Head of Social Relations: Missions, Skills, Training, Salary and Career Development

With changing social dynamics and regulations, the role of the Social Relations Manager has become essential for companies wishing to maintain a harmonious social climate. This professional is responsible for managing relations with social partners, ensuring compliance with employment law and promoting constructive social dialogue . Working closely with the Human Resources Department (HRD) and staff representative bodies (IRP), the Social Relations Manager plays a key role in managing conflicts and improving working conditions, thereby contributing to the company's development.

Description of the job of Social Relations Manager

The Social Relations Manager is a key player in human resources, specialising in managing relations between the company and its social partners. This crucial position involves implementing the company's social strategy, complying with social legislation and maintaining a calm social climate.

What is the role and remit of the Head of Social Relations?

Developing social strategy

The Social Relations Manager develops and implements the company's social relations management strategy. He or she must define the objectives, identify the key players (internal and external) and plan the actions to be taken to maintain a good social climate and comply with legal obligations.

Managing relations with social partners

He manages relations with social partners such as staff representatives, trade unions and employee representative bodies (IRP). It steers collective negotiations and ensures that agreements reached are properly implemented.

Supervision of professional elections

The Head of Social Relations organises and supervises professional elections to ensure that the various bodies are representative.

Managing industrial disputes

He or she acts as a mediator in the event of industrial disputes, helping to find amicable solutions and preserve the company's social climate.

Legal and social monitoring

He/she keeps a constant watch on legal developments to ensure that the company complies with legislative and regulatory changes in employment and labour law.

Training and internal communication

He or she participates in training managers and employees on employment law and labour relations issues. It also develops internal communication tools to inform and raise awareness of these issues.

Tools and technologies used by the Social Relations Manager

HR Information Systems (HRIS)

HRIS tools are used to manage employee data, administrative processes and social relations.

Legal monitoring tools

Platforms such as Légifrance and specialised software are used to monitor legal and regulatory developments.

Project management tools

Software such as Trello, Asana or Monday.com help plan and monitor social initiatives and HR development projects.

What skills do you need to be a good Social Relations Manager?

Professional skills:

• Mastery of social and labour law.
• Skills in human resources management and personnel administration.
• Expertise in social negotiation and conflict management.
• Knowledge of HRIS tools and legal monitoring techniques.

Personal skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with a variety of people.
• Analytical mind and rigour in interpreting and applying regulations.
• Leadership and project management skills.
• Adaptability and responsiveness to legislative and social changes.

What are the current challenges facing an social relations manager?

Rapidly changing social legislation

The Social Relations Manager must constantly adapt to new social regulations and the Macron ordinances, which modify the legal framework of labour relations.

Managing social conflicts

Maintaining a balance between employees' expectations and the company's objectives is a constant challenge. Managing social conflicts requires skills in mediation and negotiation.

Measuring the social climate

Assessing and improving a company's social climate is complex, requiring measurement tools and constant analysis of social data.

How do I get to be an Social Relations Manager?

Education and training

To become an Industrial Relations Manager, you generally need a 5-year degree in labour law, human resources or industrial relations management. The following courses are particularly popular:

• Master's degree in employment law or human resources.
• MBA in human resources management.
• Business school diploma with a specialisation in employment law or industrial relations.

Professional experience

Significant experience in human resources or employment law is essential. Internships or positions ashuman resources assistants are key stepping stones on the way to the position of Social Relations Manager.

What are the career paths and prospects for an Social Relations Manager?

• Progression to Human Resources Director (HRD) or Social Relations Director.
• Opportunities in large companies, consultancies or trade union organisations.
• Possibility of becoming an industrial relations consultant or setting up your own consultancy.
• Transition to a position as an employment law specialist or social transformation consultant.

What does an Social Relations Manager earn?

The salary of an industrial relations manager varies according to experience, the size of the company and the sector of activity:

• Beginner: Gross annual salary (approx.): €35,000 - €45,000
• 2-5 years' experience: Gross annual salary (approx.): €45,000 - €60,000
• 5+ years' experience: Gross annual salary (approx.): €60,000 and more (with possible bonuses)

What kind of work does an Social Relations Manager do?

A variety of employers:

The Social Relations Manager may work in various types of organisation, including:

• Large companies and international groups.
• SMEs and start-ups.
• Human resources consultancies.
• Non-profit organisations and associations.

Main areas of expertise :

An Social Relations Manager works in a number of sectors, including:

• Industry: Managing industrial relations for industrial companies.
• Services: Management of industrial relations in service companies.
• Health and pharmaceuticals: managing industrial relations for healthcare companies.
• Technology: Social relations for high-tech companies.

In summary

The job of Social Relations Manager is essential to ensure a healthy social climate that complies with legal obligations. As a central pillar of human resources, they play a crucial role in managing industrial relations and improving working conditions. Its ability to negotiate, steer social projects and ensure compliance with social legislation is essential to guarantee the success and stability of companies. It is a dynamic role that offers opportunities for growth and career development, while playing a central role in the success of companies' social strategies.