Since the turn of the century, technology has been advancing with increasing speed. With it, the IT sector has emerged and now dominates over many other industries. While this has led to a huge demand for skilled and experienced tech and IT professionals, it has also affected how other sectors function, including human resources.

The growing field of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation has changed many aspects of the workplace. According to Wendy Muirhead, managing director and regional leader for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Ceridian, HR’s next AI hurdle is compliance and leaders will soon have to audit AI algorithms. This is because while tech like AI can streamline many HR functions, it is not flawless. In line with this, there are still some HR roles that can only be satisfied with a human element.

As a result, organisations strive to attract, retain, and develop talent among specialised HR professionals. In line with this, we'll explore four distinct HR roles that are in the most demand given this modern age, the unique opportunities and challenges they offer, and how to determine which one may be right for your skills and aspirations.

Human resources officer

National average salary: £37,069 per year

Often seen as an entry-level position, a human resources officer is responsible for the day-to-day administrative tasks within the Human Resources department. Their role includes maintaining employee records, assisting in recruitment processes, and handling routine HR enquiries. HR officers play a crucial part in ensuring overall operations run smoothly.

One pathway to becoming an HR officer is to do a foundation degree, higher national diploma, or degree in any subject and then apply for a graduate HR training scheme or apprenticeship. You can also find graduate HR opportunities with small to medium-sized private sector companies in most industries, large multinational companies, and more.

Human resources generalist

National average salary: £33,927 per year

Among workers who prefer a more flexible role, human resources generalists are versatile professionals who handle a wide range of HR functions. They manage tasks such as recruitment, benefits administration, employee relations, and compliance. HR generalists act as liaisons between employees and management, helping to maintain a positive work environment and ensuring HR policies are followed.

A high school diploma or its equivalent is needed for HR generalist roles, although most also require a bachelor’s degree in a related area, as well as 3-5 years of experience in the field. Some skills you need to excel in this role are organisational skills, the ability to multitask efficiently, strong communication skills, high discretion and ethics, and conflict resolution skills.

Human resources manager

National average salary: £40,504 per year

HR managers are responsible for overseeing the entire department and implementing HR strategies to align with an organisation’s goals. They lead teams of HR professionals, manage employee relations, guide policy development, and work closely with senior management to shape an organisation’s overall HR strategy.

Becoming an HR manager usually requires having 2-5 years of experience in a general HR role, strong people and communication skills, IT literacy, and leadership capabilities. HR manager was ranked sixth in Glassdoor’s 25 Best Jobs in the UK list for 2022, while HR business partner was ranked 8th.

Human resources analyst

National average salary: £40,337 per year

A human resources analyst’s role involves the collection and examination of data to support improved decision-making concerning a workforce. Analyses encompass employee conduct, performance, productivity, interactions, and other HR metrics. According to Perry Timms, the chief energy officer at People and Transformational HR, performance analytics and value creation was the top repeat skill in over 40 reports from 2021 reviewing the next stage of HR’s development. By leveraging and interpreting data, HR analysts provide insights to improve HR processes and contribute to strategic planning, ensuring that HR practices are efficient and effective. This role necessitates that a candidate has at least 3 years of relevant experience, as well as proficiency in data and statistical analysis.


Whether you’re a seasoned HR veteran or just beginning your journey in this field, these career options may hold the key to your professional future. As HR continues to evolve to meet the demands of the modern workplace, these roles remain at the forefront, shaping policies, managing talent, and harnessing the power of data.

If you’re interested to know more about possible career paths available to you or if you’re looking for study abroad placements, visit the EuroEducation website!