A hiring manager is the individual responsible for overseeing the recruitment process for a specific role within an organization. This person is usually the leader or supervisor of the department with the job opening, rather than someone from HR.
They play a key role in selecting the right candidate by:
- Defining the job requirements
- Reviewing resumes and conducting interviews
- Making the final hiring decision
- Supporting onboarding and training
While HR manages the overall hiring process, hiring managers focus on ensuring candidates meet the technical, cultural, and operational needs of their team.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Hiring Manager
Hiring managers collaborate closely with HR professionals. They focus on the strategic and team-specific aspects of recruitment, such as:
- Initiating the recruitment process: Identifying the need for a new or replacement position and requesting approvals to start hiring.
- Defining job requirements: Collaborating with HR to draft or refine the job description, outlining the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience.
- Screening and interviewing candidates: Reviewing shortlisted candidates (after HR’s initial screening) and conducting interviews to evaluate both technical skills and cultural fit.
- Making the final hiring decision: Choosing the candidate after considering input from recruiters and other stakeholders.
- Onboarding and training: Ensuring new employees integrate successfully into the team with proper training and support.
Example: Hiring Manager in Action
Consider the role of Director of Portfolio Risk at the Future Fund (Australia’s sovereign wealth fund):
- The Managing Director of Portfolio Risk acts as the hiring manager.
- Responsibilities include:
- Requesting approval to hire a Director
- Defining job requirements (10–15 years’ experience, expertise in portfolio construction, finance qualifications)
- Screening and interviewing candidates for technical expertise and cultural alignment
- Making the final decision and overseeing onboarding
This works well because the Managing Director has:
- Extensive experience (legal, investment banking, pension fund management)
- Strong professional qualifications
- Leadership skills from senior roles
Is a Hiring Manager Part of HR?
No. A hiring manager belongs to the department with the vacancy. HR facilitates the process and ensures compliance, while the hiring manager ensures the new hire meets team-specific goals and requirements.
Collaboration Between HR and Hiring Managers
The relationship between HR and the hiring manager combines HR’s process expertise with the hiring manager’s operational insight:
| Responsibility | HR Professionals | Hiring Managers |
| Job posting | Manage advertisements and compliance | Provide input on job details |
| Candidate sourcing | Source and screen candidates | Review shortlisted resumes |
| Initial screening | Conduct phone or first-stage screening | Evaluate technical and cultural fit |
| Interviewing | Coordinate logistics | Participate in and lead interviews |
| Final decision | Facilitate offer and paperwork | Make the hiring decision |
Skills and Qualities of an Effective Hiring Manager
- Leadership and decision-making
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Knowledge of the role’s technical requirements
- Ability to assess cultural fit and soft skills
- Organizational skills to manage the hiring timeline
These skills ensure that the hiring manager can balance departmental goals with finding the best-fit candidate.
In summary: The hiring manager is a key partner in the recruitment process, bridging HR’s structured approach with the team’s specific needs, and ultimately ensuring that the best candidate joins the organization.
