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Human Resources Executive Job Description

Publish: April 2, 2021

Author: StrongerTeams Editorial

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Human Resources Executive Job Description

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A Human Resources Executive is the leader of the entire HR function in an organization. They plan, direct, and control all the HR activities and work closely with the CEO to ensure the satisfaction of existing employees and position the organization as an employer of choice for qualified candidates.

The Human Resources Executive role is strategic and high-profile. Successful Human Resources Executives are highly experienced in both HR and general business and are comfortable with the highest levels of responsibility.

Similar Job Titles:

HR Director, Assistant Director of Human Resources, HR Manager, Senior HR Business Partner, Director of Compensation and Benefits

What Does a Human Resources Executive Typically Do?

A Human Resources Executive sets the organization’s HR strategy, directs HR activities, and ensures that the HR function contributes to the success of the organization.

A Human Resources Executive’s role consists of:

Collaborating with senior management to define an efficient HR strategy
Developing the annual HR plan
Ensuring the delivery of the HR plan
Leading and directing the HR team
Negotiating with employee representatives and stakeholders
Networking with external stakeholders, HR specialists, and colleagues
Keeping abreast of global HR trends and developments

Collaborating With Senior Management To Define an Efficient HR Strategy

A Human Resources Executive works closely with the organization’s executive team to understand the role HR must play in the organization. They must fully comprehend each department’s strategy and growth plans and develop an overarching HR strategy that ensures the organization can deliver on the plans.

A Human Resources Executive must be aware of expansion plans, planned business acquisitions, new product launches, manufacturing upgrades, and all other proposed changes in the organization. The HR strategies may handle, oversee, and delegate recruiting, training, compensation and benefits, payroll, and organization policies and procedures.

Developing the Annual HR Plan

The organizational HR plan must be strategically aligned and meet the needs of the organization. The plan must include empirical targets, objectives, tactics, and performance metrics broken down by individual HR disciplines, by month, and by task.

A Human Resources Executive must include budgets, spending plans, and cost-benefit analyses in the plan and must present the plan to executive management for approval. Once the plan is approved, the Human Resources Executive must present the plan to the HR team for the assignment of individual tasks, responsibilities, and performance criteria.

Successful Human Resources Executives collaborate with the HR team in developing the annual plan and thereby ensure buy-in and ownership.

Ensuring the Delivery of the HR Plan

The HR team implements the plan under the direction and supervision of a Human Resources Executive. Project management skills assist in tracking progress on individual tasks, and a Human Resources Executive should use them to ensure that all the team members are contributing to the plan’s implementation.

The HR team compiles monthly progress reports for the Human Resources Executive, who collates them into an executive summary for senior management.

Leading and Directing the HR Team

Team leadership and direction are a core task for a Human Resources Executive. Depending on the organization, this may necessitate a multi-tiered approach rather than a flat structure of direct reports.

A Human Resources Executive’s direct reports may include Payroll, Compensation and Benefits, Hiring, Policies, and Development Managers who are in turn reported to by administrative and clerical employees.

Each direct report is held accountable for the achievement of goals and must mentor, coach, and develop their team to improve continuously.

Negotiating With Employee Representatives and Stakeholders

A Human Resources Executive may need to lead negotiations with employee representatives or unions over remuneration, working conditions, or benefits. Expert negotiation skills and the ability to reach a win-win resolution are required in this role.

Networking With External Stakeholders, HR Specialists, and Colleagues

Networking with executives from other organizations, industry bodies, and business forums can be an effective way of positioning the organization and understanding new developments in the HR field.

Keeping Abreast of Global HR Trends and Developments

Global changes in HR practice can have an impact on local HR practices, so a Human Resources Executive should be aware of any shifts in the global HR environment, such as remote working, virtual teams, or outsourcing initiatives.

A Human Resources Executive should analyze these trends and changes and assess whether they would be viable and beneficial for the organization.

Roles a Human Resources Executive Typically Collaborates With

A Human Resources Executive collaborates closely with the following roles:

Collaborative Roles
Compensation and Benefits Manager	Benefits Manager	Payroll Manager
Director of Finance	Marketing Director	Chief Executive Officer

Human Resources Executive Salary

A Human Resources Executive’s earnings will be between $200,000 and $314,000 annually in the U.S. The median is around $249,505.

What Is the Human Resources Executive Pay Difference by Location?

Location will alter a Human Resources Executive’s average salary as follows:

City	Average Salary
San Francisco, CA	$311,882
Seattle, WA	$272,809
Denver, CO	$252,325
Austin, TX	$245,389
Washington, D.C.	$277,749
Milwaukee, WI	$246,933
Boston, MA	$281,118
New York, NY	$300,155

What Is the Human Resources Executive Pay Difference by Experience Level?

A Human Resource Executive’s experience will affect their salary as follows:

Experience Level	Average Salary
< 1 year	$221,246
1–4 years	$224,964
5–9 years	$233,145
10–19 years	$251,416
20+ years	$259,058