Totaljobs.com > Career Advice > Careers in... > Careers in HR > HR Director job description
Job decription: HR Director
As HR or human resources director, you must find departmental solutions for problem areas such as staffing and health and safety needs. You must coordinate the other members of your team to ensure a uniform front.
You'll need an excellent understanding of how your organisation operates, its business requirements and commercial objectives. You'll work very closely with other departments, and provide an information resource for both employees and senior management.
In addition to the above, you'll assume overall responsibility for all HR functions such as employment law, working conditions, disciplinary and grievance procedures, equal opportunities, redundancies, paternity pay and maternity rights, recruitment, training and development , salary reviews, staff welfare, counselling facilities and sports and social activities.
You may also work closely with company lawyers and trade unions, as well as other directors and board members.
Hours and Environment
Basically, you'll work between 37 and 40 hours a week, from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. However, you may often need to work extra hours.
Your role will be mainly office based, although you will also travel to visit other business sites or to attend meetings and conferences.
Skills and Interests
A human resources director should have:
- Outstanding commercial and strategic business insight
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Diplomatic and negotiaton skills
- Tact, and the ability to deal with difficult situations
- Numerical and budgeting skills
- Knowledge of UK employment legislation.
- A keen interest in the role of HR, career development and training within the workplace.
Entry
Promotion to director will normally be from manager.
Relevant commercial experience, for example in management or law, is an advantage.
Training
CIPD qualifications are essential. They offer various courses and qualifications through full-time study, part-time study, or flexible learning.
The CIPD's Professional Development Scheme (PDS) covers leadership and management, people management and development, generalist and specialist personnel and development, and applied personnel and development.
There are various certificates available, including:
- Certificate in Business Awareness and Advanced Professional Study (CBAAPS)
- Certificate in Personnel Practice (CPP)
- Certificate in Training Practice (CTP)
- Certificate in Recruitment and Selection (CRS)
- Certificate in Employment Relations Law and Practice (CERLAP)
- Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring (CCM).
Opportunities
The majority of commercial and public sector organisations have a human resources function. Potential employers include manufacturers, retailers, banks, consultancies, local and national government. Opportunities exist throughout the UK.
Career progression is structured, and there are plenty of opportunities to gain experience or specialise in other areas of human resources.
For senior posts, employers expect candidates to have relevant CIPD qualifications.
You may move between employers to progress, or switch into another sector, such as training or marketing.
You also have the opportunity to become self-employed and offer a consultancy service. You can work abroad as well.
Annual Income
These figures are a guide only.
- Directors may earn over £50,000 a year
Jobs in HR
Other Careers in HR
