Human resources managers
High opportunity occupation
Career Overview
Human resources managers direct, control and run the operations of human resources and personnel departments. They also develop and carry out policies and procedures regarding human resource planning, hiring, training and development and pay and benefit management.
Job Titles
Duties
Human resources managers perform some or all of the following duties:
- Direct the operations of human resources departments
- Develop human resource requirements with other managers
- Arrange internal and external training and hiring activities
- Develop and carry out labour relations policies and discuss agreements
- Organize employee development and health and safety programs
- Advise and help other managers to carry out human resource policies and programs
- Organize meetings on job policy as well as pay and benefits
- Follow laws and regulations such as the Pay Equity Act
Earnings
Earnings is income that workers receive in exchange for their labour. Depending on the type of employment, earnings can be in the form of wages (hourly), salaries (fixed monthly or annual) or self-employed earnings.
Work Environment
# Workers Employed
6,070% Employed Full Time
81%Human resources managers typically work in a conventional office environment.
Career Pathways
Progression to senior management positions is possible with experience. Other committees led by human resources managers may focus on issues such as alcohol or drug addiction.
Related Careers
Occupational Interests
It’s important to understand what kinds of occupations align with your interests.
For more about occupational interests visit Skills for the Future Workforce > Characteristics.
Here are the top occupational interest(s) for this career profile:
Education, Training and Skills
- A bachelor's degree in a field related to personnel management, such as business administration, industrial relations, commerce or psychology
or
Completion of a professional development program in personnel administration is required - Several years of experience as a personnel officer or human resource specialist are required
Education programs in B.C.
The following program areas are related to this occupation:
- Business Administration/Management/Commerce
- Human Resources
- International Business
- Psychology (Arts)
- Psychology (Science)
Skills
Every job calls for a certain set of skills. Knowing those skills is the first step in finding a good career fit.
Here, you will find the 10 most relevant workplace skills. Some are more important to achieving success in a certain career than others. These skills may come naturally to you or you may need to gain them through education, training and experience.
See the list of work-related skills below, ranked in order of importance for this career. Check out the list and see if this career matches your skills—take that first step!
Talking to others to share information effectively.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Understanding how new information could be used to solve current and future problems in making decisions.
Motivating, developing and directing people as they work, and identifying the best people for the job.
Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Labour Market Statistics
Discover data, facts and information that have been gathered and analyzed. Learn about the characteristics of the economy and labour market in B.C.
Employment
Find out about employment types and trends by region and industry.
Employment
6,070Employment by Region
| Region | Employment | % Employment of this Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 160 | 2.6% |
| Kootenay | 130 | 2.1% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 4,090 | 67.4% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 105 | 1.7% |
| Northeast | 90 | 1.5% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 540 | 8.9% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 955 | 15.7% |
Labour Market Outlook
The B.C. Labour Market Outlook is a 10-year forecast of the expected supply and demand for labour in the province. It’s usually updated every year. The purpose is to provide British Columbians with the knowledge to make informed decisions on careers, skills training, education and hiring.
Forecasted Job Openings (2024-2034)
3,690Forecasted Job Openings
Forecasted Employment Growth Rate
Composition of Job Openings
Job Openings by Region (2024-2034)
| Region | Job Openings | Avg. Annual Employment Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Cariboo | 80 | 0.2% |
| Kootenay | 70 | 0.5% |
| Mainland/Southwest | 2,560 | 1.6% |
| North Coast and Nechako | 50 | 2.2% |
| Northeast | 30 | 0.4% |
| Thompson-Okanagan | 390 | 1.1% |
| Vancouver Island/Coast | 520 | 0.9% |
Industry Highlights
Learn about the opportunities in B.C.'s major industries, including employment trends, earning potential, locations of work and more.
Forecasted Job Openings by Industry
| Industry | Job Openings (2024-2034) |
|---|---|
| Professional, Scientific and Technical Services | 670 |
| Public Administration | 410 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | 350 |
| Finance, Insurance and Real Estate | 260 |
| Manufacturing | 250 |
Resources
Resource information is currently not available.
Career Videos
Watch the video below to see what a day in the life of a human resource manager is like.
Watch the video below to see what a day in the life of a human resource manager is like.
