Job Overview
The HR Manager (or HR Business Partner) is the cornerstone of the organisation's human resources strategy and policy. A true strategic partner to leadership, they orchestrate all HR processes: recruitment, learning & development, talent management, employee relations and personnel administration.
In SMEs, they are often generalists managing all HR domains independently. In large organisations, they may specialise in a specific area (recruitment, learning, employee relations) or oversee the entire HR function in collaboration with the HR Director.
Key Responsibilities
Recruitment leadership
Direct the entire recruitment process: defining requirements, writing job descriptions, sourcing candidates, selection and onboarding. Oversee the recruitment team and continuously optimise processes.
Talent management and performance
Design and implement talent management programmes: appraisals, performance management, development plans and internal mobility. Identify and retain high-potential employees.
Learning and development
Create annual learning plans, identify skill gaps, manage training budget, select training providers and build a learning culture throughout the organisation.
Employee relations
Manage dialogue with employee representatives (works councils, unions). Prepare negotiations, handle disciplinary procedures and support organisational change.
Personnel administration and payroll
Oversee personnel administration: contracts, amendments, absences and holidays. Monitor payroll integrity and ensure legal compliance (tax reporting, statutory requirements).
HR reporting and metrics
Produce HR dashboards: headcount, turnover, absence rates, payroll costs. Analyse HR KPIs and develop action plans for leadership.
Required Skills
Technical Skills vs Soft Skills
- Deep knowledge of employment law and labour regulations
- Expertise in HR project management
- HRIS system proficiency (Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Lucca, PayFit)
- Data analytics and advanced Excel skills
- Recruitment and assessment techniques
- Understanding of workplace psychology and employee wellbeing
- Leadership and team management
- Excellent communication abilities
- Emotional intelligence and empathy
- Negotiation and mediation skills
- Confidentiality and professional ethics
- Agility and change management
Salary and Compensation
Salary Scale 2026 (annual gross)
| Experience | SME | Large Enterprise | South East England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established (5-8 years) | 40-50K€ | 45-55K€ | +15-20% |
| Senior (8-12 years) | 50-60K€ | 55-65K€ | +15-20% |
| Senior+ (12+ years) | 60-75K€ | 65-80K€ | +15-20% |
| HR Director (15+ years) | 75-100K€ | 90-130K€ | +20-25% |
What is the difference between HR Manager and HR Director?
Do you need payroll experience to become an HR Manager?
What career paths are available for HR Managers?
Can an HR Manager work fully remote?
Recruit Your HR Manager with Aurelia
Generate an optimised job description and interview questions tailored to your company context.