The job description of the personnel manager

Pay, holidays, management of working conditions, training... This is the world of the personnel officer, also known as the personnel administration officer. A key position in the HR function, he or she is responsible for supervising all activities relating to administrative policy and personnel management. Daily tasks, skills, training, salary... Find out all about this job from the IPAG business school.

What is the role of a personnel manager?

Coming from an HR background, personnel managers play a central role in companies. This professional is responsible for the smooth running of work organisation and human resources management activities, from recruitment to skills development and career management. They are responsible for administrative management, managing employees' working conditions and managing any conflicts (linked to promotion, career development, transfers, leave, etc.). Its role is to ensure dialogue between employees and the various hierarchies in order to effectively implement the personnel management strategy defined by management, as well as labour law regulations.

What does a personnel manager do?

The job of personnel manager involves a wide range of tasks to ensure good organisation of work, good conditions and the allocation of resources.

Responsible for the administrative management of employees, he or she first and foremost manages each employee individually and keeps their file up to date: management of the employment contract, absenteeism, leave, promotions, transfers or even management of social security contributions. The head of personnel deals with training plans for each employee and anticipates job changes in order to reorganise the workforce.

As a key player in human resources within the company, the Head of Personnel acts as a manager, supervising the administrative teams and handling all the legal documents relating to human resources management (contracts, URSSAF declarations, occupational medicine, etc.).

As the first point of contact for employees, you will liaise with management and trade unions and ensure that agreements reached are properly implemented. By listening to employees' needs, they are able to develop human resources procedures (organisation of working hours, collective variable pay systems, etc.). This expert ensures that the company complies with its legal obligations in terms of employment law and the collective agreement.

What are the professional skills of a personnel manager?

To carry out their duties properly, personnel administration managers need to have professional skills in management, administration and logistics. They must have an excellent knowledge of employment law and master all aspects of human resources: recruitment, payroll, employment law, legal obligations in terms of personnel management. A good command of IT tools, particularly management software, is essential for this role. Fluency in English is also required in international companies.

What are the personal qualities of a personnel manager?

In constant contact with a wide range of people, personnel managers demonstrate strong leadership and excellent communication skills. With managerial skills, this professional is attentive to employees, understands different positions to anticipate elements of conflict, and also has strength of conviction. Empathy, active listening, diplomacy and organisation are essential qualities in this role.

What training do I need to become a personnel manager?

There are a number of training courses available for this job, ranging from Bac+3 to Bac+5 at university or business school level. Bachelor's degrees in human resources, DUTs in management and administration and many other bachelor's degrees enable students to acquire knowledge in the fields of law, management, human resources, psychology, etc. At IPAG, we offer a master's degree in human resources or a Grande École programme preparing future graduates to be operational on the job market. Specialisation modules and experience abroad enable students to master all aspects of the HR function and promise them great job opportunities in France or abroad.

Personnel manager: a different job depending on the size of the company

In a small or medium-sized company, the role of personnel manager is varied. He or she is the coordinator of all HR issues within the organisation: social relations, recruitment, training, payroll and other projects. In a large company, on the other hand, he or she is surrounded by a team (HR assistant, recruitment officer, employment lawyer, etc.) to implement the HR projects designed by management. Whatever the size of the company, it is essential that the head of personnel applies inclusive management and ethical management for the well-being of the company's employees.

What does a personnel manager earn?

At the start of their career, personnel managers can earn an average of between €2,500 and €3,000 a month, rising to around €5,000 a month as they gain experience.

What are the career prospects for a personnel manager?

Personnel managers can use their experience to move up within a large company, or they can move towards a position as director of human resources.

In the context of well-being in the workplace, IPAG offers one-day training courses on psychosocial risks in the workplace for professionals involved in quality of working life issues.