations with employees’ representatives or trades unions.
  • Provides or arranges for provision of training courses.
  • Oversees the monitoring of employee performance and career development needs.
  • Oversees the preparation of job descriptions, drafts advertisements and interviews candidates.
  • Determines staffing needs.

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Salary and earnings

Potential earnings

£81,166.83

Average earnings

£43,975.00

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Skills & knowledge

The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Personnel and Human Resources

Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labour relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Administration and Management

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Clerical

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

What course level do I need to study?

The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.

Educational requirements: Honours, Bachelor's degree

Source: Office for National Statistics.

Level of study Percentage achieved
Level 0 1%
Level 1 2%
Level 2 6%
Level 3 14%
Level 4-5 (Higher Education) 8%
Level 6 (Bachelors) 43%
Level 7 (Masters or equivalent) 25%
Level 8 (Doctorate) 1%

Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.