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Human Resources

HR Manager

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Primary Primary Secondary Secondary Post-16 Post-16

HR Managers play a crucial role in organisations by overseeing the recruitment, training, and welfare of employees. Their responsibilities include managing staff records, handling employee relations and disputes, ensuring compliance with employment laws, and supporting managers with HR policies and procedures. HR Managers also design and deliver training programmes, oversee performance appraisals, and help shape the workplace culture. Strong communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills are essential for this career. Most HR Managers work in offices, but some travel may be required, especially in larger organisations with multiple sites.

HR Manager

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

HR Managers in the UK typically earn between £35,000 and £60,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Openings

There were over 17,000 HR Manager positions advertised in the UK in 2023 according to job market data.

Typical Working Hours

Most HR Managers work around 37 to 40 hours per week, with some roles requiring additional hours during busy periods.

🚀 Careers in this path

Recruitment Specialist

Focuses on attracting, interviewing, and hiring new employees for a company, ensuring the best candidates are selected for each role.

Learning and Development Officer

Designs and delivers training programmes to help staff improve their skills and progress in their careers within the organisation.

Employee Relations Adviser

Handles workplace issues such as disputes, grievances, and employee wellbeing, working to maintain positive relationships between staff and management.

Gain Relevant Education

Complete Secondary Education

Achieve good GCSEs, particularly in English and Maths, to provide a foundation for further study.

Strong GCSEs will help you progress to A-levels or equivalent qualifications. While there are no specific GCSEs required for a career in HR, subjects such as Business Studies, Psychology, or Sociology can be useful.

Study for A-levels or Equivalent

Take A-levels or a Level 3 Diploma in subjects like Business, Psychology, or Sociology.

A-levels or BTEC Nationals in Business or related subjects will make you a strong candidate for university courses or higher apprenticeships. Focus on developing good communication and analytical skills during this stage.

Obtain a Degree or CIPD Qualification

Pursue a degree in Human Resource Management, Business, or a related field, or complete a CIPD Level 3 or 5 qualification.

Many HR Managers hold a university degree, but you can also take a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification, which is widely recognised in the UK HR industry. Some employers offer apprenticeships that include CIPD training.

Build HR Experience

Start in Entry-Level HR Roles

Apply for positions such as HR Assistant or HR Administrator to gain hands-on experience.

These roles provide practical experience in HR processes like recruitment, onboarding, record keeping, and handling employee queries. Look for opportunities to shadow experienced HR professionals and participate in HR projects.

Progress to HR Officer or Advisor

Take on more responsibility in roles such as HR Officer or HR Advisor.

These positions involve more complex tasks, such as advising on employment law, supporting organisational change, and handling employee relations issues. Gaining exposure to different aspects of HR will prepare you for management roles.

Develop Management Skills and Advance

Gain a CIPD Level 7 or Postgraduate Qualification

Achieve a higher-level CIPD qualification or a postgraduate qualification in HR.

A CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma or a master's degree in Human Resource Management can significantly enhance your knowledge and credibility, making you a strong candidate for management positions.

Apply for HR Manager Positions

Look for HR Manager vacancies and apply, highlighting your experience and qualifications.

When applying, emphasise your experience across various HR functions, leadership skills, understanding of employment law, and any projects or initiatives you have led. Networking and joining professional bodies like CIPD can help you access hidden job opportunities.

Continue Professional Development

Stay updated with HR best practice, employment law, and management techniques.

Attend HR conferences, undertake short courses, and remain active in professional networks. This ongoing development will help you excel as an HR Manager and progress to more senior roles, such as Head of HR or HR Director.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in HR Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

An HR Manager and a Bank Manager both require strong leadership, personnel management, and organisational skills. They oversee teams, implement policies, and contribute to strategic decision-making within their respective organisations, making them closely aligned in terms of qualifications and responsibilities.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

University

You could take a degree before applying for a management trainee scheme. Most degrees are acceptable, though you may gain relevant skills from subjects like:

  • management
  • accounting
  • economics
  • finance
  • law
  • marketing
  • maths

You could get work experience during your degree through:

  • taster days or work shadowing opportunities
  • banking vacation schemes
  • spring or summer internships
  • a year in industry placement

Work experience will give you a head start when applying for trainee manager jobs when you graduate.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

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College

You could do a course at college that may give you some of the skills and knowledge to apply for trainee bank manager positions.

For example you could do a T Level in Finance.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

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Apprenticeship

You could join a bank as an apprentice and work your way up to management positions.

Relevant apprenticeships include the:

  • financial services administrator advanced apprenticeship
  • senior financial services customer adviser advanced apprenticeship
  • financial services professional higher apprenticeship
  • chartered manager degree apprenticeship

If you want to work in commercial or investment banking you could do a Level 7 senior investment and commercial banking professional, higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could apply to join a bank in a customer service job and work your way up.

You'll usually need a least 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.

You could take further training on the job while you study for management qualifications.

More Information

Further information

You can find more advice about training and working in banking from the:

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