What does a Chief Human Resources Officer do?
A Chief Human Resources Officer is responsible for devising, implementing and managing HR policies, ensuring these policies meet the organisation’s strategic goals. They manage the team of HR personnel who complete day-to-day HR activities, such as interviewing candidates and dealing with employee enquiries, while ensuring they comply with policies such as working within budgets and onboarding employees appropriately. A CHRO undertakes workforce planning and develops strategies to attract, engage, retain, reward and recognise employees. They also ensure the business complies with work health and safety (WHS) laws and represent the business in negotiations with employees and unions to determine employment conditions and remuneration .
Chief Human Resources Officer skills and qualifications
To be successful, a Chief Human Resources Officer is required to balance employee interests and demands with the needs of the business. Examples of the abilities and qualifications that will make a job candidate stand out are:
- strong interpersonal, communication, problem-solving and strategic-thinking skills
- advisory skills in employee and workplace relations
- commitment and ability to manage sensitive information with discretion and integrity
- strong knowledge of HR functions, employment legislation and best practices
- tertiary qualifications in human resources
- experience working in human resource management roles.
Chief Human Resources Officer experience requirements
Because of the senior level of the role, a Chief Human Resources Officer requires at least 10 years of experience working in human resources. It is preferable for candidates to have most recently been employed in HR management roles, such as Employee Relations Manager, HR Manager or HR Administrator, before progressing to CHRO. A proven track record in developing high-performance and engaged workforces may also be desirable. While experience working in the organisation’s industry is not a prerequisite for a CHRO role, it may be useful.
Related: HR Management Salary Guide for Australian Employers
Chief Human Resources Officer education and training requirements
A bachelor degree in Human Resources is the minimum qualification required, although postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Human Resource Management or Master of Business Administration may be desirable. Candidates with micro-credentials in areas such as leadership, talent management, health, safety and wellbeing may have specialised skills to be successful in workplaces that have particular strategic goals.
Job description samples for similar positions
If a Chief Human Resources Officer is not exactly what is required for your business, other job descriptions that may be relevant are:
Chief Human Resources Officer job description FAQs
What is the difference between a Chief Human Resources Officer and an HR Manager?
Both positions are senior roles in an organisation, but a CHRO has a higher-level function than an HR Manager. While an HR Manager is key to ensuring day-to-day employee relations operate smoothly, a CHRO has a more strategic role and greater influence in developing and adhering to business values and workplace culture.
Who does the Chief Human Resources Officer report to?
A Chief Human Resources Officer reports to the Chief Executive Officer of the business. They are key members of the Executive Team, which is also often referred to as the C-suite. They work alongside other chief position holders such as the Chief Technology Officer and the Chief Financial Officer to ensure the business is successful.
Related: Chief Technology Officer Interview Questions
Who reports to a Chief Human Resources Officer?
The HR department may have a range of HR employees who will report to the CHRO. They include the HR Manager and HR Assistant as well as the Recruitment Manager, Safety Manager and Employee Relations Manager.
How can you make your Chief Human Resources Officer job description stand out?
Highlight your organisation’s values and strategic goals when writing a CHRO job description to help it stand out to candidates. For example, if digital transformation is part of the organisation’s strategy, outline this as a key focus for the role.
Related: Human Resources Manager Interview Questions
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