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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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  • I'm a HR Officer reporting to a Director in a standalone role but for me and my remit I think this title is a fair reflection of my contribution and I am paid a very fair salary. I'm not expected (nor do I want to) be involved in the strategic direction of the business or management.

    I have never put any importance on job titles, my previous role I was standalone HR for 300+ employees across 40 sites, was authorised signatory, my name went on the government Visa SMS which meant i was personally liable for any migrant workers and their actions while in the UK, all my duties were high level with a lot of responsibility. In a nutshell I was easily HR Manager level but my title was HR Coordinator. The only thing I cared about was what I was paid as that is the real reflection of your value IMO.

    Its what goes on your CV and what you can prove you're capable of that matters. I've worked with people who have called themselves "XXXX Manager" and its clear they could only just manage to get out of bed let alone anything else.

    If job title matters to you, when it comes to job hunting time you could simply state "xxxx Company - Human Resources Department" in bold and then list duties underneath and let the recruiter make their mind up?

    For now as others say you need to prove your worth but I'm not sure that will still get you the title you want - IME some Managers feel concerns over job titles are a little prima donna-ish? (NOT my opinion, I do get that status/title is important to some people). Also beware that pushing the issue for a senior level title may well bring an attitude of "right, we'll give him/her work at the level they want then" and backfire (yes I have worked with Managers who have done that, unfortunately)
  • in reply to Samantha
    Thanks, Samantha, great to hear about your experience. Actually I do think my salary is fair, if they agreed to change the job title I would probably be happy (empowered is the word? We have "managers" who earn less than me - so I don't get it). Yes, it does matter to some people!

    Proving my worth, getting out of the comfort zone, always training - of course those are my priority.
  • in reply to Maria

    And I get that Maria, think its one of the first things we learn in CIPD qualifications isnt it?  What motivates people?  The status of title is another persons status of pay is another persons praise.

    I feel like a puppy at times (well not so much anymore now I work at a decent company), in my last role just getting a "nice one on that project/task" was worth more to me than a pay increase (as rare as hens teeth anyway!) and the title but the culture there was very strange (management from another planet country).  I could write a book about my experiences there! 

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  • in reply to Maria

    And I get that Maria, think its one of the first things we learn in CIPD qualifications isnt it?  What motivates people?  The status of title is another persons status of pay is another persons praise.

    I feel like a puppy at times (well not so much anymore now I work at a decent company), in my last role just getting a "nice one on that project/task" was worth more to me than a pay increase (as rare as hens teeth anyway!) and the title but the culture there was very strange (management from another planet country).  I could write a book about my experiences there! 

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