The strategic importance of a strong HR Manager

As recruitment consultants we work together with HR Managers on a daily base, who aim to solve staffing questions for organizations within the Fashion, Retail & Lifestyle industry. These days however, an HR manager isn’t solely responsible for hiring new employees and making sure salaries are paid in time. In fact, he HR Manager has a prominent place within most successful organizations and is a key stakeholder in facilitating successful results. The strategic importance of a strong HR Manager is of relevance in many different ways;

Being a coach and soundboard for the Management Team

Nowadays it is self-evident that an HR Manager has a seat within the Management Team of an organization. In a team where everyone fights for their own division or department, the HR Manager is there to assure that overarching company goals and interests are looked after.
For a smooth HR operation, it is also of strategic importance that that company goals are translated to the HR strategy. This of course, is only possible if an HR Manager is enabled to talk to ‘key stakeholders’ on a regular basis and to learn about the interests of different levels within an organization through their representatives in the Management Team.

Change Management

A strong and experienced HR Manager will have encountered situations in which change management was necessary for the success of a company. Every organization will, at some point, have the need for change, i.e to streamline expenses versus income or to optimize certain parts of a company. An HR Manager is essential to execute changes within an organization in a respectful and professional way. The more experienced he or she is, the higher chances are for a smooth transition. During periods of change, it is of great importance to keep employees motivated and maintain enthusiasm within the organization, the HR Manager can contribute a great deal in the overall employee engagement. Looking ahead to identify changes and innovations in the field of HR and a market that evolves continuously, is a trade that every strong HR Manager should possess.

Insight to translate a company strategy to an HR Strategy that facilitates the company goals

The success of a company in a rapidly evolving market is more and more determined by having the right people in the right positions. By having a clear understanding of company goals, it becomes clear what roles in an organization can make a difference. It is equally as important for the HR Manager to be a link between market developments and day-to-day employee management. This ensures that you can offer your employees not just an interesting challenge, but also reward them according to the market standards, or exceed them when necessary.

Leverage company culture to attract and keep talent

The company culture reflects the character and personality of an organization, it’s what makes an organization unique and is a combination of the values, interaction with each other and the behavior of employees. Today, employees also desire to feel engaged with a company, in addition to the terms of employment that they are offered. A full-fledged HR policy should also take this match into account. An innovative recruitment policy can contribute in attracting the right people.
Once you welcome new team members on board, it is also of great importance to focus on developing and maintaining talents within your organization. To serve this purpose, 360 surveys or personality tests are great tools to gain insights about the competences of your employees. It is an important task of an HR Manager to keep their eye on how your organization can keep challenging and further develop its employees.

Though on the subject-matter and soft on the relationship

For an organization it can be a great benefit to have a strong HR Manager who is thorough on the subject matter and soft on the relationship with employees from all levels within an organization. Looking at how fast the market is evolving around us, it is important to experiment, to innovate there where possible and to listen to the market as well as your employees. Looking beyond the now, is essential for your success.

Is your organization in need of a strong HR Manager? We can help you, reach out to us via: info@moversshakers.nl or call +31(0) 654746105