Human resources manager

Human resources managers oversee recruitment, performance, pay, wellbeing, training and development, employment relations and policies for the staff of an organisation.

Also known as

Human resource manager, HR manager, recruitment manager, employee relations manager, performance and retention manager, people and capability manager, people and performance manager

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours
  • Usually work in offices
  • Need to be organised, make decisions and communicate well

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$71K-$228K 71000

Typical tasks

  • Manage hiring and recruiting of staff
  • Oversee staff performance and wellbeing
  • Provide advice on employment laws
  • Review and update human resources policies
  • Advise managers on recruitment plans
  • Discuss terms of employment with staff
  • Manage and train staff
  • Review and update job descriptions
  • Answer human resources questions from staff
  • Use data to improve human resources decisions

Outlook

HR managers are becoming more involved in organisational strategy as employers adapt to skills shortages, changing employee expectations, flexible work and new technology. In New Zealand, employment relations, wellbeing, inclusion and retention remain important priorities. AI and people analytics can improve planning and administration, but bring privacy, fairness and change-management challenges. Demand will vary by industry and organisation size, with experienced HR leadership valued during change.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Sound judgement and ethical decision-making
  • Strong knowledge of employment relations and workplace practice
  • Ability to lead change and support managers
  • Clear communication and confident relationship-building
  • Strategic thinking using workforce information and data
  • Commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and fair workplace practices

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

Further study options

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.