Senior HR Executive Job Description (With What To Include)

Updated 30 September 2022

Human resources (HR) professionals are an essential part of almost every organisation and senior HR executives are an integral aspect of the HR team. These professionals oversee the human resource department and manage the recruitment of new employees. If you have an interest in becoming a senior HR executive, understanding the various job responsibilities and qualifications required can help you make an informed decision. In this article, we discuss what a senior HR executive job description is, learn about the responsibilities, requirements and skills and review some frequently asked questions.

What Is A Senior HR Executive Job Description?

A senior HR executive job description is a document written by the hiring manager that contains specific information regarding an open position's primary duties and responsibilities. The human resource department is responsible for writing the exact content and wording of the job description. An employer shares a job description because it offers the following benefits:

  • Show employers what the organisation expects from a potential candidate

  • Give candidates details about the job and company

  • Assist the legal department in creating a legally binding employment contract for the position

  • Help the company management evaluate the employee's job performance

  • Help set the specific goals and targets for each employee

  • Help the interviewing team formulate relevant interview questions

Related: Job Description Vs. Job Specification: An In-depth Guide

What To Include In A Senior HR Executive Job Description?

Here are a few sections that might appear in a senior HR executive job listing:

Summary

The first section of a job description typically includes a summary of the position. It provides a description of the job advertised. The primary aim of the job description summary is to provide candidates with an overview of the position so they can learn more about it before reading. As a result, the summary is usually two to three lines. While writing a summary, focus on describing the nature of the job and determine one or two responsibilities. In the job summary, mention the job profile and include one or two key responsibilities required for completing the job.

For instance, when writing a job description summary, you might mention that the position involves creating and developing the annual HR plan.

Related: Job Function Vs. Job Title (Definition And Comparison)

Responsibilities

The next step of a job description describes what work a candidate is likely to perform in a particular job. Giving details about job responsibilities can help attract candidates to apply for an open position. Candidates read the job responsibilities section to understand whether their skill set and experience align with those mentioned. Also, use this section to list the technical aspects of the role, managerial responsibilities and experience.

While there are many ways to format the responsibilities in the job description, you can start by mentioning the most relevant statement that discusses the primary duty of a senior HR executive. You can then list the duties a candidate might perform daily, weekly or monthly.

Related: How To List Job Responsibilities In Job Listings

Skills

In the job description, focus on including relevant skills that a candidate requires. It can be an effective way to find qualified candidates. HR is a specialised field involving in-depth knowledge of various hiring methods and concepts. Employers expect candidates to have specific skills to succeed as an HR executive. Creating a comprehensive section shows a list of skills an employer wants in future employees. This section can help the candidate decide whether to apply for the job.

You can format the skills section as a bulleted list so that candidates can read it quickly and match their skills with those listed.

Related: How To Apply For A Job In 6 Steps (With Tips)

Qualification

The next desirable section of a job description provides details about the qualification, which includes the certification, educational qualification and experience required. Use this section to detail the job qualification, certification and licensing requirements. Give details about your job experience and shows candidates whether their previous work experience qualifies them for the advertised job. This is essential because a senior HR executive position requires years of relevant experience in the industry or responsibilities in past jobs.

Some employers might prefer candidates who have relevant certification in the HR field. While there are many certifications you can complete as an HR executive, include at least one or two specific certifications that can help you hire qualified candidates. Also, if you want to hire candidates with a particular qualification, mention it in this section. Usually, companies prefer senior HR executives to hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in human resources or related areas. You can even mention the graduate degree you prefer to hire.

Related: How To Write Requirements for A Job (With 3 Examples)

Example Of The Job Description Of A Senior HR Executive

Consider this example of a job description for a senior HR executive:

Job title: Senior HR executive

Summary

The senior HR executive of Bells and Kings would help us monitor the human resource department and help create a healthy and safe working environment for every employee. A part of the senior HR executive job would involve overseeing the recruitment process, setting objectives for the HR team and designing company policies. To become successful in this role, the senior executive requires familiarity with the latest HR technology, such as applicant tracking systems and payroll management software.

Responsibilities

Some common job responsibilities of a senior HR executive are:

  • Design compensation and benefits package

  • Develop new HR policies and update the existing ones based on the company's values and ensure employees adhere to and comply with them

  • Execute the employee's annual review procedures

  • Counsel employees as required

  • Conduct exit interviews to understand the reason for termination

  • Organise events and conferences for employees

  • Manage workplace safety issues and complaints

  • Create and refer bonus program

  • Measure and understand employee retention and turnover rates

  • Maintain HR procedures that comply with labour laws and regulations

  • Monitor and keep track of HR metrics, for example, turnover rates and cost-per-hire

  • Support and suggest improvements to the entire recruitment process

  • Maintain and record employee attendance

  • Oversee the company's employee termination process

Required skills

Some daily responsibilities of a senior HR executive can include:

  • Excellent communication skills

  • Understanding of labour rules and regulations

  • Ability to foster healthy employee relationship

  • Leadership skills

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

  • Proficiency in protecting the interest of all employees

  • Proficiency in skills development

  • Understanding of HR functions and best practices

Requirements

  • Master's degree in Human Resource Management or related areas

  • 4+ years of experience as an HR Executive or a similar role

  • Certification in payroll management, labour relationship and employee training is desirable

Frequently Asked Questions About HR Executive Job

Here are some FAQs to help you further understand HR executive as a career:

What does a senior HR executive job?

A senior HR executive is a qualified and skilled HR expert whose role is important to the organisation because they help recruit and build a loyal workforce. These professionals handle every aspect of the employment process, from orientation to training new employees and managing payroll. They keep HR department records and handle confidential data. Often, hiring managers expect these professionals to promote a productive work environment and ensure a culture of accountability and collaboration. A senior HR executive professional manages administrative changes in healthcare, retirement plan and benefits plans.

These professionals primarily help an organisation function at its best. They ensure their organisation follows all the rules, regulations and labour laws laid by the government. A procurement engineer might create and approve budgets for a department.

Related: The Functions And Departments Of HR: A Complete Guide

What Is The Work Environment Of A Senior HR Executive?

The work environment of a senior HR executive might depend upon the work they are performing on a particular day. For instance, when interviewing or travelling to different locations to hire suitable candidates, they might work for long hours and even on weekends. They might work nine-to-five shifts when engaged in office work, such as payroll management and drafting organisational HR policies. These professionals work in a pleasant office setting and might work more than 40 hours a week.

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