
HR manager, personnel manager, HR director
Human resources (HR) managers develop, deliver and manage HR policies and plans.
Salary Range: £35,000 to £150,000

You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- specialist courses run by professional bodies

You’ll need a a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree course in:
- human resources management
- business management and human resources
- psychology
- business with languages
You could also do a postgraduate course in human resource management if you have a first degree.
Entry requirements
You’ll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

You could do a college course like:
- Level 5 Diploma in Business Management and Human Resources
- Level 5 Diploma In Applied Human Resources
- Level 5 Diploma In Human Resource Management
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You can get into this role through a HR consultant or partner higher apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.

You could start as an assistant in a human resources department and work your way up through training and promotion.
Other routes
You can do professional qualifications in human resources, either online or at a training centre, approved by The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Some companies also have general management or human resources graduate training schemes.
More information
Professional and industry bodies
You can join The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Further information
You’ll find more advice about careers in HR through The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Skills and knowledge
You’ll need:
- knowledge of human resources and employment law
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- leadership skills
- the ability to use your initiative
- business management skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to motivate and manage staff
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day tasks may include:
- leading an organisation’s HR team
- supporting managers in getting the best out of their staff
- planning staff policies
- designing and advising on company benefits packages
- training and developing staff
- handling complicated HR issues
- working to improve employee relations
- managing budgets
Working environment
You could work in an office or from home.

With experience, you could set up your own consultancy offering recruitment services, training, or advice on HR strategy and policy planning.