Becoming an HR Manager

HR Managers are essential in managing the human resources department's daily functions, including recruitment, onboarding, and employee training programs. They ensure that every aspect of the employment process is handled smoothly, from the initial job posting to the final offer letter. Their role also includes overseeing employee performance management systems, which are crucial for aligning individual performance with the company’s strategic goals. HR Managers are also responsible for developing compensation and benefits programs that attract and retain top talent, ensuring that the company remains competitive in the job market.

The responsibilities of an HR Manager extend to developing and enforcing policies that promote a positive organizational culture. This includes handling conflict resolution and ensuring that the company’s labor relations practices are fair and compliant with all relevant laws. Additionally, HR Managers play a significant role in strategic planning, particularly in workforce planning and succession planning. They work closely with senior management to ensure that the organization’s human resources are aligned with its long-term business objectives, making HR a crucial part of the company’s success.

An HR Manager must possess a diverse set of skills, including strong communication and interpersonal skills, which are essential for managing employee relations and ensuring effective communication within the organization. Additionally, they must have a solid understanding of HR technologies and management systems, which are critical for efficiently managing HR processes such as payroll, benefits administration, and performance tracking. A deep knowledge of labor laws and regulations is also crucial, as HR Managers must ensure that the company is in full compliance with all legal requirements, reducing the risk of litigation and promoting a fair and equitable workplace.

To aim for the position of HR manager, the Master in Management - Grande Ecole program is the ideal path.

At emlyon business school, students benefit from an exploration period in the first year before deciding on a specialization in the Master cycle. In the first year of the Master, students specialize while adjusting their choices based on their projects.

In the second year of this Master’s degree program, students deepen their chosen specialization or acquire multidisciplinary skills through options such as dual degrees, international periods with academic partners, apprenticeships, specialization tracks, and elective courses.

The comprehensive curriculum at emlyon business school provides students with the opportunity to develop expertise in key areas of human resources management. This includes not only the theoretical aspects of HR but also the practical application of these principles through real-world projects. The program also emphasizes leadership development, preparing students to take on senior roles within the HR field, where they can make a significant impact on both the company’s culture and its bottom line. By focusing on both strategic and operational aspects of HR, emlyon business school ensures that its graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of today’s dynamic business environment.

An HR Manager's salary depends on the number of people he or she manages (and thus the size of the company) and the scope of his or her responsibilities. Here are some guidelines:

• Starting salary: €42K-50K gross per year
• 2 to 5 years of experience: €45K-55K gross per year
• Confirmed salary: €50K-65K gross per year
• Experienced salary: €60K-75K gross per year

After gaining significant experience as an HR Manager, they can progress to a larger and more complex HR Director position. They can also move into a more specialized role, such as head of social relations.

With its action-based pedagogy, emlyon offers an innovative alternative that views learning as an ongoing project that impacts the world. This approach to learning goes beyond the mere transfer of academic knowledge and emphasizes the concept of "learning experiences". This allows students to maintain a constant connection between reflection and action, following the fundamental principle of "learning by doing, doing to learn”.