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Human resources managers play a vital role in any organization. Someone in this position generally is tasked with overseeing the administrative and organizational functions of the company they serve, including employee recruitment, learning, and development, as well as workplace policies and processes. Human resources managers play a significant role in creating a company’s culture. With so much influence and responsibility, a human resources manager is a great career option for anyone who wishes to make a change within an organization. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a private, Lasallian Catholic university offering in-person and online programs to adult learners. Our students have access to a full catalog of academic programs designed to help them pursue careers that align with their passions, including human resources management.

The B.S. in Human Resource Management degree completion program provides students with an in-depth look into this profession and educates them on the important business topics and skills required for the role. Discover more about what it entails to be a human resources manager and why Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is a great place to get started.

Responsibilities of a Human Resources Manager

Setting the tone for the entire human resource department, human resources managers are responsible for a wide range of important tasks. The specific duties of a human resources manager largely depend on the size of the organization and the specific industry. Common duties human resources managers perform include:

  • Managing all aspects of the hiring process, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding
  • Monitoring job descriptions to ensure they are up-to-date and compliant with all local, state, and federal regulations
  • Creating training guides and materials to help employees get a better grasp on their responsibilities and company expectations
  • Investigating conflicts and bringing them to resolution
  • Enforcing company HR policies
  • Conducting performance reviews
  • Providing guidance and support to other members of the HR team
  • Working closely with management teams to communicate business initiatives and HR goals
  • Analyzing trends in compensation and benefits
  • Providing feedback to employees regarding performance
  • Designing and implementing employee retention strategies
  • Developing compensation strategies based on market research

Skills Required for the Role

To successfully perform the duties asked of them, human resources managers must possess an array of skills. These proficiencies include soft, transferable skills and hard skills.

Communication Skills

One of the most important skills for any position and in any industry is the ability to effectively communicate. However, communication becomes much more important for a human resources manager.

Much of the role of a human resources manager involves interacting with employees at every level of the organization. Human resources managers must know how to communicate in a clear, precise, and professional manner. Additionally, human resources managers must be good listeners. Active listening skills help human resource professionals gather information about each party’s needs to create a more effective workplace.

Strategic Thinking and Planning

While people and communication skills are important in the human resources field, the ability to think strategically is equally vital. Human resources managers must be able to strategize to effectively shape and help lead their organizations. This requires a keen understanding of the strategic needs of the organization, at all levels and in all departments. Human resources managers must have the skills to find and retain people who meet those needs.

Organizational Skills

The role of human resources manager involves a fair share of responsibilities. In many cases, these duties require simultaneous attention. Human resources managers must be able to successfully juggle the demands of the profession without falling behind. This requires superior organizational skills.

Other skills needed for the role include:

  • Administrative expertise
  • Technical skills
  • Leadership skills
  • Teamwork
  • Effective coaching
  • Analysis skills
  • Cultural awareness

Job Outlook and Compensation

As organizations implement new technologies and benefits programs to improve employee experiences, the need for qualified human resources managers continues to rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of human resources managers to grow 5% through 2032, faster than the projected average increase for all occupations.

In addition to a positive job outlook, another advantage of being a human resources manager is compensation. BLS reports the median annual wage for human resources managers was $130,000 in May 2022, more than double the average annual salary for all occupations.

Begin Your Journey to Becoming a Human Resources Manager

The online bachelor’s degree in human resource management offered at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota prepares aspiring human resources managers and equips them with the tools they need to become successful business leaders.

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota makes it easy for working students to further their education on their own time by offering online programs. To pursue a B.S. in Human Resource Management, you can request more information today. You also can apply online.