HR director jobs are the ultimate career goal for many within the HR profession - they are what most HR generalists aspire to become, and so the competition for these jobs is always intense.

Find out more about these highly in-demand roles here.

What are HR directors responsible for?

HR director roles are generally very strategic, although the extent of this will vary depending on the size and type of business – for example, a HR director working within a small organisation may be expected to be more operational than they would within a large corporate organisation.

The tasks HR directors are usually responsible for also vary depending on the employer, but typical responsibilities tend to include:

  • Implementation of various HR initiatives, such as talent management programmes
  • Employee relations and performance management
  • Change management and organisational development
  • Mergers & acquisitions, and due diligence

A HR director would work closely with senior stakeholders and would typically report directly into the CEO or COO.

Do you have what it takes to become a HR director?

If you apply for a HR director role, securing it can be tough as you’ll be faced with strong competition from both inside and outside the organisation you are applying for.

Some common factors that employers look for when hiring, are that ideally you will be someone who is currently a senior HR business partner, head of HR or an HR director.

Specific sector experience is often considered important at this level, particularly in financial and professional services. However, there is likely to be crossover between closely aligned sectors within commerce (e.g. retail and FMCG, media and advertising, and telecommunications and technology).

You will need to show stability and clear career progression on your CV and demonstrate:

  • Credible representation of HR at board level
  • Occupational development, change and restructuring experience
  • Commercial understanding of the business
  • Knowledge of the positive impact of HR on the bottom line

HR directors represent the people within their business and therefore great interpersonal and communication skills are a must, as is excellent commercial acumen.

Looking for your next HR role? Search for the latest jobs here.

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