Understanding HR Hierarchy: Is Head HR Above or Below Deputy Manager Roles?

Dear Cite HR friends, I have one clarification regarding the cadre of Head HR. Is the Head HR cadre higher or lower than that of a Deputy Manager, Assistant Manager, or Junior Manager? Can anyone please suggest?

Thank you.

"Hi Devi, \"Head HR\" or \"HR Head\" refers to the most senior person in the HR department. If there is a Deputy Manager, Assistant Manager, or Junior Manager, then certainly there should be an HR Manager or other senior HR personnel. So, how can they be in the same cadre?

Understanding the Role of a Department Head

The concept of a department head is independent of the designation otherwise used. Whether the post is equivalent to, higher, or lower than other managerial positions depends on factors such as the number of people working there and the relevance or criticality of the HR function.

However, in general, the head of HR will mostly be at the GM or DGM level. In some cases, they may be at the VP level, but then the position should be called VP of HR.

Role of Head of HR

The Head of HR is a director-level role, serving as a decision-maker and custodian at the highest level. What would you like to understand about the HR organizational structure?

The following statement should clarify the issue!

"Designation of Head-HR"

Anyone who is asked to "head" the HR function may be designated "Head-HR," but in terms of protocol, hierarchy, and levels of responsibilities and designations, even a Deputy Manager could be a "Head-HR," whether it is a designation formally assigned by the organization or not. Normally, the Head-HR is a designation more relevant to the "corporate" level and has a span of responsibility across the organization, whereas the Deputy Manager, etc., designations are more specific to the level in the hierarchy, level of responsibilities/accountability, and indicate a position at a location and as a "part" of the HR function/activity at the location.

In another dimension, there can be many Deputy Managers, but there shall be only a unitary position of "Head-HR," and that should highlight the significance of the designation in comparison with other designations and by itself.

When not enough thought is devoted to the relevance of the subject, new, fanciful designations are created and assigned. These could be quite misleading to the reality of the job profile assigned to an individual. And it does not happen only in HR; it's a phenomenon across organizations irrespective of technology, culture, or nature of the organization!

In choosing designations that are appropriate to the reality in terms of the level in the hierarchy, job profile, extent of authority, and accountability, you have to take the call and make up your mind. I am happy to see your concern and would suggest that you think rationally and make a decision.

Good luck!

Regards,
Samvedan

December 30, 2012

In a typical hierarchy chain, the Head of HR cadre/level holds a higher position than the Deputy/Assistant Manager.

Regards

Understanding HR Roles and Designations

The role of HR - Head is a personnel position within the organization. The designation of Deputy Manager/Assistant Manager is a specific title within the organization. The role and designation of HR personnel depend on the organizational requirements.

Regards

The Head of HR is the highest designated HR official in a hierarchy.

Regards,
V. Raghunathan
Navi Mumbai

"Dear Jeeva,

Understanding the Role of Head HR

"Head HR" or "HR Head" refers to the individual leading the HR functions of an organization. The Head-HR position could be held by a VP, CHRO, GM, etc., as defined by the top management for practical purposes related to administering compensation and perks. This designation varies from organization to organization based on factors like size, business type, and complexities. The size of the department also plays a role in determining the HR structure.

I hope this explanation helps you understand the concept better. Thank you, and I wish you all a very happy new year.

Regards,
Jayaraman"

Subject: Is the Head of HR Equivalent to Dy. Manager/Asst. Manager?

The position of Head of HR varies from company to company. It is the most senior position in some companies. In one company, the Head of HR could hold the title of GM, while in another company, the role could be that of Manager or Senior Manager. When someone joins a company as the Head of HR, they may initially hold the position of Senior Manager. With a promotion, they may then progress to roles like AGM, DGM, or GM while still serving as the Head of HR. This hierarchy should be clearly defined in the company's service rules or HR manual.

Thanks,

Akhtar

It depends on the size of the organization. The designation "HR-Head" does not specify the exact rank but rather the authority one possesses. It could be anybody, whether a Senior Manager or an Assistant Manager.

The position of Head HR or HR Head is senior to the Senior Manager (HR) and below the Chief (HR). The Head HR is responsible for overseeing all HR functions within the division or organization, and their job duties are distinct from Industrial Relations (IR).

Regards,
Ajay Kumar Sinha