HR Manager job description
Cloutra team · Last updated October 12, 2026
An HR manager runs a company's human resources function, from hiring and onboarding to employee relations, policies and compliance. Use this HR manager job description template to attract qualified candidates, and adjust the duties and requirements to fit your company.
HR Manager responsibilities include:
- Leading hiring, onboarding and employee development
- Handling employee relations and workplace policies
- Keeping the company compliant with employment laws
Job brief
We are looking for an HR Manager to lead our human resources function and help us hire, support and keep great people.
In this role you will oversee recruiting and onboarding, manage employee relations, maintain our policies, and guide managers on performance and people issues. You will work closely with company leadership and be a trusted contact for employees at every level.
To succeed, you should know employment law and HR practices well, handle sensitive matters with discretion, and be able to balance the needs of employees with the needs of the business.
Responsibilities
- Manage the recruiting process and work with hiring managers to fill open roles
- Oversee onboarding and offboarding for all employees
- Advise managers and employees on workplace issues and help resolve conflicts
- Write, update and communicate HR policies and the employee handbook
- Run the performance review process and support managers with feedback and improvement plans
- Administer compensation and benefits programs with payroll and outside providers
- Keep the company compliant with federal, state and local employment laws
- Plan training and development programs
- Maintain accurate employee records and report on HR measures such as turnover and time to hire
- Lead and develop the HR team
Requirements and skills
- Proven experience as an HR Manager or in a senior HR generalist role
- Sound knowledge of federal and state employment laws and HR practices
- Experience with recruiting, employee relations and performance management
- Hands-on experience with HR information systems and applicant tracking systems
- Clear written and spoken communication, including in difficult conversations
- Discretion and sound judgment with confidential matters
- Ability to lead a team and advise managers at all levels
- Degree in human resources, business or a related field, or equivalent experience. An HR certification such as SHRM-CP or PHR is a plus
Hiring an HR Manager?
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Frequently asked questions
What does an HR manager do?
An HR manager leads a company's human resources work, which covers hiring, onboarding, employee relations, performance, benefits, policies and compliance with employment law.
What are the duties and responsibilities of an HR manager?
Typical duties include managing recruiting and onboarding, advising managers on people issues, resolving workplace conflicts, maintaining HR policies, running performance reviews, overseeing benefits, keeping employee records and making sure the company follows employment laws.
What makes a good HR manager?
A good HR manager is fair, discreet and approachable, knows employment law well, listens carefully to both employees and managers, and can turn business goals into practical people plans.
Who does an HR manager work with?
HR managers usually report to an HR director, a chief people officer or the head of the company. They work with company leadership, department managers, employees, the payroll and finance teams, and outside benefits providers and legal advisors.