In today’s job market, employee development and empowerment have become crucial factors for the success of any business. Consequently, the role of the human resources manager has taken on unprecedented strategic importance. But how do you become an HR manager and drive organizational change?
In this guide, we will explore in detail who the HR Manager is, what their duties are, what to study to work in human resources, and the salary prospects this elite career offers.
Who is the HR Manager?
The HR Manager (Human Resources Manager) is the professional responsible for managing, developing, and ensuring the well-being of a company’s human capital. They do not simply handle administrative tasks; they serve as a true bridge between the strategic needs of corporate management and the needs of workers, with the aim of creating an inclusive, stimulating, and productive work environment.
What Does an HR Manager Do? Duties
Understanding what an HR Manager handles means analyzing a very broad scope of action. Their role is divided into several key duties:
- Talent Acquisition and Selection: Plans recruiting campaigns and selects the best talent in the market.
- Training and Development: Identifies the training needs of teams and designs upskilling and reskilling pathways.
- Performance Management: Evaluates employee performance through dedicated interviews and KPIs.
- Retention and Welfare: Develops strategies to reduce turnover, incentivize corporate well-being, and retain top profiles.
What Studies Are Needed to Work as a Human Resources Manager?
If you are wondering how to get into HR, you should know that this path requires a balanced mix of university education, postgraduate specialization, and field experience. Although there is no single rigid path, here are the 4 fundamental steps to embark on an HR career:
- Recommended Degree: The first step is to obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The most suitable faculties include Psychology (ideal for selection and development), Economics, or Law (essential for administration and labor law).
- HR Specialization: To understand in practice how to become a successful HR professional, university education alone is often not enough. It is essential to attend a specialized program focused on management, such as the International Master in HR & Organization at Rome Business School.
- Acquisition of Digital Tools: Digitalization has transformed the sector. A good professional must know how to use management software (such as SAP or Workday), ATS systems for recruiting, and understand the impact of Artificial Intelligence applied to human resources.
- Field Experience: The career generally begins by holding entry-level roles such as HR Intern, Junior Recruiter, or HR Generalist, before climbing the corporate hierarchy.
5 Benefits of Investing in Human Resources Training
Within this study path, HR professionals learn the importance of continuously investing in staff. The main benefits of this practice include:
- Improvement of the Work Environment: Increases general satisfaction and team well-being.
- Better Job Performance: Optimizes daily processes thanks to new skills.
- Increased Competitiveness: Keeps the company at the technological forefront compared to competitors.
- Talent Retention: Drastically reduces the corporate turnover rate by making employees feel valued.
- Market Adaptation: Allows for quick responses to digital evolutions and new global challenges.
Skills Needed to Become an HR Manager
To fill this leadership role, it is essential to develop a well-defined set of soft and technical skills.
Soft Skills of Human Resources Managers
Relational skills are the beating heart of an HR Manager’s work:
- Leadership and Conflict Management: Ability to guide teams and resolve internal critical issues.
- Effective Communication and Empathy: Essential for relating to employees at every level.
- Adaptation to Change and Innovation: A fundamental attitude for guiding organizations toward the future of work.
Hard Skills of Human Resources Managers
Technical skills ensure the manager’s operational effectiveness:
- Labor Law and Industrial Relations: In-depth knowledge of regulations and contracts.
- HR Analytics: Ability to analyze data related to performance and personnel costs.
- Strategic Planning and Budgeting: Economic management of resources and onboarding plans.
Tools for Human Resources Training and Development
The modern HR Manager uses advanced technologies to optimize internal training plans. Among the most widely used software are:
- Learning Management System (LMS): Platforms that allow for the delivery, monitoring, and management of comprehensive corporate training courses.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software: Tools capable of personalizing learning based on the specific needs and interactions of the employee.
- Gamified Software: Applications that use game logic to increase engagement and motivation during learning.
How Much Does an HR Manager Earn?
Earning prospects reflect the high level of responsibility of the position. But precisely, how much does an HR manager earn?
Compensation varies significantly based on experience and company size. A Junior profile or an HR Specialist at the beginning of their career can expect a gross annual salary starting from €30,000 – €35,000. For an HR Manager with several years of experience in structured companies, the average salary easily sits between €50,000 and €70,000 per year, and can exceed €90,000 (plus bonuses and benefits) for HR Director roles in large multinationals.
