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What is a senior human resources manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted expert
Tina Kowalski
introduction image

A senior human resources manager oversees the HR department of an organization. They recruite, hire, train, and retain employees. They also ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations and deals with employee issues. Senior HR managers develop and implement HR policies and procedures that align with the company's goals and objectives. They also manage compensation, performance, and employee relations. Overall, senior HR managers promote a company's success by supporting and managing employees.

What general advice would you give to a senior human resources manager?

Tina KowalskiTina Kowalski LinkedIn profile

Human resources manager, Kowalskis Markets

Keep ongoing. I find this field to be advantageous and satisfying. You have to enjoy interaction and people.
ScoreSenior Human Resources ManagerUS Average
Salary
7.7

Avg. Salary $102,806

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.6

Growth rate 7%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
2.8
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.40%

Asian 5.71%

Black or African American 7.65%

Hispanic or Latino 11.14%

Unknown 5.09%

White 70.01%

Gender

female 57.35%

male 42.65%

Age - 47
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 47
Stress level
8.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a senior human resources manager?

Pros

  • High salary and benefits

  • Opportunities for career advancement

  • Ability to implement policies and procedures that align with personal values

  • Involvement in strategic planning and business operations

  • The potential to work remotely or have flexible hours

Cons

  • Often the bearer of bad news (firings, layoffs, etc.)

  • High stress levels due to the nature of the job

  • Long hours and high workload

  • Dealing with unethical behavior or misconduct within the company

  • Dealing with sensitive HR issues can be emotionally taxing

Senior human resources manager career paths

Key steps to become a senior human resources manager

  1. Explore senior human resources manager education requirements

    Most common senior human resources manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    70.8 %

    Master's

    17.4 %

    Associate

    8.3 %
  2. Start to develop specific senior human resources manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Performance Management9.53%
    Employee Engagement6.41%
    SR5.40%
    HRIS4.89%
    Customer Service4.19%
  3. Research senior human resources manager duties and responsibilities

    • Spearhead HRIS initiatives; transition to new applicant tracking system and develop leads database that strengthen recruitment pipeline.
    • Administer employee action issues including disciplinary procedures, promotions, retention, code of conduct, FMLA policy and benefits information.
    • Prevent litigation by thoroughly investigating numerous harassment, discrimination, and other EEO cases.
    • Expand functionality to meet enhance reporting needs relate to payroll accruals and performance measurements.
  4. Get senior human resources manager experience

    Generally, it takes 4-6 years to become a senior human resources manager. The most common roles before becoming a senior human resources manager include human resources manager, director of human resources team lead and human resources generalist.
  5. Prepare your senior human resources manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior human resources manager resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior human resources manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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  6. Apply for senior human resources manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a senior human resources manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first senior human resources manager job

Zippi

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Average senior human resources manager salary

The average senior human resources manager salary in the United States is $102,806 per year or $49 per hour. Senior human resources manager salaries range between $73,000 and $143,000 per year.

Average senior human resources manager salary
$102,806 Yearly
$49.43 hourly

What am I worth?

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How do senior human resources managers rate their job?

-/5

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Senior human resources manager reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2021
Cons

Decline in business levels and employee layoffs.

Pros

Making a difference in the lives of the people and the community where I am employed.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Helping people throughout the organization

Cons

Lack of control over certain areas of HR


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2020
Pros

Autonomy to address HR issues as I see fit. Ability to work with people in all areas of the company, in all roles and at all levels.

Cons

I'm the only HR person, so I don't have a team.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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