What are the Different Human Resources Director Jobs?

Many organizations want to attract and retain well-qualified employees. A human resources (HR) department is likely to help in this area and also perform multiple other functions, such as administer employee benefits. Human resources director jobs, which usually oversee HR departments, may be found in many diverse capacities. As a business partner, for example, the director is likely to align labor capital with organizational objectives. Regional HR directors may travel between various office locations, while other directors may oversee coaching and recruitment efforts or manage collective bargaining initiatives.

Companies of all sizes often maintain a human resources (HR) department to improve the performance of individuals and administer employee benefits. The people who work in such departments often serve as liaisons between senior managers and subordinates, thus opening the channels of communication and promoting a positive work environment. Director of human resources jobs likely oversee HR departments and ensure team members implement appropriate programs according to local or national labor laws.

HR departments often perform similar functions in many different environments. A classic human resources director job description may therefore include the following functions: prepare and maintain an HR budget, maintain thorough and current knowledge of employee regulations and laws and instruct staff in interpretation of HR policies. Directors may also monitor and analyze employee turnover statistics, establish and maintain workplace safety programs and manage all personnel files.

Human resources director jobs are sometimes combined with business partner functions. These positions may promote performance-driven cultures that enable organizations to meet their objectives. Responsibilities are likely to include partnering with senior managers to align business initiatives with labor strategies, manage human resources team members and provide daily support to departments regarding all employee concerns and questions. Directors in these capacities may also administer human resources policies and procedures, lead employee events and implement programs for employee development.

National or international businesses with widespread office locations often employ a multitude of people. Such companies may hold regional human resources director jobs to help manage functions and answer employee concerns. These positions are likely to administer human resources policies based upon current employment laws, regulations and guidelines. They may also give company-wide presentations, communicate new policies and directives to employees and guide change efforts where and when the company deems necessary. Regional directors often travel considerable distances and thus are likely to work both independently and in team environments.

In some instances, directors oversee HR functions and team members as well as manage coaching and recruitment efforts. Job duties are thus likely to include coordinating and monitoring hiring efforts, screening and reference-checking all non-exempt candidates and managing new employee orientation programs. Such human resources director jobs may also establish and maintain wage and salary classifications, conduct performance evaluations and approve all employee transitions. In terms of coaching, these positions often conduct training classes, evaluate employees to determine how their talents fit into the company culture and ensure managers use counseling and discipline techniques to address issues or concerns.

A manufacturing environment may be composed of employees who belong to labor or workforce unions, such as the automobile industry of the U.S. These environments likely need human resources director jobs skilled in collective bargaining. In turn, the directors may propose contract changes and/or renew union contracts on behalf of the company. Such personnel members may also act as mediators or facilitators to help both parties establish bargaining rules, ensure the needs and interests of everyone concerned are fully expressed, and guide bargaining meetings to the satisfaction of all participants.

A graduate degree in labor relations or business administration may be required for many human resources director jobs. Experience in HR is likely to be another requirement, and some employers may also expect directors to hold applicable professional certification. In the U.S., for example, the Society for Human Resources Management offers a Senior Professional in Human Resources certificate. People in the United Kingdom may obtain the two-tiered Certificate in Human Resources Administration.