How To Become A Human Resource (HR) Manager In Australia?

Do you have good leadership and problem-solving qualities and enjoy working with people? Then, a human resource manager career could be ideal for you.

Human resource (HR) managers monitor procedures and policies to recruit, interview, hire and train new employees. They also provide administration services concerning the employment and well-being of staff.

This role's minimum academic requirement includes a bachelor's qualification in a relevant field. A Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) or a Diploma in Human Resources Management to enter this role is beneficial.

This blog will teach you about the human resource (HR) manager role, educational requirements, entry-level salary, the demand for this job, qualifications, courses, degrees, employment prospects, and steps to launch this career.

1. Who Is A Human Resource (HR) Manager?

HR Managers manage the hiring process, including interviewing techniques and recruitment strategies to hire the most suitable candidates. They lead a team to create a safe, productive, and happy workplace for employers and staff.

HR professionals work with the workforce and ensure that all employees are assisted, well-trained, and rewarded. They implement policies to achieve transparency and establish guidelines.

They help organisations maximise the value of their employed workforce. This involves recruiting and retaining the best talent, inspiring workplace teams, and assisting employees in developing their skills and talents to realise their maximum potential. All this makes an organisation profitable and successful.

Human resources managers perform administration services concerning the recruitment and employment of human resource professionals. They develop and manage strategies, policies, and systems that ensure career development, recognition, and the well-being of the staff.

2. What Does A Human Resource (HR) Manager Do?

The typical duties of a human resource manager include the following:

• The human resource manager performs skill assessment and technical proficiency for each job and creates a job profile and duty statements accordingly.

• Inform about existing job vacancies in the organisation by advertising staff vacancies in online and offline media 

• Select the most suitable candidates from a pool of applicants. 

• Interview to determine the competency of an applicant for the job 

• Perform the induction process for new hires and provide adequate training. 

• Revise and examine human resource policies and strategies to meet company requirements

• Run occasional performance examinations of employees to plan, evaluate and enhance individual and team performance

• Determine salary, employment conditions, insurance, and other benefits to new hires on behalf of the organisation

• Develop recruitment policies that adhere to governmental occupational and employment regulations and local safety standards

• Design and execute a rewards and recognition strategy 

• Create and revise job descriptions

• Oversee recruitment, training, and employee performance

• Use management information systems to maintain up-to-date and accurate employment data and reports for all employees concerning their wages, leave and training, and superannuation.

• Resolve workplace conflicts or complaints, arrange counselling or assistance for staff to ensure that the workplace is free of harassment

• Handle complaints as per company policy and relevant laws. 

• Deal with payroll, occupational health and safety, sickness, performance, contracts, holiday allowances, and rights inquiries and complaints

• Advise managers with training, recruiting, and development programs

• Recommend potential policy changes to ensure employees a competitive salary package and benefits and help implement agreed changes. 

• Determine staffing skills, requirements, and numbers to meet the objectives of the organisation 

• Assist employees regarding work and personal issues and career progress

• Organise employee welfare services that include health and well-being programs, fire warden training, superannuation, first aid, and social activities

3. Essential Skills For A Human Resource (HR) Manager

HR manager's skills are broadly transferrable. So once you gain experience in this role, you can work in various businesses. 

So, let us look at the most sought personal attributes to become a successful HR manager:

• Approachable 

• Good oral and written communication 

• Good listening abilities

• Sensitive and clear communication

• Good planning, analytical, and organisational skills

• Tact and discretion 

• Leadership

• Non-judgemental

• Confident decision-making

• Critical thinking 

• Mediation skills

• Open-minded

• Efficient

• Confidence

• Goal-oriented

• Strategic thinking

• Ethical approach

• Good understanding of social responsibility 

• Digital Literacy

• Passion for learning and understanding people

• Strong time management skills

• Good interpersonal skills

4. Required HR Manager Qualifications In Australia

• Complete your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education in English to get your ATAR. Other subjects that can be useful are Mathematics, Business, and Psychology.

• Complete a relevant qualification in human resources, i.e., a Bachelor of Business (HR Management) or a Diploma in HR Management.

• To further study, consider completing a Graduate Certificate or Masters'Masters' qualification in human resources.

• Previous work experience in human resources is an added advantage.

5. Steps To Become A Human Resource (HR) Manager In Australia

Here are the steps to get started in this human resource manager profession:

Step 1: Complete Your Formal Education

To be a human resource officer in Australia, the essential qualification you require is an undergraduate degree focusing on human resource management.

• Bachelor of Business (HR Management) or 

• Diploma of Human Resources Management

Suppose you already hold an undergraduate but unrelated qualification. In that case, earning a postgraduate degree will help you progress your career in this field.

• Master of Human Resource Management or 

• Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

A Master'sMaster's qualification can qualify you for consulting, directing, and advising HR roles. The peak industry body of Australia – the Australian Human Resources Institute, conducts a learning program that leads to postgraduate HR certification. A membership in AHRI will help you stay updated with the recent developments in human resources.

A Certificate IV in Human Resources (an Online course of 18 months) will help you secure an administrative position in an HR department. The credit you gain can benefit you when pursuing a higher qualification or applying for promotions.

Besides full-time or part-time modes, many Australian universities also offer these courses as online learning.

Step 2: Gain Work Experience

Entering this position is also possible without a degree when you have several years of experience working in administration, support, and payroll services in businesses. 

Many NGOs and student organisations offer volunteering opportunities to gain desired experience in recruitment.

Step 3: Apply For Jobs

Focus on building your professional network by attending networking events and seminars. At the same time, stay updated with the latest legislation, prepare for the interview, and refine your resume. 

Register on popular job sites, like Indeed, LinkedIn, etc., to learn about local job openings and attend job interviews as much as possible.

National Resources For an HR Manager are:

• National HR Summit Australia

• Australian HR Institute

• Australian Human Resources Institute

• RCSA Australia and New Zealand

6. Relevant Courses For HR Manager In Australia

HR management courses mainly focus on building your skills in talent management, recruitment, and managing inclusion and diversity in the company.

These government-accredited and nationally recognised qualification courses help students select and induct the workforce and assist in the performance management process.

The human resource management course at UWA teaches students about implementing industrial relations procedures, identifying risks, monitoring a safe workplace, and addressing customer needs.

Bachelor of Business (HR Management)

• RMIT University

• University of South Australia

• Swinburne University

• Flinders University

• UNSW 

• University of Western Australia

Diploma of Human Resources Management

• Swinburne University

• Monarch Institute

• Australian Institute of Management - TAFE

• AIM

Master of Human Resource Management

• University of Tasmania

• Swinburne University

• RMIT

• Deakin University

• Western Sydney University

• The University of New Castle

Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management

• Deakin University

• Charles Stuart University

• Swinburne University

• University of South Australia

• The University of New Castle 

• Griffith University

7. Human Resources (HR) Job Outlook In Australia

Due to the shortage of skills and tough competition for talent, many companies recognise the requirement for skilled professionals who can hire and retain the best employees and create loyal teams.

This has been the key factor behind the strong demand for HR professionals.

Human Resource is among those sectors that have grown considerably in the past few years. Job stability, great earning potential, influential role, work flexibility, and emotional fulfilment are a few reasons that make this occupation popular.

The vacancies for this position will grow strongly over the next few years. According to Job Outlook, the number of HR professionals will likely increase from 65,900 in 2020 to 86,800 by 2025. This puts you in a good position if you plan to become a human resources professional.

8. How Long Does It Take To Become A HR Manager In Australia?

Around 32.5% of HR Management professionals have a bachelor's degree, and 23.7% of employed HR Managers hold a Graduate Certificate or a Post Graduate Diploma.

If you choose to complete a bachelor's degree in HR i.e.

• Bachelor of Human Resource Management (3 years of full-time study)

• Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) (3 years of full-time study) 

• Diploma of Human Resources Management (6-8 months)

If you already hold an undergraduate degree, then you can consider

• A Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management (1 Year part-time) or 

• A Master of Human Resource Management (1.5 years full-time or three years part-time study).

Thus, based on your chosen career pathway, qualifying for an entry-level Human Resource Manager role in Australia can take between 3 to 5 years of full-time study.

9. Work Conditions For A Human Resource (HR) Manager

HR managers usually work in offices during regular business hours in many organisations. They may require travelling to field sites and distinct company locations to examine operations and administer staff.

Around 87% of HR managers work full-time, which is very high compared to the industry's average of 66%. Full-time workers work 46 hours per week.

The average working age in this sector is 44 years. Around 57% of the employed workforce constitute females compared to the industry's average of 48%.

10. Employment Opportunities For an HR Officer In Australia

HR officers work in small and large-sized organisations in banking, insurance, public administration, healthcare, retail and manufacturing, aviation, social assistance, and the shipping industry. They work in HR departments or human resources firms that offer outsourcing HR functions to clients.

When working in small organisations, they are mainly responsible for staffing matters. Large organisations specialise in specific areas, including wages, entitlements, recruitment, and staff training.

Work opportunities are available in the state, territory, and federal government departments. After retirement, many human resource professionals also choose to set up their consultancy businesses.

Career Opportunities For HR Managers Include:

• Human Resource Director

• Human Resource Consultant 

• Human Resource Advisor

• Human Resource Analyst

• Human Payroll Officer

• Remuneration Officer 

• Employment Relations Consultant 

• Human Resources Coordinator 

• Learning And Development Officer 

• Recruitment Officer 

• Staff Development Officer 

• Training Coordinator 

• People And Culture Specialist 

• A Human Resources Officer can choose to specialise in any of the following areas:

• Workplace Relations Manager 

• Occupational Health and Safety Manager

• Training and Development Manager

11. How Much Does an HR Manager Earn In Australia?

The human resources salary in Australia ranges between A$64k to A$134k. It depends on qualifications, experience, work area, employer, etc. 

The average human resources manager salary in Australia is AU$91,448, equivalent to $58.76 per hour or 2,464 per week.

Salary Based on Experience

• Entry-level Human Resources Manager with (< 1-year experience) earns AU$66,944 

• Early career HR Manager (1 to 4 years of experience) earns AU$ 76,940.

• Mid-career Human Resources Manager (5 to 9 years of experience) earns AU$ 95,004. 

• Experienced human resources officer salary in Australia with (10 to 19 years of experience) earns AU$102,187.

Salary Based on Location

• The human resources manager's salary in Sydney, NSW, is $127,326 per year

• Townsville - Queensland: $123,064 per year

• Adelaide - South Australia: $119,035 per year

• Perth - Western Australia: $117,933 per year

• Canberra - Australian Capital Territory: $114,843 per year

• Brisbane - Queensland: $112,937 per year

12. Conclusion

A career as a Human Resource Manager is an exciting and challenging profession with tremendous growth potential. It enables you to be at multiple departments forefront of a company.

The diversity of the role and the ability to add value to a company makes a career in human resources highly rewarding. Whether you are new to human resources or working in a junior-level role, the above career pathway will help you start achieving your dream.

Useful Links to Explore:

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia
• What to Study in Australia?