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What is your job title if you work in a standalone role and *are* the HR function?

Maria

Hi all,

I have been trying to justify a few things myself, but it would be helpful to get an idea of other people's perspectives and organisational set-ups.

If you ever worked in a standalone position (e.g. SME) - where you ARE the HR function - what was your job title?

I am currently working as HR Advisor in a standalone role, reporting to a Director who handles multiple operations (finance, etc) supporting 100+ staff in a multi site organisation. Previously there were 2 HR People (HR Business Partner and HR Administrator), the 2 were merged and here I am, an HR Advisor doing the two jobs.

When comparing with the other departments, they all normally have a Head of or a Manager who reports to a Director. I cannot think of a singe non-"manager" who reports to a Director. If you are a non-manager (e.g. Executive) you report to a Manager.

I feel that I manage the entire function, even though it is a support function (not a strategic, represented on the board, etc).

I am wondering if it is fair to have a sole HR person within the organisation, but to call them an HR Coordinator/Advisor/Officer (and pay accordingly, of course) and whether it is common practice. Just to mention as well, there is no external help, no consultancy, no office administrator etc. available as resource.

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  • Clearly your organisation decided that they either couldn't afford or didn't want a strategic / higher level HR function when they got rid of the HRBP (or didn't replace them). They decided they needed something between an administrator and a HRBP - hence your role. If this change was relatively recent I don't think you will likely be able to influence them about your wish to be a Co-Ordinator (horrid title in my opinion, Officer (old fashioned and public sector) etc.

    Better to spend your time and energy doing great work and building your reputation and skills in your organisation and then when you have demonstrated over time the rewards and titles tend to follow.

    Personally I really wouldn't get too hung up on this - your CV will reflect that you are the sole HR bod.
  • in reply to Keith
    Hi Keith, thanks for your reply. The thing is that my JD is a copy-paste of the previous HRBP one. It's just now I also do the admin. It hasn't become any lower in terms of responsibility, just paid less, lower status and two jobs to be done.

    There might have been some misunderstanding, I am an HR Advisor now and I mentioned that I don't think titles such as Coordinator or Officer are appropriate for sole HR bod roles. I believe that I have the full right to be called HR Manager or HRBP if I am doing the previous HRBP's job + the admin.

    You are right, of course, that experience matters the most, however at my stage in career being an HR Manager in this job would make it a whole lot easier to apply for future HR Manager jobs, whereas with "HR Advisor" recruiters tend to think I'm punching above my weight.
  • in reply to Maria
    The previous HRBP was made redundant/ Left and wasn't replaced? They clearly weren't contributing at the level that the organisation felt warranted that title/pay packet. Prove to them you are and can.

    You have no "right" to be called HR Manager or HRBP. You will and can earn that right by excelling in your current role. And being in a good place to apply for other jobs is hardly a compelling argument :-)
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  • in reply to Maria
    The previous HRBP was made redundant/ Left and wasn't replaced? They clearly weren't contributing at the level that the organisation felt warranted that title/pay packet. Prove to them you are and can.

    You have no "right" to be called HR Manager or HRBP. You will and can earn that right by excelling in your current role. And being in a good place to apply for other jobs is hardly a compelling argument :-)
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