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What does a VP of Human Resources do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A Vice President of Human Resources is responsible for the overall management of the human resources department. They develop and implement policies and programs related to employee recruitment, training, development, and compensation. They also oversee the benefits and payroll functions.

VP of Human Resources job duties include:

  • Oversees the development and implementation of human resources policies and procedures.
  • Develops and administers programs to recruit, select, place, train, and develop employees.
  • Oversees the development and administration of employee benefit programs.
  • Conducts wage surveys within labor market to determine competitive wage rate.
  • Analyzes trends in benefits utilization and recommends appropriate changes to senior management.
  • Develops and implements affirmative action programs.
  • Investigates allegations of improper employment practices.
  • Oversees the development and administration of employee records systems.
  • Develops and administers employee performance appraisal system.

VP of Human Resources Job Requirements

A Vice President of Human Resources is responsible for the overall management of the HR function in an organization. They provide strategic direction and leadership for the HR team, and work closely with other senior executives to ensure that the organization's human capital supports its business goals. The VP of HR is also responsible for developing and implementing policies and programs that attract, develop, and retain top talent.

Education: A bachelor's degree is typically required for this role, and many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in human resources, business administration, or a related field.

Certification: While not required, some VP of Human Resources choose to pursue professional certification through organizations such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Experience: Most VP of Human Resources have several years of experience working in human resources at the managerial level.

VP of Human Resources Skills

  • Leadership
  • Strategic Planning
  • Organizational Development
  • Employee Relations
  • Recruitment
  • Training and Development
  • Performance Management
  • Compensation and Benefits
  • Labor Relations
  • Policy Development
  • Compliance

Related: Top VP of Human Resources Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a VP of Human Resources

There is no one specific path to becoming a Vice President (VP) of Human Resources (HR). However, there are a few things that will help you on the way. Firstly, it is important to have a strong foundation in HR, including knowledge of HR policies and practices. Secondly, experience in managing and leading people is essential. And finally, it is helpful to have a network of contacts in the HR field.

To build a strong foundation in HR, it is important to stay up-to-date with changes in the field. One way to do this is to join an HR professional organization, such as the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). SHRM offers educational resources, networking opportunities, and job postings. Another way to stay current is to read HR publications, like Human Resource Executive magazine.

In terms of experience, it is beneficial to start out in an entry-level HR position and work your way up. As you gain more experience, you can move into positions with more responsibility, such as HR Manager or Director. These roles will give you the opportunity to develop your leadership and management skills. If you want to become a VP of HR, it is also helpful to get experience working in different types of organizations, such as a small company or a large corporation. This will give you a well-rounded perspective and understanding of HR issues.

Finally, it is helpful to develop a network of contacts in the HR field. This can be done by attending conferences and events, networking online, or joining an HR professional organization like SHRM. By building relationships with other HR professionals, you can learn about new trends and developments in the field, as well as potential job openings.

Related: VP of Human Resources Resume Example

Related: VP of Human Resources Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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