What does a head of human resources do?
Head of human resources leads human resource projects, such as compensation plans revisions. They implement functional internal databases and HRMS across each department and location.
Head of human resources responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real head of human resources resumes:
- Manage FMLA, general leaves of absence, and workers compensation programs.
- Manage recruitment for personnel and initial phone screening with the use of Taleo and Visio.
- Manage and publish several cost-savings models for Sr. level management.
- Ensure compliance with ISO policies and procedures and perform audits.
- Top responsible for benefits administration, recruiting, associate relations, FMLA administration.
- Direct all HRIS transactions, including payroll for employees and freelance staff; recurring payroll tax and other filings.
- Distribute changes to policies and procedures to staff through cost-effective online trainings, PowerPoint presentations, and safety videos.
- Involve in handling promotions, transfers, annual salary revisions and ensure the documentation in accordance with ISO standard.
- Provide information and reports on data such as staff turnover, cost per hire, ROI for recruitment investments through HRIS.
- Comply and analyze data from monthly reports to prepare PowerPoint presentations for executive management team.
- Extract pertinent medical information for the construction of medical summary letters for Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance.
- Resolve appeals via peer to peer discussions with medical directors of commercial insurance companies and Medicare authorize RAC medical directors.
- Provide oversight to government/regulatory requirements.
- Reduce potential FLSA violations by performing an internal audit of exempt/non-exempt classifications
- Conduct position analysis to create accurate job descriptions in accordance with appropriate FLSA regulation classifications.
Head of human resources skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Heads Of Human Resources are proficient in EEO, Excellent Interpersonal, and HRIS. They’re also known for soft skills such as Interpersonal skills, Leadership skills, and Organizational skills.
We break down the percentage of Heads Of Human Resources that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- EEO, 8%
Implement EEO Regulation with US countries umder my scope of responsibilities.
- Excellent Interpersonal, 7%
Recognized for excellent interpersonal skills, a professional attitude, and firm personality to manage projects independently.
- HRIS, 6%
Provided information and reports on data such as staff turnover, cost per hire, ROI for recruitment investments through HRIS.
- Employee Engagement, 6%
Conducted in-depth analysis of current rewards structure, developed recommendations for changes/enhancements resulting in higher employee engagement and improved business results.
- Succession Planning, 5%
Delivered world class training and coaching for leadership development and succession planning through leadership development programs - Accelerated Leadership Development Program.
- Strategic Plan, 4%
Maximized productivity organization-wide by providing direction and full HR leadership including strategic planning and tactical administrative support.
"eeo," "excellent interpersonal," and "hris" are among the most common skills that heads of human resources use at work. You can find even more head of human resources responsibilities below, including:
Interpersonal skills. One of the key soft skills for a head of human resources to have is interpersonal skills. You can see how this relates to what heads of human resources do because "human resources managers regularly interact with people, such as to collaborate on teams, and must develop working relationships with their colleagues." Additionally, a head of human resources resume shows how heads of human resources use interpersonal skills: "work as a team member in an environment that promotes quick thinking, and excellent interpersonal skills. "
Leadership skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling head of human resources duties is leadership skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "human resources managers must coordinate work activities and ensure that staff complete the duties and responsibilities of their department." According to a head of human resources resume, here's how heads of human resources can utilize leadership skills in their job responsibilities: "established a streamlined employee performance appraisal process creating a flexible tool that was widely accepted by the leadership team. "
Organizational skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of heads of human resources is organizational skills. This skill is critical to many everyday head of human resources duties, as "human resources managers must be able to prioritize tasks and manage several projects at once." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "improved the performance and design of hris organizational structure and key fields. "
The three companies that hire the most head of human resourcess are:
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Compare different heads of human resources
Head of human resources vs. Employee relations manager
An employee relations manager's responsibilities revolve around maintaining a strong professional relationship between employees and a company's management. They are also in charge of resolving conflicts and issues within the workplace, providing technical support on all employee programs, developing orientation and workshop activities among trainees and new members of the workforce, and addressing their concerns promptly and professionally. Furthermore, there are instances when an employee relations manager must conduct investigations, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a head of human resources are more likely to require skills like "eeo," "excellent interpersonal," "strategic plan," and "payroll system." On the other hand, a job as an employee relations manager requires skills like "employment law," "corrective action," "ethics," and "payroll." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Employee relations managers really shine in the retail industry with an average salary of $87,349. Comparatively, heads of human resources tend to make the most money in the finance industry with an average salary of $176,838.The education levels that employee relations managers earn slightly differ from heads of human resources. In particular, employee relations managers are 7.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a head of human resources. Additionally, they're 0.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Head of human resources vs. Resource manager
A resource manager's role is to provide the staffing needs of different projects, programs, and departments while coordinating with managers and supervisors. They are responsible for monitoring an employee's performance and payroll data, recommending available staff to join projects and programs, maintaining documentation and records of all transactions, and hire new staff as needed. Furthermore, as a manager, it is essential to lead and encourage the workforce to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that head of human resources responsibilities requires skills like "eeo," "excellent interpersonal," "hris," and "employee engagement." But a resource manager might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "customer service," "resource management," "project management," and "human resources."
Resource managers may earn a lower salary than heads of human resources, but resource managers earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $84,500. On the other hand, heads of human resources receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $176,838.resource managers earn lower levels of education than heads of human resources in general. They're 10.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Heads of human resources in the next 3-5 years?
Karen Sharp-Price
Instructor/Career Consultant, Daemen College
Just over the past year, video conferencing and video chat has become mainstream for most companies. Learning how to maneuver and use the many different forms of video conferencing has become an everyday occurrence now for companies. Companies that said they could never go fully remote have done so and found not only that it can be done but done well with all this technology. But in the near future, you will see many new features added to all of these mediums to enhance the experience for employees and companies to communicate with co-workers, near and far. This technology has been around for a long time but is not used to its fullest extent. Due to the pandemic, it is heavily used, and I don't see us reverting back to our old ways but only improving upon how to better utilize technology in our businesses going forward.
Head of human resources vs. Human resources administration manager
A human resources administration manager performs multiple roles, one of which is to maintain and review all human resources, administrative systems, and procedures. They give guidance on HR to the office. They also oversee the development and monitoring of processes that involve recruiting and retention of individuals, compensation, benefits, training, and employee development. They essentially take charge of administrative functions.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, heads of human resources are more likely to have skills like "excellent interpersonal," "employee engagement," "strategic plan," and "workforce planning." But a human resources administration manager is more likely to have skills like "process payroll," "financial statements," "human resource functions," and "workers compensation."
Human resources administration managers typically earn lower educational levels compared to heads of human resources. Specifically, they're 9.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 2.5% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Head of human resources vs. Human resources generalist/manager
A human resource (HR) generalist performs a variety of HR functions and duties. These include recruiting and interviewing job applicants, conducting background checks and verifying employee eligibility, and implementing new employee orientation and recognition programs. In addition, you will be responsible for administering and executing HR programs, including benefits, disputes and investigations, and compensation. As an HR generalist, you are expected to provide answers to inquiries from applicants, employees, and managers. You are also expected to maintain compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws.
Types of head of human resources
Updated January 8, 2025
