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How to hire a senior human resources manager

Senior human resources manager hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring senior human resources managers in the United States:

  • HR departments typically spend 15% of their expenses on recruitment.
  • It usually takes about 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • It typically takes 36-42 days to fill a job opening.
  • The median cost to hire a senior human resources manager is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend an average of $1,105 per senior human resources manager on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • There are currently 124,480 senior human resources managers in the US and 46,602 job openings.
  • New York, NY, has the highest demand for senior human resources managers, with 24 job openings.
  • New York, NY has the highest concentration of senior human resources managers.

How to hire a senior human resources manager, step by step

To hire a senior human resources manager, consider the skills and experience you are looking for in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and post and promote the job opening to reach potential candidates. Follow these steps to hire a senior human resources manager:

Here's a step-by-step senior human resources manager hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a senior human resources manager job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new senior human resources manager
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a senior human resources manager do?

As a senior human resources manager, you are responsible for the overall management of human resources involving talent acquisition, performance management, and training and development. You will also handle compensation and benefits, employee services and industrial relations, and personnel administration to ensure a sustainable complement to the company's business operation requirements. It is also part of your role to review, plan, and provide general direction on employee relations programs and activities. The senior human resources manager also does an adequate review of company rules, regulations, and code of conduct and ensures the implementation of employee training and development programs.

Learn more about the specifics of what a senior human resources manager does
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    First, determine the employments status of the senior human resources manager you need to hire. Certain senior human resources manager roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A senior human resources manager's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, senior human resources managers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list presents senior human resources manager salaries for various positions.

    Type of Senior Human Resources ManagerDescriptionHourly rate
    Senior Human Resources ManagerHuman resources managers plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. They oversee the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff; consult with top executives on strategic planning; and serve as a link between an organization’s management and its employees.$35-68
    Human Resources Vice PresidentHuman resources (HR) vice presidents play a vital role in the effective administration and operation of an organization's HR department. These executives are responsible for directing an organization's staffing goals and developing strategies to support the company's profitable and productive business operations... Show more$55-118
    Human Resource AdvisorHuman resource (HR) advisors are responsible for delivering a wide range of HR services. They advise employers and clients about hiring new employees and the overall HR policies... Show more$26-54
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Performance Management
    • Employee Engagement
    • SR
    • HRIS
    • Customer Service
    • Succession Planning
    • EEO
    • Workforce Planning
    • Payroll
    • Organizational Development
    • Organizational Effectiveness
    • Process Improvement
    • Business Objectives
    • Labor Relations
    Check all skills
    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.
    • Implement total quality management initiative by moving FMLA administration from 3rd party outsourcing to in-house.
    • Create automated offer letters and appropriate HRIS documentation for transfers, eliminating additional recruitment and operational support.
    More senior human resources manager duties
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your senior human resources manager job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A senior human resources manager can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, senior human resources managers' average salary in hawaii is 42% less than in nevada.
    • Seniority. Entry-level senior human resources managers 49% less than senior-level senior human resources managers.
    • Certifications. A senior human resources manager with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a senior human resources manager's salary.

    Average senior human resources manager salary

    $102,806yearly

    $49.43 hourly rate

    Entry-level senior human resources manager salary
    $73,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 16, 2025

    Average senior human resources manager salary by state

    RankStateAvg. salaryHourly rate
    1California$128,981$62
    2Connecticut$128,368$62
    3New York$121,311$58
    4New Jersey$118,530$57
    5Massachusetts$117,676$57
    6Minnesota$110,666$53
    7Virginia$107,128$52
    8Pennsylvania$106,171$51
    9Oregon$105,861$51
    10Washington$105,735$51
    11Illinois$103,868$50
    12District of Columbia$102,118$49
    13Indiana$102,006$49
    14North Carolina$101,301$49
    15Michigan$101,277$49
    16Arizona$100,529$48
    17Texas$97,686$47
    18Missouri$96,194$46
    19Colorado$93,548$45
    20Arkansas$90,269$43

    Average senior human resources manager salary by company

    RankCompanyAverage salaryHourly rateJob openings
    1Bain & Company$176,199$84.712
    2The Walt Disney Company$158,581$76.2411
    3Apple$148,239$71.2711
    4Twitter$145,352$69.88
    5Peabody Energy$142,421$68.471
    6Capital Group$139,460$67.05
    7Patterson-UTI Energy$137,187$65.961
    8Intuitive Surgical$136,500$65.631
    9FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies$135,966$65.372
    10Unisys$135,222$65.01
    11U.S. Pharmacopeia$133,170$64.021
    12Yahoo$131,384$63.17
    13Walser Automotive Group$130,881$62.92
    14Chewy$130,305$62.6513
    15Standard Chartered$130,069$62.53
    16Green Mountain Coffee Roasters$129,896$62.45
    17AbbVie$129,886$62.452
    18Revance Therapeutics$129,844$62.42
    19DoorDash$129,466$62.245
    20Hitachi Vantara$129,464$62.24
  4. Writing a senior human resources manager job description

    A job description for a senior human resources manager role includes a summary of the job's main responsibilities, required skills, and preferred background experience. Including a salary range can also go a long way in attracting more candidates to apply, and showing the first name of the hiring manager can also make applicants more comfortable. As an example, here's a senior human resources manager job description:

    Senior human resources manager job description example

    Lactalis Group, the world leader in dairy, is a family-owned business with more than 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals worldwide, committed to providing healthy and delicious dairy products that bring people together every day. At Lactalis, our core values of AMBITION , ENGAGEMENT , and SIMPLICITY are at the heart of everything we do.


    If you're looking for a unique experience with a company that offers strong brands, professional expertise, and a dynamic work environment that champions entrepreneurial spirit, hands-on responsibility and real opportunity for career development, we want to hear from you!


    At Lactalis USA we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace and we know that our candidates come from many different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. If you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we still encourage you to apply and share with us your STORY , your PASSION , and your EXPERTISE ! You may be just the perfect candidate for this or other roles within our company.


    From your PASSION to ours

    The Senior Manager, HR partners with leadership of the plant to build people capabilities that enable business results to be delivered. The Senior HR Manager will follow HR practices and processes to serve plant Directors, managers, and employees. Set priorities for HR team and manage HR team members, including Security. Lead completion of HR processes, including appraisals, compensation, Talent Acquisition, and Talent Development. Through HR team, administer Payroll and Onboarding. Communicate with, engage, and recognize employees. Address employee issues. Interface regularly with the Corporate HR Team. Reports directly to the Site Director.


    From your EXPERTISE to ours

    Key responsibilities for this position include:

    Develop strong relationship with plant leadership and serve as employee resource. Partner with managers to appraise, develop, communicate with, engage, compensate, and recognize employees.

    Address employee issues, including performance and discipline. Conduct investigations. Refer to employee handbook, clarifying policies.

    Manage HR team, including Security.

    Manage Talent Acquisition through HR team member, including job postings, employee referrals, and applicant selection. Assure strong new hire Onboarding and Orientation experience.

    Manage plant Training Plan. Able to deliver soft skill training.

    Generate HR systems reports to understand items such as turnover to then take action. Develop action plan and follow up with managers in charge of location.

    Conduct benefits Open Enrollment through HR team member.

    Process Payroll through HR team member.

    Interface regularly with Corporate HR Team, and, where needed Legal, Compliance, and Safety.

    May fulfill Safety responsibilities.

    Travel and / or extended or off work hours may be required.

    This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these Essential Duties and Responsibilities.

    Lead External audits for subjects related to HR & Security.

    Establish a relation of confidence with managers and employee. Spend time on the production floor to open line of communication.

    Develop Strategy and Action Plan vs hiring, communication, retention, training, well-being of employees at work.

    This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.


    Supervisory Responsibilities:

    Incumbent is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these units in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

    Requirements:

    From your STORY to ours

    Qualified applicants will contribute the following:


    Education

    Bachelors degree or equivalent experience required;

    MBA degree is preferred; or equivalent experience to include a minimum of eight (8) years job related experience


    Experience

    5+ years Management experience required

    5+ years related experience required

    Experience in Food Industry preferred

    Large plant experience


    Specialized Knowledge

    Employment and Labor Law

    Labor Costs

    Training hands on experience


    Skills/Abilities

    Microsoft Office, especially Excel

    Strong communication and interpersonal skills

    Ability to organize, multi-task, and prioritize

    Maintain strict confidentiality

    Business acumen


    Professional Certifications

    SPHR or PHR certification preferred



    PI

  5. Post your job

    To find senior human resources managers for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any senior human resources managers they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level senior human resources managers with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your senior human resources manager job on Zippia to find and attract quality senior human resources manager candidates.
    • Use niche websites such as hrcrossing, ihirehr, hrjobs, shrm hr jobs.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit senior human resources managers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new senior human resources manager

    Once you've selected the best senior human resources manager candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new senior human resources manager. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a senior human resources manager?

Before you start to hire senior human resources managers, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire senior human resources managers pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

Senior human resources managers earn a median yearly salary is $102,806 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find senior human resources managers for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $35 and $68.

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