HR Career Spotlight: How to Become an HR Manager

The HR landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. No longer just about administrative tasks like payroll and leave management, HR is now a strategic, data-driven field, especially in today’s remote, people-focused work environment.

As a result, HR management has risen in popularity, with many people drawn to the opportunity to positively influence others, transform company cultures, and build meaningful relationships.

If you, too, are interested in an HR career, we shine a spotlight on how to become an HR manager, and why it might be the perfect career for you in this blog. 

What Does an HR Manager Do? Job Description and Duties

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing your ideal HR career – or any career – is the day-to-day responsibilities and workload.

While it is important to think about a career as a long-term commitment, it’s the everyday actions and priorities that will motivate you to get out of bed every morning, excited to go to work (within reason of course, we’re only human)!

An HR manager’s job description can vary across industries and sectors, but overall, the role includes:

1) Managing employee relations

Employee relations is all about fostering strong individual and collective relationships within the workplace. Creating a positive environment where employees feel involved, committed, and engaged not only enhances business performance but also supports employee wellbeing.

Duties aligned with this part of an HR manager’s role include:

Conflict management

While workplace conflict is something that most employers try to keep on the down-low, the reality is that it’s normal and likely to occur when individuals from different backgrounds and experiences come together in the workplace.

A vital responsibility of an HR manager, however, is to be confident in their ability to manage conflict. HR managers therefore focus on strategies like mediation to resolve conflict and prevent it from reoccurring.

Exit processes

HR managers often collaborate with recruitment teams and hiring managers to design effective exit processes tailored to an employee's role and responsibilities.

These interviews provide valuable insights into the strengths and challenges of a position, offering a fresh perspective that may not have been reviewed since the individual was hired. This feedback not only helps refine the role for future candidates but also presents an opportunity to adapt its responsibilities to better align with evolving business needs.

Employee engagement

HR managers play a key role in boosting employee engagement by creating a positive and supportive work environment. They develop strategies to keep employees motivated, gather feedback to understand their needs and implement recognition programmes to celebrate achievements.

HR managers also focus on employee development, offering growth opportunities, and encouraging work-life balance to ensure overall wellbeing.

Health, safety, and wellbeing

HR managers play a part in overseeing compliance and generally improving health and safety in the workplace. For instance, they coordinate training on safety protocols, monitor workplace conditions, and manage the reporting of accidents or hazards.

HR managers also play a role in promoting a culture of wellbeing by supporting mental health initiatives and making sure that employees have access to resources that maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

Supporting training and development

Working closely with learning and development (L&D) professionals, HR managers will support the creation and implementation of training and development programmes for all employees, including senior management.

HR managers will work closely with senior team managers to assess the specific training needs of employees, often overseeing employee performance reviews to identify skills gaps.

When it comes time to implement training and upskilling, HR managers support senior leaders by advising on adoption strategies, time management, and collaboration techniques. This makes HR managers crucial to fostering a culture of continuous learning.

2) Ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations

By law, there are several HR policies and regulations that companies must adhere to. This ensures the business operates in a fair and compliant manner.

Depending on the location or company country of origin, these laws will be subjective, and it’s the responsibility of the HR manager and their team to ensure the correct guidelines are implemented.

Designed to keep employees and employers safe, important laws and regulations include:

• Data Protection Act 2018
• Health & Safety Work Act 1974
• Employee Rights Act 1996
• Equality Act 2010

Each act protects employees across a variety of different aspects, which means to correctly advise staff and remain complimented with a constantly changing landscape, HR managers must stay informed and up to date with these laws.

Additionally, HR managers are vital when assuring a company’s readiness to adopt change, specifically when it comes to legislative updates and evolving alongside market demands.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) speak openly about how success within business is directly linked to an organisation's attitude towards adapting to change.

The best HR managers are those whoo strike the right balance between legal stipulations and the needs of their workforce, focused on developing and driving the business forward.

If you’re interested in learning about UK employment laws in-depth, you can find more information in our HR Professional’s Guide to the Major UK Employment Laws.

3) Overseeing talent acquisition

HR managers play a big part in talent management, often working in close collaboration with employees, leadership, and recruitment teams to align talent strategies and business objectives.

During recruitment, for example, HR managers work closely with Talent Acquisition (TA) teams to ensure new hires have the skills and potential needed to contribute to the company's success.

They’re also responsible for reviewing job offers and descriptions, ensuring compliance with employment regulations. This attention to detail streamlines the onboarding process, helping new employees integrate smoothly into the business.

How much does an HR manager make?

Human resources is a field where there’s real earning potential, especially for HR managers. However, salaries can differ due to a variety of factors, including your chosen industry, sector and location.

According to the 2025 UK Robert Half Salary Guide, HR managers in the UK typically earn between £49,000 and £75,000 per year. However, here’s a closer look at how these salaries stack up across different regions in the UK:

• £56,000 - £75,000 in Scotland
• £62,000 - £84,000 in London
• £50,000 - £67,000 in Wales
• £54,000 - £73,000 in East England
• £49,000 - £65,000 in Northeast England
• £56,000 - £75,000 in Southeast England
• £51,000 - £68,000 in Northwest England
• £54,000 - £72,000 in Southwest England
• £50, 000 - £67,000 in East Midlands
• £51,000 - £68,000 in West Midlands
• £50,000 - £67,000 in Yorkshire

What qualifications do I need to become an HR manager?

Curious about what it takes to become an HR manager? Here’s a quick look at the HR training and skills that are well-suited to get started on this career path.

1. A CIPD Qualification

Qualifications with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) are widely recognised as the gold standard for HR professionals, making them an excellent choice for aspiring HR managers.

They provide practical skills, up-to-date industry knowledge, and a clear progression pathway to help you advance with momentum. 

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice is the perfect place to begin if you’re new to HR. This entry-level qualification is designed for those with little to no experience in the industry, providing the essential skills and knowledge needed to break into the field.

From there, you can progress to the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management as you gain experience, putting you on track to becoming an HR manager!

With flexible learning options and support from expert tutors, CIPD qualifications make it easy to get your HR career on track.

2. An HR Degree

An HR degree is a strong foundation for a career in HR management because it provides comprehensive knowledge of key areas such as employee relations, recruitment, organisational behaviour, and employment law.

It combines theoretical insights with practical applications, helping you develop the critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills essential for managing people effectively.

Additionally, an HR degree demonstrates your commitment to the profession and can make you a competitive candidate for both mid-level to senior HR roles.

If you’re considering completing a university degree, whether that be an undergraduate or a master’s, some popular courses in the UK are:

• The University of Manchester: covers key HR topics over three years, such as the Introduction to Workplace Psychology in Year 1, Employee Relations and Human Resource Management in Year 2 and several optional units in Year 3.
• The University of Edinburgh: a master's in Business with Human Resource Management degree will enhance your understanding of managing people in the modern workplace with topics like HR policies, technology and employee relations.
• Brunel University of London: includes units like Organisational Behaviour, Managing Change and Creativity, and interesting optional units like Gender and Organisations and Innovation and Knowledge Management.
• Lancaster University: delves into subjects like Organisational Psychology and Organising in a Digital Age.

3. An SHRM Certificate

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) are passionate about creating better workplaces for both people and businesses to thrive.

With just under 34,000 members spanning across 180 cities, SHRM qualifications are great for those who already have some HR, or related, experience. Their courses can be taken at two exam levels:

SHRM – CP (Certified Professional) and SHRM – SCP (Senior Certified Professional).

To become an HR manager, the SHRM – CP (Certified Professional) qualification is an ideal choice. To qualify, your most recent work in HR should consist of day-to-day operational responsibilities.

SHRM also have a self-assessment tool on their website which allows users to distinguish which qualification level would best suit their career aspirations.

How to Become an HR Manager

If you’re here, it’s likely because you’re ready to take the first step toward becoming an HR manager.

To help you get started, here are the key steps you can take to break into this exciting field now that you know the basics: 

1) Find the HR qualification that’s right for you

Finding the right HR training to start your career as an HR manager will depend on your experience, career goals, and learning preferences. When choosing a qualification, consider whether a part-time or full-time course fits better with your schedule.

Part-time options are great for those working while studying, typically offering more flexibility and affordability. Full-time courses, however, may help you progress more quickly.

You’ll also want to weigh the cost of the course against your budget, as fees can vary depending on the provider and the type of qualification. Be sure to factor in additional costs like textbooks, exam fees, and potential travel expenses for in-person classes. Finding a balance between time, cost, and learning style will help you select the best HR qualification for you.

2) Gain practical HR experience

You can become an HR manager without a degree, but you'll have to have sufficient industry experience. A few ways you can gain industry experience includes a workplace secondment or through HR volunteering opportunities.

Of course, not all companies offer secondments, and the ones that do might not have a role open in the HR department. However, if you do see one, we would urge you to apply!

Alternatively, with the permission of your line manager, you could speak to your organisation’s HR department about a possible secondment or work experience opportunity.

This not only shows your eagerness to learn and develop but also allows you to learn about HR practices within a company that you already know.

3) Develop key HR skills

HR professionals thrive best when they have a good mix of essential HR skills. However, there are a few skills, in particular, that are likely to contribute to the overall success of your career in HR management. These include:

Communication

Strong communication is essential in HR, as professionals must interact with people at all levels, from CEOs to interns.

The ability to convey information and adapt your message to different audiences is crucial in HR management. Effective communication creates and maintains strong relationships, ensures clarity, and supports collaboration across all levels of the organisation.

Leadership

HR managers need strong leadership skills to guide teams, resolve conflicts, and drive organisational change.

As the link between employees and upper management, you’ll be required to motivate, support, and make decisions that align with the company's goals and values.

Problem-Solving

HR managers regularly face complex challenges, from employee disputes to performance issues or policy changes.

Being a strong problem-solver means being able to assess situations critically, identify the root causes, and implement practical, fair solutions that benefit both the employees and the organisation.

4) Gain experience in HR specialisations

To gain experience in HR specialisations and work toward becoming an HR manager, start by seeking opportunities in various HR functions.

Depending on your current experience, you can begin by taking on entry-level roles like HR assistant or coordinator, where you'll gain exposure to tasks such as recruitment, employee onboarding, and HR administration.

As you progress, look for opportunities to focus on specific areas, such as performance management, training and development, compensation and benefits, or employee relations.

Volunteering for projects or shadowing senior HR professionals in these areas can help you build specialised knowledge. You might even want to consider taking on cross-functional roles or responsibilities to broaden your expertise across different HR functions, preparing you for a managerial role.

5) Continue your professional development

The role of an HR manager is constantly evolving, which means a proactive approach to updating your skills, knowledge and HR expertise as you develop is a must.

To stay up to date with everything HR as you work towards becoming an HR manager, consider:

• Online webinars and conferences: There’s an abundance of online platforms offering self-paced courses on a wide range of HR topics, many of which are free. These provide a flexible way to learn and stay updated on industry trends.
• Exhibitions and seminars: For a more interactive experience, consider attending HR-specific exhibitions and seminars. These events offer hands-on learning and networking opportunities. You might even ask your employer if they would consider funding your attendance with other colleagues.
• Personal study and research: Consider dedicating 1 or 2 hours a week to reading and researching HR-related topics, such as people management, through business journals, blogs, books, and articles. This self-guided learning will deepen your knowledge and keep you informed.

Start Your HR Management Career

HR is a dynamic and rapidly growing field, with the industry expanding by an impressive 42% over the last decade.

As organisations evolve, people management will remain a top priority, ensuring that the human element continues to drive success.

HR managers will play a pivotal role in this transformation, balancing technological advancements with strong interpersonal skills to foster a supportive and productive work environment.

This dynamic landscape makes HR management an exciting career path, offering opportunities to lead, innovate, and create meaningful change.

Start your journey to becoming an HR manager today with a 100% online CIPD HR qualification.