As the top HR role in an organisation, an HR director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the function. So how do you make that leap into this coveted role? Here’s our sample HR director job description.
What does an HR director do?
An HR director (also known as a chief HR officer, personnel director or chief people officer) guides, manages and provides strategy on the people function for an entire organisation. One of the highest paying HR jobs in the UK, the HR director role is fundamental to developing a company’s culture, development, organisation and recruitment.
Typically, an HR director will lead the implementation of policies and programmes created by the wider HR team. An HR director will normally report directly to the CEO of the organisation and will also sit on the executive board.
HR director responsibilities
As an HR director, you can expect to have responsibility for the following:
- Developing and implementing HR initiatives in line with organisational objectives
- Leading the organisation’s HR departments, including talent acquisition, learning and development, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, talent management HR information systems (HRIS) and financial planning of the department
- Liaising directly with the executive board and being accountable for the performance of the HR function and the departments within it, as well as providing strategic counsel on all people matters
- Contributing to long-term goals around business and people development, including succession planning and c-suite talent acquisition
- Developing company wellbeing, health and counselling policies
- Leading the analysis of employee feedback and data, with the aim of creating a better working environment and engaged culture
- Creating and managing the HR department’s annual budget
- Taking oversight of the company’s culture
- Global responsibility for the organisations talent functions and culture
HR director skills and competencies
Most HR directors will be qualified to degree level and also hold a relevant professional certificate from an accredited organisation such as the CIPD. As the human resource profession is constantly evolving, you will be expected to continuously update your learning and knowledge throughout your career.
HR directors will be expected to be proficient in the following:
- Organisational skills – personal efficiency, time management skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands are key
- Communication skills – HR directors are expected to lead the HR team, managing diverse personalities and viewpoints. Consequently, emotional intelligence, the ability to build relationships and collaborate with others is vital
- Commercial acumen – HR directors are increasingly involved in strategic decision-making within the business as an influencer. Being able to understand company finances, resourcing and the ultimate aims of the business is important
- Role modelling – As a senior member of the executive team, an HR director is expected to demonstrate and lead on the values, initiatives and culture of the organisation
- Professional expertise – A strong working knowledge of employment law issues, best practice processes for disciplinaries, redundancies and payroll is required, as well as experience of employee relations
- Coaching and mentoring – Whether senior executives, junior colleagues or middle management, you will be proficient in developing skills in your talent
- Trust – As a member of the executive team, you will interface with the CEO, CFO and COO on a regular basis. You will become a trusted confidante on talent issues, unafraid of giving your opinions and expertise
HR director salary expectations
According to PayScale, the average salary for an HR director in the UK is £66,730. Depending on the role and the company, most HR director salaries fall between £45,000 and £102,000. You will be expected to have a minimum of five years’ experience in the HR sector.
Find out more
If you're interested in finding out more about being an HR director, consider the following:
- Search for HR director jobs
- Get advice on planning your career
- Read more about developing business leadership
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