HR Manager - salary. responsibilities and competences

In the business world, HR managers play a crucial role in shaping organizational culture, selecting talent, and managing personnel. Understanding the role of an HR Manager and the salaries associated with it can help companies attract and retain the best specialists in the industry. In this article, we will look at both the scope of responsibilities and the level of salaries of HR managers in Poland. 

What salary can an HR manager expect? 

The salary of an HR manager can vary significantly depending on many factors, such as the size of the company, the industry, the location, and the level of experience of the employee themselves. Generally, HR manager salaries in Poland start from around 12 000 PLN gross per month for those at the early stages of their career and can rise to 20 000 PLN gross or more for experienced managers in large international corporations. 

Source of data: Antal Salary Report 2021, 2022, 2023 

In 2021, the salary for an experienced HR Manager ranged from 15,000 - 20,000 PLN gross, in 2022 it was 15,000 - 20,000 PLN gross, and in 2023 it rose to 20,000 - 30,000 PLN gross. 

In addition to basic salary, many HR managers receive additional benefits such as annual bonuses, health insurance packages, subsidies for sports cards, and opportunities for financing professional training and courses. The role of an HR manager requires continuous skill development, which is why employers often invest in further education for their employees. 

What are the duties and what does an HR manager do? 

The scope of duties of an HR manager is broad and varied, and their main tasks may include: 

• Recruitment and selection - The process of selecting the right candidates for the company, from conducting interviews to negotiating employment terms
• Development and training of employees - Organizing and managing training, courses, and other forms of education aimed at developing employees' skills
• Managing salaries and benefits - Designing salary systems and benefit packages that are attractive to employees but also cost-effective for the company
• Performance assessment - Conducting regular performance evaluations of employees and organizing feedback meetings
• Workplace relationship management - Resolving conflicts, managing relationships between employees, and creating a positive atmosphere at work

Each of these areas requires specialized knowledge and interpersonal skills, as HR managers often act as mediators between management and employees and between different teams within the organization

Sought-after competencies and skills in an HR Manager 

To effectively fulfill the role of an HR Manager, candidates must possess a broad set of competencies and skills, including: 

• Advanced communication skills — the ability to clearly convey information, negotiate, and build relationships
• Empathy and interpersonal skills — essential for understanding and managing the emotions and needs of employees
• Analytical and strategic thinking — allows for effective planning of HR activities in line with business goals
• Knowledge of labor law — necessary to keep the organization in compliance with regulations
• Change management skills — important in managing changes in organizational culture and work processes
• Current knowledge of market trends — enables the application of best industry practices and the adaptation of HR strategies to the modern labor market