Less paperwork, more work with people

HR Manager: Who They Are, What They Do, and Why They’re Key to a Company’s Success

An Head of HR is responsible for managing human resources within a company, often referred to as human resource managers or Human Resources Managers, especially in professional and governmental documents. In modern companies, their role is evolving thanks to digital workplace policies and the rise of digital tools.

What does the abbreviation HR manager mean?

The abbreviation HR comes from the English term Human Resources. So, an HR manager is someone responsible for the human resources area. Nowadays, there’s ongoing discussion about whether the term human resources sounds too impersonal – which is why, especially in smaller companies and startups, the title People and Culture Manager is increasingly used. In Czech, the term Personnel Manager is also commonly used.

What are the responsibilities of an HR manager?

The responsibilities of an HR manager vary depending on the size and type of company. In smaller companies, this person might also serve as a recruiter or HR specialist, whereas in larger organizations, they lead the entire HR department and help shape company strategy. Common responsibilities include:

• Managing the HR team,
• Developing and overseeing performance management systems and setting measurable performance goals,
• Compensation and employee benefits,
• Designing training procedures and managing talent management initiatives,
• Handling employee relations and conflict resolution,
• Implementing HR Information Systems, Applicant Tracking Systems, and Process Automation tools,
• Increasing employee engagement and satisfaction,
• Ensuring compliance with labor law and maintaining effective organizational policy

If it’s a “one-man show” and the HR manager doesn’t have a team yet, they also handle recruiting and onboarding, maintain personnel records, and manage related administration (such as payroll documentation, attendance tracking, etc.).

So if you’re wondering what an HR manager does, the answer is: everything related to people in the company. 🙂

What is the salary of an HR manager?

There’s no single answer to this question – it depends on the region, experience, company size, and industry. In the Czech Republic, the monthly salary of an HR manager generally ranges between CZK 50,000 and 100,000, which corresponds to various median annual wage and percentile wage ranges based on wage estimates. These estimates reflect Total Compensation for full-time hours.

Companies can also hire interim HR leaders who help set up processes or manage projects without the need to employ someone full-time. This model is ideal, for example, for smaller growing startups.

The Role of the HR Manager in a Company

The role of the HR leader should be strategic. Gone are the days when HR was just about paperwork and attendance. Today, the job also includes data analysis, building company culture, employer branding, and supporting line managers in team leadership. This role is especially crucial in times of rapid labor market changes, where labor and employee relations, organizational leadership, and initiatives around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) play a vital role. HR managers today also explore Artificial Intelligence, generative AI, and AI law as emerging trends affecting HR.

The HR manager should be part of strategic discussions and act as an equal partner to other managers. It’s not enough to just “handle people” – they must understand the business, the company’s direction, and know how to connect it with people and company culture. People are what drive the company forward – and if the processes are well designed, people stay engaged and motivated, and the company’s strategic goals are much easier to achieve.

HR Manager and Modern Systems

Modern HR systems help managers track certifications and ensure ongoing HR Compliance Training, Safety Evaluations, and enforce policies around equal employment opportunity, sexual harassment, and workplace safety. Advanced systems can also create customized tables and improve the reliability of a survey statistic for informed decision-making.

Working with data is very important in HR – nearly everything can be measured. It’s the HR manager’s role to set the right goals and determine what to focus on. A well-chosen HR system can be a huge help in this regard.

Conclusion

The HR manager is a key figure in every company. It’s someone who understands both people and business. If you’re interested in the role of an HR manager or considering a career in human resources, this is definitely a meaningful and dynamic profession with great potential.