Company: Consumer/ Manufacturing/Export

Designation: General manager HR

Location: Kolkata

Key Roles and Responsibilities of HR Manager

The roles and responsibilities of HR managers have evolved far beyond the traditional scope. Today, HR Managers play a hybrid role that combines strategic thinking, people management, legal compliance, and business consulting.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the key roles:

1. Strategic Workforce Planning

- HR Managers play a strategic role in assessing future workforce needs. This includes analyzing talent gaps, planning for retirements, aligning HR with business goals, and forecasting hiring needs.

- Example: Collaborating with department heads to create a 12-month hiring roadmap based on projected business growth.

2. Talent Acquisition and Recruitment

- Recruitment is one of the most visible roles of an HR manager. This includes creating job descriptions, sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and improving employer branding.

- Example: Implementing applicant-tracking systems (ATS) to streamline the hiring process and reduce time-to-hire.

3. Onboarding and Employee Integration

- An HR Manager ensures new hires are integrated smoothly into the company culture and systems. A solid onboarding program boosts retention and productivity.

- Example: Designing a 30-60-90 day onboarding plan with checkpoints for new employees.

4. Employee Relations and Conflict Resolution

- Handling interpersonal issues, disputes, or misunderstandings is a critical aspect of employee relations. HR Managers act as neutral facilitators while also protecting company interests.

- Example: Mediating between a team lead and staff member over misaligned expectations and updating role clarity documents.

5. Training, Learning & Development

- HR Managers are responsible for upskilling the workforce. They identify skill gaps, recommend learning solutions, and track employee development progress.

- Example: Collaborating with online platforms to roll out mandatory compliance training and optional leadership modules.

6. Performance Management and Appraisals

- Creating a transparent and objective performance review system is another essential function. HR helps set KPIs, coach managers on feedback delivery, and ensure fair evaluation.

- Example: Implementing a quarterly performance review cycle with 360-degree feedback.

7. Compensation and Benefits Strategy

- HR Managers help design competitive salary structures and benefits packages that support recruitment and retention goals.

- Example: Conducting a market analysis to adjust salary bands and introduce flexible benefits.

8. Legal Compliance and Risk Management

- They ensure that the organization complies with labor laws, employment standards, and internal policies-protecting it from legal risks.

- Example: Auditing personnel files and updating employee handbooks based on new labor regulations.

9. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives

- The modern HR Manager champions inclusive policies, equitable hiring practices, and cultural awareness programs.

- Example: Launching a DEI task force to improve recruitment and workplace inclusion across departments.