external HR director: definition, missions and operation

Missions of the external HR director

Recruitment and integration: Definition of job descriptions, management of recruitment processes, onboarding and trial period.

Social relations: Drafting and negotiation of company agreements, coordination of the CSE, management of individual and collective conflicts.

Social compliance: Legal monitoring, GDPR HR compliance, occupational health policy, social risk management.

HR development: Training plans, GPEC/GEPP, remuneration policy, annual interviews.

Payroll and administration: Coordination with the accountant or payroll service provider. The external HR director supervises without directly dealing.

external HR director vs part-time HR director

Both terms designate the same reality. external HR director insists on the fact that the HR function is entrusted externally. Part-time HR director emphasizes the method of organization: a professional divides his time between several client companies.

At Iter Advisors, our HR director outsourced operate in France and Spain, with particular expertise on cross-border HR issues.

When to call on an external HR director?

10 to 50 employees: One-off need — recruitment, company agreement, first CSE. 1 to 2 days/month.

50 to 150 employees: Recurring need — monthly HR management, compliance, training plans. 4 to 8 days/month.

Rapid growth or crisis situation: Restructuring, recruitment peak, merger-acquisition. Fixed-term mission.