Human Resource Manager Career

Managers in Human Resources handle a multitude of tasks.  In large companies, managers primarily focus on one area, but may handle several or all areas of Human Resource Management in a smaller facility.  HR Managers may specialize in Employment and Placing, Employee Benefits, Employee Assistance Plans, Training and Development, and Labor Relations.   Employment and Placing Managers oversee all aspects of finding, screening, interviewing, and placing candidates.  They may extend job offers or be responsible for terminations.  Employee Benefits Managers are usually responsible for keeping up with State and Federal regulations surrounding health insurance and pension plans.  They focus on costs and coverage to keep the company prosperous and to ensure adequate employee status.  They must be knowledgeable of current plans that are available to ensure they meet company regulations.  Employee Assistance Plan Managers, or Welfare Managers, are responsible for regulating and implementing occupational safety and health standards, health and physical fitness, medical examinations, first aid, plant security, counseling, and many other services.  These duties may be divided into separate departments, but Welfare Managers are concerned with employee safety while on and off the premises.   Training and Development Managers coordinate and administer programs, learned through classes or onsite training, that develop skills, increase quality and productivity, and amplify individual or organizational performance.  Labor Relations Managers focus on establishing an agreement between employees and management.  They research and collect desired information for negotiating contracts in an attempt to avoid strikes or expensive litigation.  They have a great deal of contact with employees, unions, firms, and government agencies.

Most HR managers work in clean, safe, and comfortable offices, but may need to travel extensively, depending upon their particular position and responsibilities.  Work weeks are generally standard 35-40 hours, but those involved in Labor Relations may work longer hours during negotiations in order to prepare or present contracts.  Good communication and people skills are required in all fields due to the amount of interaction between employees and the public.  Candidates must make continual efforts to keep up with ever changing regulations. 

Training for these careers usually requires formal education combined with years of on-the-job experience.  Degrees range from Associates to Masters, with Bachelors being the most common.  Candidates may study areas such as Human Resources, Personnel, or Compensation and Benefits and for those interested in Labor Relations, a background in law is helpful.  Most careers require a Bachelors degree and a minimum of seven years of experience in the field, but some general and top management careers mandate a Masters. 

Demand for these occupations is expected to grow faster than average.  As State and Federal employment regulations increase, employers look for candidates knowledgeable in these regulations.  Technological advances have increased the efficiency of these candidates, but no adverse effects have been seen as of yet.  For more information on a career in HR Management, please visit the following sites:

• HR Manager Seminars
• Human Resource Management Solutions
• Human Resource Management Major
• Human Resources Software
• Future Strategies for Human Resource Managers

For a list of available Human Resource Manager positions as well as a database of HR Managers searching for a career, please visit iHireHR.