Human Resources/Personnel Manager

There are a wide variety of specialist fields covered by the Human Resources / Personnel Manager function and, although it is possible to offer a generalist service, many people prefer instead to focus on one of the following areas:

Recruitment & Selection
Training & Development
Employee Relations
Compensation & Benefits

The role of an HR / Personnel Manager

The ultimate responsibility of an HR or Personnel Manager is to ensure that the company operates in compliance with relevant legislation and to develop personnel policies and strategies to facilitate the achievement of business objectives. They will manage the recruitment and selection of staff according to the requirements of the business and will provide the necessary training to ensure that high levels of skills and knowledge are maintained. Some HR professionals will become involved in grievance or disciplinary proceedings and may also be required to manage redundancy programmes.

Entry requirements

This is a particularly competitive industry sector and school leavers are only likely to be able to enter at a very junior or trainee level. Many organisations require HND or degree level qualifications, professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and evidence of experience in administrative or business environments.

Available qualifications

There are a number of degree subjects considered relevant to a career in HR/Personnel and these include Human Resources Management, Business Management and Law. Professional qualifications are available through the CIPD and include the Certificate in Personnel Practice (CPP), Certificate in Training Practice (CTP), Certificate in Recruitment & Selection (CRS) and Certificate in Employment Law & Practice (CELAP). The Professional Development Scheme (PDS) is a postgraduate level qualification which is considered a requirement for middle or senior management positions. It is also possible to achieve membership of the CIPD once the required skills, qualifications and experience have been achieved.

Skills requirements

Common skills required for a career in HR/Personnel include:

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly the ability to interact with staff and managers at all levels
The ability to reassure people and put them at ease
Professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive information
The ability to remain calm when under pressure
A knowledge of employment legislation

Future opportunities

Most organisations, whether in the public or private sector, have an HR or Personnel department so there is the prospect of working in a variety of industry sectors, with progression opportunities up to management and senior management level. The role can be highly rewarding as it is possible to make a direct personal contribution to the achievement of business objectives and the development of key personnel at all levels.

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