THE ROLE OF THE HR DIRECTOR
The HR Director is a senior HR trained and experienced professional. A member of the main board or top level management team.
They will almost certainly have their own departmental management structure comprising next level management that specialise in particular areas of HR such as Recruitment, Training or payroll. They in turn will have their teams to carry out these HR functions.
The HR function is often seen as a lesser important function in the company but this is so wrong. The HR function is critically important. No more so than at times of company turnarounds, downsizing or expansion.
HR has a critical role to play in making sure there is a healthy culture in the organisation. Sadly there are still plenty of corporate companies where staff don’t feel valued. They feel they are swimming in a sea of clique based politics. This means many HR functions are spectacularly failing in this area and oblivious to what is happening.
The role of an HR Director in the UK is to develop and implement HR strategies that support the overall goals of the organisation, while also ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Some specific responsibilities of a UK HR Director may include:
Talent management:
The HR Director is responsible for attracting, developing, and retaining talent within the organisation. This may include designing and implementing recruitment and retention strategies, as well as ensuring that employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively.
Performance management:
The HR Director is responsible for designing and implementing performance management processes, including setting performance targets, conducting performance reviews, and providing feedback and support to employees.
Employee relations:
The HR Director is responsible for managing employee relations, including ensuring compliance with relevant employment laws and regulations, addressing employee grievances, and promoting positive employee engagement and communication.
Compensation and benefits:
The HR Director is responsible for designing and implementing compensation and benefits strategies that support the organisation’s goals and values, while also ensuring that the organisation remains competitive in the labour market.
Payroll
The HR function is responsible for ensuring everyone gets paid. HR are the only ones that can define and monitor the accuracy of all the data to do with Payroll
Training and development:
The HR Director is responsible for designing and implementing training and development programmes that support employee development and career progression, while also ensuring that employees have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively.
Overall, the HR Director plays a critical role in ensuring that the organisation has the talent, skills, and resources needed to achieve its goals. The HR Director works closely with senior leadership to align HR strategies with business objectives, while also ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations and promoting positive employee engagement and communication.
The IOD on the role of the HR Director
Job Description of HR Director
Good article from SAGE on 50 Mistakes an HR Director should avoid
