Considering a Move to HR Generalist in Manufacturing: Is It Worth the Career Risk?

Dear all,

Hi everyone. Please help me with my situation. Presently, I am in a recruitment consulting firm. I have received an offer from a manufacturing industry. My concern is that the company does not have any HR department, and I would be the one responsible for implementing everything. My work history primarily involves recruitment, so I am not familiar with the generalist profile. However, I believe I can adapt quickly and perform well in this role.

The remuneration offered is the same as what I am currently receiving. The main advantage is that it is an industry role with a generalist profile. Should I accept the offer? What about my career growth prospects? Please assist me with this decision.

Thank you.

I think you need to analyze the following:

Is the Manufacturing Industry reputed or well-known in your locality?

Was the management clear on why they wanted to hire you?

Did it look like the team is open to change (incorporating an HR dept is like bringing a huge change)?

Did they tell you that they will support you with your ideas, recommendations, and decisions?

Are they interested in investing for welfare?

If the above answers are "yes", then I guess you cleared 50% of having a positive reason to move there.

Regarding salary: Guess it's fine based on the portfolio they have offered you. Maybe down the line, once you perform, you can expect an increment.

Regarding your skills - everything is best learned when we experiment by ourselves. So make sure they give you ample time to deliver. Be clear on your deliverables, and I guess that should take care of things.

So - take time to think, analyze the manufacturing unit's performance in the last few years.

Why are they hiring you? Is it just for the sake of having someone as HR?

Make sure you clear your mind of all the above questions.... things will be crystal clear to you whether you should take it forward or not.

Good Luck!

I'm sure it is a good opportunity for you to get into a generalist profile. Your learning will be immense since you will be the one who will be structuring policies, implementing them, and so on. You can definitely read and take inputs from citehr members.

I think it's a good move with respect to your career.

Thanks for the information and your views.

* The company is somewhat doing well even during the recession period.
* They informed me that I need to implement SOP and start the HR functions from the beginning.
* There is no HR department; I need to set it up if I accept the offer.
* They are ready to support me, but I don't know how far I can believe the new management.

So overall, it makes me confused. If I am not aware of certain things in HR, then where can I ask for help in that company? Again, the biggest issue I have is if the strategies are not accepted by the people in the company, how can I manage? And from where do I need to start in SOP?

Please help me, seniors...............

Dear Friend,

You will know where to start only when you go there and see the current process, and then suggest. Before making them accept, sit with them and show what benefits your strategies can offer, and how not implementing your strategy may have an impact in the long run. If both sides are convinced - you should be fine.

However, don't take an assignment if you are not confident. I can't (neither can anyone else) vouch for you or the company. Attitude, confidence, ability to accept defeat, and perseverance are all that matter here.

If you have 1000 questions on "what will happen if I can't or if I don't" - you will not be able to do what you intend to.

Challenges are never smooth. Take the history of people who are well-known in the Indian Entrepreneur list - see their history/background life. You will notice they all had one thing in common - sight of their vision. They never let any such confusions come up in between, They managed it head-on with the "self-awareness" and knowledge of the "purpose of going behind their goal."

What do you want?

a) Safe career with good salary - not looking at any change or risk

b) or Interesting career with no commitments of a smooth road - and have the ability to lay down the rules by self - challenge yourself each time, and feel good about doing something really different.

If you choose "a" - don't go for this job.

Good Luck

Hi friend,

You are in a better situation. People in recruitment are starving for such opportunities, don't ever miss an opportunity that comes your way. Yes, you have to take risks, learn things, and that's life. Don't be in a dilemma; we (CITEHR mates) are here to help you, provided you put your mind to it.

Answers to your questions:

If I am not aware of certain things in HR, where should I ask for help in that company? Hope you are an HR graduate; you must know the basics of HR activities.

If the strategies are not accepted by the people in the company, how can I manage? Dear, no one is perfect in this world, make mistakes and learn from them.

Where do I need to start in SOP? Create an SOP.

If you take up this opportunity, it will add great value to your profile, which you will appreciate later.

Dear friend, be clear. To put it in a lighter vein, if you are afraid of taking such an opportunity, then drop it. But, I warn you, you are missing an opportunity where you create things on your own... think.

Hi Friend,

To be frank, even I didn't have any idea about the management and HR functions for any industry. I was in a different background in technical as a System Admin. Due to some issues with my prior employer, I was supposed to quit there and was working for an auditor firm for some days. From there, I got a challenging opportunity as an Admin Manager for an IT company. I joined just 5 months back and have been performing my duties smoothly. Even here, I am the only Admin cum HR person. Of course, so far, I have been unable to implement HR activities, but starting slowly. Whenever an opportunity knocks, I implement bit by bit. Here, everything is managed by our director itself. Now, I am taking care of full Payroll and Legal issues of our company.

I strongly agree that Cite HR is helping me a lot in that case. If you feel that the company is good, please take a chance.

Cheers,
Jeevarathnam P

Hi,

Indeed, it's a good offer that you have received, and the job looks challenging. You are from a recruitment background, so I suggest you take it up and utilize your research and development skills or apply the knowledge you gained during your MBA to prove yourself there. I believe you have a promising career ahead in that organization. All the best!

Hi Desikan,

This is a rare opportunity. Normally, employers will look for exposure in all areas of HR. You will have good learning throughout in structuring the HR department. You may have to spend more time in the structuring part initially. Based on the requirement of your new company, you can focus on the concepts of HR. It is always better to join a manufacturing company where you will practice all HR concepts.

You will be in charge of HR only or for IR as well. If you are handling workmen, be thorough in labor laws. You have to format standing orders for workmen, which is almost like a handbook for staff.

All the best.

Regards,
Bagavathi123

Just go for it, dear. Grab the opportunity at first hand. As a generalist profile and as a whole and sole person, you'll learn a lot which will help you elevate your career growth in multiple ways.

Regarding your lack of experience, I would suggest attending various seminars to stay updated with the technicalities required to implement new policies. As a beginner, you can't focus on the latest techniques for everything. Instead, concentrate on performing tasks in a conventional manner and gradually improving them.

Regards,
Joy

Dear Desihen and all,

I am also placed in a manufacturing firm. Similarly, I have been allotted recruitment only. Over here, no proper HR department is established. My top management has shown trust in me and wants to create an HR department over here. I am in the same situation as you are.

So, all experienced guys and gals, please suggest some ideas on how I can start an HR department from scratch. A major problem here is that recruitment is not properly organized.

Looking forward to replies from all.

Tapasya

If you are the creative type, this is the best opportunity you can ever get. When you say there is no existing HR department, you have a clear playing field and can implement the best HR practices you ever learned or practiced! Just make sure that the Management is open-minded, as everything you do will be new to them... and there is so much to do in this field!

Wish you all the best!!!

Dear all,

I am in a similar position to "desihan" with a little difference.

I was a fresher and just completed my PGDM in HR and got recruited in a share and stockbroking firm in the HR department.

As it was a recession at that time, I agree I panicked and just started sitting for all interviews (in a way, it's good because the situation is worse now; students in my college haven't been recruited as yet) and got into this company.

Fortunately, there is only one person in this department for HR, and now he wants me to be the person who will reform the company and bring it to its optimum level. I am putting all my energy into it. I have already changed the appraisal form, changed the way they take appraisals, partly taken over the compensation, and going to start (after HALF YEARLY APPRAISALS) trainings, etc., all geared up.

Now, I'll state the problem. When I'm with my other friends, they laugh about the fact that: a) there is an HR dept in a stockbroking firm, b) there's no point in doing so much and moving out, c) there's no point in sticking to this company.

Now, my dilemma is: a) is there really no point, b) am I being stupid doing all this as the business is totally different unlike any other sector, c) should I move out ASAP, d) can I see the future?

The company is not really well recognized (it has a big name in the broking business, does crores of business every day, but is unknown to other business sectors). It's a company with just 100 employees.

My head is over his retirement age, and I've taken over all his duties. So, I've practically got the entire HR dept on my shoulders. The owner of the company has given me all rights and authority to ensure my policies get implemented.

I'm just 4 months into the job, but I have learned a lot and done a lot!! I have a generalist profile.

I'm just scared that I'm ruining my career ahead. Am I? Please, I need advice. No one in my friends or family has an HR job or experience.

Help.

Regards

Hi,

I think it's a very good opportunity for you, but before saying yes, you should first find out the value of this firm in the market, as well as whether the management will help you in learning all the activities related to this profile. If the answer is yes, then you should go for this opportunity because it will add an advantage to your career in the near future, as there are very few HR representatives who have the knowledge of both the fields, i.e., recruitment and HR generalist profile.

Hey you are not ruining your career!
Infact you are doing a great job :-) Appreciate you!
When your friends tell you that you are doing something funny - tell hem you are the kind fo person who likes trying out unique things with a creative mind and makea success out of it. :-) Be confident. Take it from me - after a few days one of your friends will come to you and ask if there is a possibility of joining your team.
Its confidence that matters. You have it in you - you know you are doing a good job. You are satisified. You know your head retired and was not fired :-) You have a lot to do here - take a look at how others are doing in such kind of a company - and see what else you can be creative about such that - people would just want to work there :-)
Good Job!

Ash,

Each word of yours is inspiring and motivating. Why don't you write a book? I would be the first buyer.

Hi Gokhale,
I am not an experienced person but looking at your situation I can comment that You are certainly in a better position than many MBA's who have got jobs into consultancies or are still jobless.
You are learning so much out there. You have done so much. Once you gain experience out there I am sure You will get a good job opportunities in the HR generalist field. As you said that Owner of your company has given you every rights to implement your innovative ideas so that means he is co opereative. You are doing great on your job.
Please ignore negativity and stay optimistic.
All the Best

Dear friend,

Even if you don't have experience, I think if you have a learning attitude, ability to cope up with situations, good interpersonal skills, and a good understanding of human resources and company, then it is easy to set up an HR department. Take one day at a time, and you can see yourself as a seasoned HR professional and establish a proper HR department in your company. Take a chance as this will strengthen your position in the HR market. I have taken a job to set up an HR department and have good support from management, along with a good understanding and interest in HR. After 11 months, I can say that things can work after a series of frustrations, but if you are willing and have the right attitude, there will always be a solution that will teach you great lessons and take you ahead.

Regards,
Pratap
9689901446

You can go ahead and take the offer. It's always better than only recruitment. Try to negotiate with the package if possible.

Hello Desihan,

Your situation is similar to mine 2 months back. I, too, was working with a consultancy, and I also received a similar offer from a small, growing manufacturing company to establish HR in another unit based in Rudrapur, which required me to relocate. However, the offer did not come with a significant salary increase from my current one. Before switching over, there were a few points on which I had pondered:

1. In a consultancy, you will never get to learn the HR generalistic profile; you will only be limited to the recruitment process.

2. My consultancy does not have any organogram, so even after 4 years, I would remain as a consultant without any potential for growth to roles like Assistant Manager Consultant or Manager Consultant, etc.

3. In a consultancy, you will never be able to understand human behavior, which is the main essence of HR. In a manufacturing industry, you have a wide scope of interacting from workers to executives and even with your GMs.

4. It would be a challenging job, and implementing things yourself will help you learn better and build a stronger foundation of knowledge.

And the icing on the cake is...

5. Being the only person in HR, the ball will be in my court. The more effort I put in, the more I will succeed. If I perform well, the credit goes to me; whereas, if I am under some senior authority and perform well, the credit goes to the HR team.

Considering these points, I left my consultancy. Currently, I am on a training program (also in my probation period) in the same manufacturing company, which is in my hometown, for 3 months. After that, I will be relocating to Rudrapur. Two months have passed, and believe me, I am learning so much here, from salary computation to administration, and I am growing in HR every day. It feels great, even just typing an offer letter for a new joiner. Overall, I am happy that I made the right decision. I hope my views will help you clear your doubts. All the best!

Regards,

Priyanka

Hi! If I were you, I'd simply dive into it and learn to swim somehow, rather than not diving in and experiencing it at all. Just go for it. I'm sure we all learn and improve with mistakes that we initially make because we are all humans. What's the harm in trying out the next level of HR activity instead of sticking to the old one?

Just go for it, man! All the very best. I am sure you'll not regret.

You have received so many good feedbacks. This is the one I liked the best. If you search CiteHR, you'll find many more. Are you still in a dilemma?

Hi,

First of all, congratulations on getting a new job. You mentioned being the only HR person in the manufacturing company, which presents an excellent opportunity to develop HR practices within your company. Every decision you make will have a significant impact on both the employees and the company. Always remember that as an HR professional, your focus should not be solely on your own career development but on serving others. Given that it is a manufacturing company, you are likely to encounter various challenges with labor, which should be viewed as valuable learning experiences. Rather than dwell on problems, always strive to find solutions.

You mentioned having experience primarily in recruitment and lacking experience in other HR areas. Initially, you may face challenges with management, but it is essential to learn quickly.

If you require assistance with other HR functions besides recruitment or seek guidance on developing these functions, please feel free to email me at murthyanipindi@gmail.com for any support needed. I am available to help you address any issues that may arise.

Regards,
Murthy

Dear,

If you think you can, you will. If you think you can't, then you are right.

Sarfaraz

Desikan, have you gone through the company information? They are in what business, etc.

Check out and get the details about the company first. As you are working as a recruiter now and moving into an HR Generalist role, you are indeed fortunate. Don't worry about the package; the package is not the main concern. As you mentioned, you are the sole person responsible for implementing all HR activities. This is the right platform to showcase your abilities, talents, and skills, where you can learn more about the profile and the role.

Before accepting the offer, review your roles and responsibilities first. Understand what your role will be there!

If you have a good management background (MBA) and knowledge of management concepts and labor law (since the company is in manufacturing), you should also be familiar with the law.

If you excel in these areas, please go ahead and accept the offer.

Hi,

A big "thank you" to all who have responded to my problem and helped me out. Your answers and feedback are very valuable and have, in a way, got me all set! I am going to prove it to the people who have employed me that they have made the right choice. I will not listen to friends because I don't think a company would go through all the trouble to employ and pay me if they didn't need me!

A special thank you once again to Bhavneetkaurrekhi, hrecruiter_ind, shabz, pratap kamble, and especially Ask Matthew. I am going to internalize all that has been said.

Regards, Avvanti