The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
HR Coordinator / HR Assistant
2-3 yearsSkills to master
- Flawless HR administration, strong HRIS proficiency, first-line employee support, basic policy knowledge, and managing transactional HR processes.
You're ready to move on when
- You're consistently completing all administrative tasks with high accuracy and efficiency.
- You're the go-to person for basic employee queries and can resolve most issues independently.
- You've started to identify areas for process improvement in your current role.
- You've shown initiative in taking on more complex tasks or supporting projects.
- 2
Payroll Specialist (with HR exposure)
3-4 yearsSkills to master
- Deep understanding of payroll processes, tax, and benefits administration. Strong attention to detail with numbers, and a good grasp of how payroll impacts the wider HR function.
You're ready to move on when
- You've successfully managed payroll for a significant number of employees.
- You understand the HR implications of payroll decisions (e.g., leave, bonuses).
- You've expressed a strong interest in broader HR responsibilities beyond just payroll.
- You're comfortable communicating with employees about sensitive financial information.
- 3
Office Manager / Administrator (with HR responsibilities)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- General office management, some exposure to HR tasks like onboarding, basic recruitment support, and maintaining employee records. Strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
You're ready to move on when
- You've successfully handled basic HR tasks as part of your administrative role.
- You're often the first point of contact for employee questions or issues.
- You've demonstrated discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information.
- You've proactively sought out opportunities to learn more about HR processes and policies.