The profession of a Human Resources Manager
Becoming a Human Resources Manager means playing a central role in all personnel-related actions: recruitment, payroll management, career tracking...
The Human Resources Manager serves as an operational manager. Working closely with teams, this manager ensures that talents are optimally utilized to serve the company. In close collaboration with the Director of Human Resources, they implement the company’s strategy on the ground.
The Master’s in Human Resource Management at Université Paris Dauphine-PSL combines management and social sciences. It equips future HR managers with a comprehensive understanding of HR challenges, the ability to manage company HR policies, and the skills to support social, strategic, and human transformations.
Role and responsibilities of a Human Resources Manager
The Human Resources Manager (HR Manager) is responsible for the strategic and operational management of human resources within the company. They work in key areas, ranging from recruitment to career management, training, talent management, and labor relations. The HR Manager ensures that the company has the necessary skills to achieve its goals while guaranteeing employee well-being and motivation.
Their duties include developing and implementing HR policies, monitoring individual and collective performance, and managing internal conflicts. In close collaboration with managers, they ensure that human resources align with the organization's overall strategy. The HR Manager also plays a key role in the digital transformation of HR practices, integrating technological tools to improve process efficiency and enhance talent retention.
Daily tasks
On a daily basis, the HR Manager's functions involve carrying out diverse tasks:
- Develop and implement recruitment strategies
- Enhance employer branding and team cohesion
- Define and execute a consistent HR policy
- Implement a training plan
- Monitor and evaluate productivity and workplace well-being
- Participate in negotiations with unions
- Support organizational change and internal mobility
- Manage payroll, bonuses, and reward policies
- Handle resignation, dismissal, and employee replacement procedures
- Inform employees about company policies, culture, and procedures
- Collaborate with staff representatives and the CHSCT to update mandatory documents related to health and safety at work
- Implement the Works Council (CSE) or remote working policies
- Manage internal communication and events
Salaries and career progression
The Human Resources Manager holds an executive position. In France, the median salary is €40,000 gross annually for an entry-level profile. Once experienced, a seasoned Human Resources Manager can earn up to €55,000 gross per year, excluding bonuses. With solid experience in HR management, they may also move into the role of HR Director.
Specializing in labor law, recruitment, or crisis management can open doors to new career paths. A Human Resources Manager can pursue roles such as headhunter, HR trainer, change management consultant, and more.
Required skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Team spirit
- Strong organizational and follow-up abilities
- Adaptability to change
- Teaching skills
- Leadership
- Good memory for names and faces
- Crisis response capabilities
- Negotiation skills
- Proficiency in HR software and digital environments
- Analytical and planning mindset
- Genuine commitment to the well-being and performance of teams
What studies are required to become a Human Resources Manager ?
Becoming an HR Manager requires solid theoretical knowledge in organizational management, labor law, payroll management, and recruitment, as well as undeniable interpersonal skills. A Master's degree (Bac+5) is required, along with three years of professional experience.
First and foremost, obtaining a Master's in Human Resources is essential to gain all the theoretical knowledge related to HR challenges. Initial internships and possibly a first work-study experience will allow future graduates to apply these teachings in a professional context.
Training to Become a Human Resources Manager at Université Paris Dauphine-PSL
Université Paris Dauphine-PSL offers a multidisciplinary Master’s in Human Resources Management, with a strong focus on professionalization. This program provides future Human Resources Managers with a comprehensive view of corporate challenges. Theoretical courses, professional conferences, group projects, and case study methods enable students to apply their knowledge within the business context. They learn to adapt their skills to every situation in their professional lives.
Another advantage of Université Paris Dauphine-PSL is the opportunity for students to participate in international exchange programs with numerous partner universities worldwide. National and global companies also offer internships, VIE (International Volunteer Program), or highly professionalizing work-study opportunities. For example, 63.3% of the 2019 graduating class had secured their first HR job before even receiving their Master’s degree.