How to become a human resources manager

By: Jhoni Jackson, Edited by: Marie Custodio Collazo

Published: June 4, 2025

What is a human resources manager?

Human resources (HR) managers are responsible for recruiting employees, providing training and development opportunities, coordinating compensation and benefits, and performing other administrative duties that directly affect employees.

While some HR managers hold hybrid roles, most work from a company's office. As managers — sometimes called directors — they're at the helm of all things HR, often leading a team of employees within a human resources department.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for human resources managers was $140,030 in 2024.

What does a human resources manager do?

The role of a human resources manager is to support employees with achieving the company's goals.

Responsibilities may vary depending on the size and nature of the company, though typically human resources managers oversee:

• Hiring: Human resources managers create job descriptions, post job openings, interview candidates, and hire employees.
• Onboarding: These professionals work with new hires throughout the onboarding process, which can include gathering personal information, reviewing and signing company documents, and providing training around company systems, policies, and programs.
• Termination: HR professionals and managers handle employee dismissals to ensure the process follows company protocol.
• Staffing issues: Human resources managers are the point of contact for employees who have questions, complaints, or other issues related to the company. They may serve as mediators as well as disciplinarians.
• Performance evaluation: While reviews are often conducted by an employee's direct supervisors, human resources managers are also involved in setting standards and evaluating performance.
• Benefits programs: The human resources manager coordinates and ensures employees are familiar with all company benefits, such as health insurance and 401(k) plans.
• Employee education: The HR department handles employee upskilling, reskilling, and other continuing education opportunities.

Some HR managers work alone, while others lead a team of employees. Some human resources departments have several managers, each of whom specializes in a certain area, such as compensation and benefits or employee recruitment.

Human resources managers may also work directly with company leaders to shape company HR policies. They often provide advice or strategy on talent management, employee safety, and other staffing concerns.

Which skills should human resources managers have?

Human resources management requires technical skills, such as understanding hiring processes and compensation management, as well as soft skills, such as organization and problem-solving. Additionally, HR professionals are also skilled in:

• Human resource strategy
• Compliance and risk management
• Communication (written and verbal)
• Active listening
• Industry technologies
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Teamwork
• Mentorship
• Negotiation
• Conflict resolution
• Confidentiality
• Project management
• Leadership
• Reporting and record-keeping
• Data analysis

Steps to become a human resources manager