Free Position Description (Human Resources Manager) Template

Purpose of the Free Position Description (Human Resources Manager) Template

This Free Position Description (Human Resources Manager) Template provides a structured framework for defining the role, responsibilities, and qualifications of an HR Manager within an Australian business context. A well-crafted position description is crucial not just for recruitment, but for setting clear performance expectations and integrating work health and safety (WHS) duties into the core of the role.

It ensures the HR Manager is empowered to champion a positive safety culture, manage psychosocial risks, and contribute to the organisation's overall WHS performance. This includes promoting initiatives like mental health first aid in the workplace to build a psychologically safe environment.

How to use the Free Position Description (Human Resources Manager) Template

Our Free Position Description (Human Resources Manager) Template is provided in both DOCX and PDF formats for your convenience. The DOCX file is fully editable, allowing you to tailor it to the specific needs of your organisation.

To use the template effectively, download the document and open it in a word processor. Review each section, including key responsibilities, qualifications, and performance indicators, and modify them to reflect your company's structure, industry, and strategic goals.

It is essential that the document is customised to your specific operational context; we provide this template as a starting point, not a finished legal document. For instance, you may need to add responsibilities related to your company's Modern Slavery Policy or other specific compliance obligations.

Customisation is Key

Every workplace is unique. You must adapt this template to align with your existing policies, procedures, and the specific hazards and risks present in your operations.

This may involve consulting with senior management, the WHS committee, or a dedicated WHS Manager to ensure the safety responsibilities are accurate and practical. Integrating the role with established WHS management systems is vital for its success.

A generic position description can lead to gaps in responsibility and weaken your safety framework.

When to use it

This Position Description template is designed to be used whenever you need to recruit, onboard, or review the performance of a Human Resources Manager. It is particularly useful when:

• Creating a new HR Manager role within your organisation.
• Replacing an existing HR Manager and wanting to update the role's focus.
• Conducting performance reviews and setting future KPIs.
• Restructuring your management team and re-defining accountabilities.
• Preparing for external audits where role clarity is essential for demonstrating compliance.

Using a standardised and comprehensive template ensures consistency and helps clearly communicate expectations from the very beginning of the employment relationship.

Who should use it

This template is intended for use by business owners, directors, senior managers, or recruitment professionals responsible for hiring and managing the HR function. It is particularly valuable for organisations looking to formalise their HR processes and embed WHS responsibilities at a management level.

If your organisation is pursuing certification against international standards, having clearly defined roles is a fundamental requirement. Our consultants often assist businesses with this process as part of our ISO 45001 consulting services.

This document provides the foundational clarity needed for such standards.

Integrating with WHS Audits

A well-defined position description for a key management role like an HR Manager is a critical piece of evidence during a safety audit. It demonstrates that the organisation has clearly allocated responsibilities for managing psychosocial hazards, worker consultation, training, and return-to-work programs.

Auditors will look for this clarity when assessing management commitment to WHS. This document can be a key input for your regular WHS compliance auditing activities.

You can find more templates and checklists in our free WHS resources library to support your systems.