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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 all aspects of human resources, including recruitment, training, employee relations, and ensuring compliance with employment laws. They are responsible for developing policies, managing employee benefits, handling grievances, and supporting the overall wellbeing of staff. HR Managers often work closely with senior leadership to develop strategies that align organisational goals with the needs of employees. It is a career that requires strong communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills. Many HR Managers start as HR Assistants or Officers and work their way up, often holding professional qualifications such as those from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

HR Manager

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for an HR Manager in the UK is between £35,000 and £55,000 per year, with senior roles in larger organisations earning upwards of £65,000.

Employment Numbers

There are over 80,000 Human Resources professionals in the UK, with HR Managers making up a significant proportion of this workforce.

Job Growth

The demand for HR Managers is expected to grow by around 7 percent between 2021 and 2026, reflecting the ongoing importance of HR in organisations.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Learning and Development Manager

Focuses on organising and delivering training programmes for employees to help them improve their skills and advance within the company.

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Recruitment Specialist

Specialises in finding, interviewing, and hiring new staff for organisations, ensuring the right people are brought into the business.

Employee Relations Adviser

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

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Complete Secondary Education

Achieve good GCSEs, especially in English and Maths, as these are often required for further study.

GCSEs are the foundation for most further education routes. Strong results in English and Maths are particularly important for careers in HR, as communication and numeracy are key skills. Consider taking subjects like Business Studies if available.

Pursue Further Education

Study for A-levels or a Level 3 vocational qualification such as a BTEC in Business or similar.

A-levels in subjects such as Business, Psychology, or Sociology can be helpful. Alternatively, a BTEC National Diploma in Business or a related field provides practical skills and knowledge. These qualifications prepare you for university or an apprenticeship.

Obtain a Relevant Degree or Apprenticeship

Study for a degree in Human Resource Management, Business, or a related subject, or complete a relevant apprenticeship.

Many HR Managers hold a university degree in Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field. Alternatively, you can undertake a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship in HR, which combines practical work with study and can lead to professional qualifications.

Build HR Experience

Start in an Entry-Level HR Role

Apply for roles such as HR Assistant or HR Administrator to gain practical experience.

Entry-level HR positions allow you to develop key skills in recruitment, record-keeping, and employee support. These roles also provide exposure to HR software and processes, which are vital for progressing in this career.

Work Towards Professional Qualifications

Study for professional HR qualifications, such as those offered by the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development).

CIPD qualifications are highly regarded in the UK HR sector. You can study part-time, online, or through your employer. Qualifications range from Level 3 (Foundation) to Level 7 (Advanced), and they help you specialise in areas like employee relations or employment law.

Take on Additional Responsibilities

Volunteer for challenging tasks or projects to broaden your skills and demonstrate your ability to lead.

By volunteering for projects such as leading a recruitment campaign or supporting a change management initiative, you can showcase your leadership and problem-solving abilities. This experience will strengthen your CV and prepare you for management roles.

Progress to HR Manager

Apply for HR Manager Positions

Look for HR Manager vacancies within your organisation or elsewhere once you have gained appropriate experience and qualifications.

To become an HR Manager, employers typically expect several years of HR experience, professional qualifications, and a record of taking on increasing responsibility. Tailor your CV to highlight your achievements and leadership skills.

Continue Professional Development

Stay up to date with employment law and HR best practice by attending courses and conferences.

The HR landscape is always evolving, so continual professional development is important. Membership with CIPD provides access to resources and events. This helps you keep your knowledge current and maintain your effectiveness as a manager.

Consider Specialising or Advancing

Explore specialisms such as talent management or progress to senior roles like Head of HR.

After gaining experience as an HR Manager, you may choose to specialise in areas like learning and development, diversity and inclusion, or employment law. Alternatively, you can aim for senior positions such as 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 and organisational skills, along with the ability to manage teams and oversee operations. Additionally, both roles involve strategic planning, compliance with regulations, and handling personnel or customer relations, making them closely related in terms of qualifications.

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

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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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