The head of HR oversees all the operations of the human resources department and supervises the multiple sub-departments within HR, each headed up by a specialized human resources employee, such as a training manager, a compensation manager, or a recruitment manager.
As the name suggests, the role focuses on leading the HR department and deciding on critical matters while handling various responsibilities. Interestingly, the role goes by other names, such as HR director or even chief of human resources at some organizations. Regardless, the individual occupying this role holds a senior position within the HR department.
Since it is such an important role, it is essential to investigate the final details of being the head of HR so you can find the right job alerts. Therefore, this article describes the role’s responsibilities and the aspects of human resources it oversees.
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The Head of HR Role
Like the HR director, a head of HR role develops human resources systems and processes that can address the company’s strategic requirements. For example, they ensure hiring employees evolve into team-based contracting of the most qualified candidates, recruited through various methods ranging from employee recommendations to social media sourcing.
The primary responsibility of the head of HR is to supervise and guide HR managers who direct the work of the department’s employees. Furthermore, since the HR team contributes significantly to the organization’s growth, they must define and develop its culture. They do so under the Head of HR, who directs the establishment of a solid company culture and helps ensure that the workplace keeps its employees content.
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The work of an HR professional like the chief HR officer continually changes since HR employees must balance a wide range of responsibilities and activities to support their business objectives.
However, regardless of how their role changes, senior human resource professionals like HR directors must build their capabilities and the business to perform their responsibilities effectively.
A significant part of the job of the head of HR is performance management while ensuring employee engagement. They have to oversee the performance of the HR manager and other HR professionals directly junior to them. Additionally, they must train such personnel and teach them effective performance management since they are in senior HR roles.
The picture below shows some core areas of human resources that a senior role like the HR director handles.
Responsibilities of the Head of Human Resources
The head of human resources handles many tasks, and the duties associated with the role look different for different organizations. However, some responsibilities are typical to all head of human resources roles, such as establishing organizational culture, handling executive compensation, or reporting to executive positions like the senior vice president.
Regardless of their job description, here are some typical duties that all head of HR roles have to handle:
Report HR Department’s Progress
The head of HR, like an HR director, oversees all the functions of the human resources department. They establish guidelines and SOPs for employees to follow and keep higher-up executives updated on the HR department’s employee relations and general growth trajectory.
Finally, the head of HR must ensure that the department’s growth aligns with the company’s strategic direction. They are also essential in developing strategies for delivering actionable results.
Construct Plans to Improve Employee Experience
A head of HR, like the chief human resource officer, is responsible for managing and monitoring the employee experience within an organization. Therefore, they must use efficient tools and strategies to gather such data. Afterward, they need to use insights from the data to improve the management processes and general employee experience. It can also involve resolving workplace conflicts and counseling managers to apply personnel rules.
Develop Important Plans on HR Matters
The human resources department handles diverse responsibilities, such as hiring top talent, training employees, managing data, and developing attractive benefits plans.
As an HR leader, the head of HR has to plan procedures to develop, implement, and evaluate employee training and design their benefits programs. Additionally, they have to establish mechanisms for payment and recognition.
Ensure Policy and Strategy Implementation
As the senior director, the head of HR must ensure that employees are committed to functioning while adhering to the business’s culture. They must also generate new ideas and create systems to ensure all employees follow applicable employment laws. Additionally, they must ensure that health and safety measures are up-to-date and effective.
Conclusion
The head of HR serves as the principal leadership role and is in charge of important decisions about the human resources department. They oversee everything related to the HR experience, from something as regular as employee orientation to significant decisions like future growth. They are the primary source of an organization’s talent management strategies and must ensure optimal labor relations.
To achieve a head of HR position like HR director or chief people officer, you need significant HR knowledge and gain years of professional experience. However, the most important thing is to build leadership skills.
FAQs
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about different head of HR roles.
What is the role of the Chief Human Resources Officer in a company?
The Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) is the senior-most HR executive responsible for overseeing the overall HR function within an organization. This role ensures that HR aligns with the business strategy, focusing on talent management, employee engagement, and organizational culture. The CHRO is critical in guiding and implementing HR strategies that support the company’s growth and development.
How does the HR function support business strategy?
HR is vital in aligning people management with the overall business strategy. By ensuring the right talent is recruited, retained, and developed, HR enables the organization to achieve its business objectives. The HR team is responsible for creating policies and practices that foster a productive work environment and drive the workforce towards common goals.
What is the role of an HR Business Partner?
An HR Business Partner (HRBP) works closely with specific departments or leaders to ensure that HR strategies and initiatives align with the business’s needs. They guide HR practices such as talent development, performance management, and employee relations, ensuring that the HR function is integrated into the overall business strategy.
How do HR leaders contribute to achieving business objectives?
HR leaders are pivotal in creating and executing HR strategies that support the organization’s business objectives. They ensure that HR initiatives such as recruitment, training, and employee retention are designed to meet the company’s goals. Effective HR leadership helps bridge the gap between human capital and the organization’s strategic vision.
Why is having a clear HR strategy important for organizations?
A well-defined HR strategy is crucial for aligning human resources with the company’s long-term goals. It provides a roadmap for HR practices such as hiring, onboarding, performance management, and employee development. When the HR strategy is aligned with the business strategy, the workforce is prepared to meet the company’s current and future needs.
How do HR practices impact the success of a business?
Effective HR practices directly influence employee engagement, productivity, and overall organizational performance. Practices such as transparent communication, career development programs, and performance management contribute to a motivated workforce that helps achieve business objectives. HR leaders are tasked with implementing practices that cultivate a positive work environment and drive success.
What role does HR play in shaping business objectives?
HR is crucial in helping shape and meet business objectives by ensuring that the organization’s human capital aligns with its goals. HR practices such as workforce planning, talent acquisition, and employee development are integral to ensuring the company has the right people in place to meet its objectives. HR leaders also collaborate with other departments to ensure that the workforce is agile and able to respond to changing business demands.
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