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HR Director Career Guide

HR directors define and lead human resources strategy by overseeing talent management, employee relations, and organizational development. They align people's policies with business goals to support performance and long-term growth. Here’s what the role involves and how to prepare for it.

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The key points

  • Entry requirements Post-baccalaureate level training in Business, Management, and Management
  • Average salary Average annual starting salary (between 50,000 and 75,000 gross per year)
  • Miniature horloge Duties Recruit talent - Conduct negotiations - Ensure the optimization of working conditions in the company
  • Miniature discussion Skills Rigor - Project management - Sense of communication - Excellent interpersonal skills - Knows how to listen
  • Miniature sacoche Career progression Evolve towards the top of a company - Choose to become independent
  • Pictogramme campus ISC Paris courses Bachelor in Human Resources/ CSR - Master in Consulting and Project Management - MSc in HR Management and Organizational Transformation

What does an HR Director do?

The human resources director, abbreviated as HRD, is responsible for the human resources department of a company. 

They manage staff and ensure that processes and systems are in place to harmonize relations between the employer and employees. They also ensure that the company hires qualified employees and offers optimal working conditions.

The HRD supervises the recruitment and remuneration of employees, while coordinating a team of specialists. Their role is cross-functional, working closely with senior management and in direct contact with employees, ensuring constructive social dialogue.

Their skills cover a wide range of areas: they are both experts in labour law, defending the interests of the employer and employees, and in management, coordinating different teams and projects.

They sometimes have to make difficult decisions, particularly regarding dismissals, which means they must keep a cool head in all situations in order to fulfil their role.

Programme ISC Paris

What does the job of HR Director involve?

How to become an HR Director

To become an HR director, it is generally necessary to climb the corporate ladder. Most directors have previously held positions such as HR Manager or personnel administration manager. There are several training programmes that lead to a position as human resources director, including courses in human resources, management, project management, law, and economics. Training programmes requiring a five-year degree are widely preferred due to the responsibilities that HR directors assume.

Starting with a bachelor’s degree

After completing your baccalaureate, you can pursue a two-year degree with a BTS in Management or a BTS in Management Assistance.

For a three-year degree, several bachelor’s degrees are available, such as a bachelor’s degree in HR management. Bachelor’s degrees have the advantage of being highly professional, offering rapid entry into the job market.

To climb the ladder and become a human resources director, ISC Paris offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources and CSR. This degree incorporates current HR issues to train operational managers at the end of the programme.

Continue with a master’s degree

Several master’s degrees allow you to complete your studies with a view to becoming an HR director:

It is also possible to pursue a Master of Science (MSc), an internationally recognized degree, such as the MSc in Human Resources Management and Organisational Transformation. This programme paves the way for a career as a human resources director, both in France and abroad.

Trainings to become an HR Director proposed by ISC Paris

STUDY AT ISC PARIS…
with a Bachelor in Human Resources / CSR
ISC Visuel for the presentation of the Project Consulting and Management Master
STUDY AT ISC PARIS…
with a Master in Project Consulting and Management
STUDY AT ISC PARIS…
with a MSc in HR Management

The main tasks of an HR Director

1) Legal knowledge: To perform their duties, HR Directors must demonstrate a solid understanding of corporate law, labour law and public law. They must be well versed in the legal regulations applicable to the company and not hesitate to consult the legal department if they have any questions.

2) Management skills: This management position requires effective day-to-day team management. Project management, cross-functional management… they know how to manage and implement reliable operational processes to ensure optimal human resources management.

3) Sound economic vision: in order to defend the interests of the company while ensuring fair remuneration and the well-being of employees, the HR Director has a strong economic culture. They make difficult decisions when necessary and ensure the economic performance of the company.

What skills do you need to be an HR Director?

  • Strong managerial skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Good listener
  • Diplomatic
  • Organisational and planning skills
  • Rigorous and disciplined
  • Proactive
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Good communicator

What are the career opportunities for an HR Director?

The position of human resources director is often a goal in itself, but once achieved, career development does not stop there.

Ultimately, an HR director can rise to the highest management positions in a company, such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or secretary general. They may also choose to set up their own business as a consultant. Here are more details:

HOW MUCH DOES AN HR DIRECTOR EARN?
What is the salary of a junior HR Director?
At the start of their career, human resources directors earn on average between €50,000 and €75,000 gross per year, or €4,150 to €6,250 gross per month. The range is wide because salary depends on the size of the company. The larger the company, the more responsibilities the HR director has and the higher their salary.
Additional salary is also added to this base, particularly in the form of performance bonuses and a 13th month or additional month’s salary. This variable portion can amount to €8,000 per year.
A junior HR director may also enjoy several benefits, such as a company car in certain sectors, as well as coverage of transport costs and meal vouchers.
HOW MUCH DOES AN HR DIRECTOR EARN?
What is the salary of a senior HR Director?
The salary of a senior human resources director is generally between €55,000 and €90,000 gross per year. Their fixed salary is between €4,600 and €7,500 per month. The variable portion averages €14,000 per year and corresponds to performance bonuses and a 13th and 14th month’s salary.
The salary of an experienced HR director is linked to their experience and the size of the company they work for. With more than 10 years’ experience in the sector, their salary can reach €110,000 per year, including additional remuneration.
A recent study by Robert Walter also highlighted salary variations according to company size. For example, the average salary for HR directors working in CAC40 companies is around €250,000 per year.