What Does an HR Manager Do?
An HR manager oversees the day-to-day functions of the human resources department, ensuring smooth execution of core HR processes such as recruitment, employee relations, performance management, compliance, and benefits administration. They manage HR team members, collaborate with department leaders, and guide the implementation of company-wide HR policies. HR managers play a central role in promoting a productive and positive work environment while protecting the organization’s legal and ethical standing.
This role often serves as a strategic advisor to operational leaders, helping them navigate personnel issues and apply HR best practices. HR managers also analyze workforce data, develop process improvements, and lead HR projects such as open enrollment, audits, or training programs. With a strong foundation in employment law and a people-first approach, they drive engagement, retention, and fairness across all levels of the organization.
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HR Manager Core Responsibilities
- Manage HR team members and oversee daily HR operations
- Implement and enforce HR policies, procedures, and compliance practices
- Support managers with employee relations, performance issues, and disciplinary actions
- Oversee full-cycle recruitment or coordinate with recruiters on hiring needs
- Ensure compliance with labor laws, regulatory requirements, and internal standards
- Guide onboarding, training, and talent development initiatives
- Analyze HR metrics and prepare reports for senior leadership
- Lead annual processes such as performance reviews, salary adjustments, and benefits renewal
- Collaborate with finance, legal, and leadership teams on cross-functional initiatives
- Maintain and improve HRIS data integrity and usage
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency with HRIS and applicant tracking systems (e.g., ADP, UKG, Workday)
- Strong knowledge of employment law, workplace compliance, and HR policy writing
- Experience managing direct reports and setting team goals
- Competency in reporting, metrics analysis, and audit preparation
Soft skills
- Team leadership and coaching across departments
- Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
- Clear, confident communication with all levels of staff
- High emotional intelligence and decision-making under pressure
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration, or related field required
- Master’s degree preferred for larger or regulated environments
Certifications
- PHR or SHRM-CP preferred
- SPHR or SHRM-SCP is a plus
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading HR in a multi-site or hybrid workforce
- Background in developing or optimizing HR processes and workflows
- Industry-specific HR experience (e.g., healthcare, tech, manufacturing)
- Participation in labor relations or union negotiations
- Experience managing HR through organizational change or growth phases
National Average Salary
HR manager salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a HR Manager is:
$96,643
Sample Job Description Templates for HR Managers
Employee Relations HR Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring an Employee Relations HR Manager to lead the development and execution of fair, consistent, and compliant employee relations practices. This role manages complex workplace investigations, advises leadership on disciplinary actions, and oversees employee engagement initiatives aimed at fostering a positive, productive work environment.
Responsibilities
- Manage and resolve escalated employee relations cases and workplace conflicts
- Conduct thorough investigations into misconduct, harassment, or policy violations
- Coach managers on documentation, progressive discipline, and performance issues
- Ensure consistency and compliance in policy interpretation and application
- Monitor ER trends and recommend improvements to reduce risk and improve culture
- Develop training and resources for leadership on ER practices and employee communication
- Maintain detailed, confidential case files and reports for compliance and legal review
- Partner with legal, compliance, and DEI teams as needed
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expert knowledge of labor law, HR compliance, and disciplinary best practices
- Experience conducting and documenting sensitive investigations
- Familiarity with HR case management or ticketing systems
Soft skills
- Excellent judgment, neutrality, and discretion
- Strong interpersonal and de-escalation skills
- Ability to handle high-stakes, emotionally charged situations
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in HR, business, or related field required
Certifications
- PHR or SHRM-CP preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior leadership experience in a dedicated employee relations or compliance-focused HR role
- Training in conflict resolution or mediation practices
Talent Acquisition HR Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a Talent Acquisition HR Manager to lead recruiting strategy, execution, and team development. This role oversees full-cycle hiring efforts, builds talent pipelines, partners with department heads, and ensures a seamless candidate experience. The ideal candidate excels at managing high-volume or specialized recruitment initiatives in fast-paced environments.
Responsibilities
- Lead a team of recruiters and/or coordinate external recruitment support
- Partner with hiring managers to define role requirements, hiring plans, and sourcing strategies
- Monitor recruiting KPIs such as time-to-fill, cost-per-hire, and candidate quality
- Oversee ATS usage, candidate documentation, and hiring workflows
- Build and maintain talent pipelines for critical and recurring roles
- Ensure all recruiting processes are compliant with applicable regulations
- Support employer branding efforts through events, social media, and content
- Analyze market trends and recommend talent strategy improvements
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with ATS platforms (e.g., Greenhouse, Lever, iCIMS)
- Understanding of sourcing methods, interviewing techniques, and EEO requirements
- Experience managing high-volume or specialized recruiting teams
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities
- Analytical mindset with a focus on process optimization
- Ability to influence hiring managers and drive consistency
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required
Certifications
- PHR or SHRM-CP preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with DEI recruiting initiatives or university/campus recruiting
- Familiarity with employer branding and recruitment marketing tactics
Benefits HR Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a Benefits HR Manager to oversee employee health, retirement, and wellness programs. This role is responsible for plan administration, vendor relations, employee education, and compliance. The Benefits Manager ensures benefits offerings align with business goals and employee needs.
Responsibilities
- Manage plan selection, enrollment, and ongoing administration of health and welfare benefits
- Act as the primary liaison with brokers, carriers, and third-party vendors
- Oversee benefits compliance including ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, and ERISA requirements
- Coordinate open enrollment processes and benefit communication campaigns
- Address escalated employee questions and benefit-related concerns
- Monitor benefits utilization and recommend enhancements or cost-containment strategies
- Prepare reports and audit documentation related to benefit plans and eligibility
- Partner with payroll and finance to ensure accurate deductions and budgeting
Requirements
Hard skills
- In-depth knowledge of benefits law and regulatory compliance
- Experience with benefits platforms and HRIS integrations
- Budgeting and vendor management experience
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
- Clear communicator with the ability to explain complex benefits concepts
- Problem-solving mindset with empathy for employee needs
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required
Certifications
- CEBS, PHR, or SHRM-CP preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience managing benefits programs for multi-state or unionized workforces
- Background in wellness program development or employee incentives
Remote HR Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a Remote HR Manager to lead HR operations for a fully remote or hybrid workforce. This role ensures consistency across state lines, delivers exceptional employee support, and manages distributed HR initiatives such as onboarding, compliance, and engagement—all while working remotely.
Responsibilities
- Manage HR policies, processes, and team members in a virtual setting
- Support remote onboarding, offboarding, and performance cycles
- Ensure compliance with multi-state labor laws and documentation requirements
- Maintain accurate digital personnel records and HRIS integrity
- Coordinate benefits administration and virtual open enrollment
- Serve as a trusted HR advisor for remote employees and team leads
- Lead digital employee engagement programs and feedback initiatives
- Monitor virtual team effectiveness, engagement, and retention trends
Requirements
Hard skills
- Familiarity with remote work compliance and employment laws across states
- Proficiency in cloud-based HRIS and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Zoom)
- Experience managing HR operations for distributed teams
Soft skills
- Self-driven with excellent time management and follow-through
- Strong written and asynchronous communication
- Comfort with change and virtual collaboration
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required
Certifications
- PHR or SHRM-CP preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience implementing digital HR programs across remote or hybrid teams
- Familiarity with tools that support remote engagement and recognition
Regional HR Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a Regional HR Manager to oversee HR functions across multiple locations within a defined territory. This role acts as a strategic partner to local leadership teams, ensuring consistent HR policy application, supporting site-specific needs, and aligning people operations with business performance across the region.
Responsibilities
- Support location-specific HR operations across multiple branches, facilities, or offices
- Ensure consistent policy enforcement and compliance with regional labor laws
- Manage local HR staff and provide guidance to site managers
- Conduct regular site visits (as needed) and maintain visibility with employees
- Monitor regional KPIs, turnover, and engagement metrics
- Handle escalated employee relations cases and partner with legal as needed
- Coordinate talent development, training, and workforce planning in the region
- Support regional leadership with HR reporting and planning
Requirements
Hard skills
- Multi-state HR compliance knowledge
- Strong HRIS and reporting experience
- Experience managing HR in decentralized or multi-site operations
Soft skills
- Travel flexibility and strong regional coordination skills
- Ability to adapt to diverse cultures and site dynamics
- Leadership presence and comfort advising operational leaders
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required
Certifications
- PHR or SHRM-CP preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting field teams, warehouses, retail, or manufacturing sites
- Bilingual communication skills a plus for certain regions