---
title: "Assign a position to a user"
slug: "assign-a-position-to-a-user"
tags: ["Totara Platform", "Explainer", "Site Administrator", "How-to"]
updated: 2026-08-13T16:01:14Z
published: 2026-08-13T16:01:14Z
canonical: "totara.help/assign-a-position-to-a-user"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://totara.help/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Assign a position to a user

[Positions](/totara-20/docs/what-are-positions) can be assigned to users in bulk using the [HR import](/totara-20/docs/what-is-hr-import) position source, or individually via a user's profile. Positions can be assigned to each [job assignment](/totara-20/docs/what-are-job-assignments) the user has.

To assign a position to a user, follow these steps:

1. Go to *Quick-access menu > Users.*
2. Click the user's name to access their profile.
3. Click **Add job assignment**.
4. Click **Choose position**.
5. Navigate to the position in the hierarchy or select **Search** to find the position.
6. Click **OK** to assign the position.

If you attempt to assign a manager that results in a circular management loop then an error message will be displayed and you won't be able to add the circular reference.

For example, if User A has User B as their manager, and User B has User C as their manager, you will not be able to add User A as the manager of user C as this would create a create unexpected behaviour for manager approvals and management reporting.

## Assigning position start and end dates

It is possible to assign a user's position a start and/or end date. The following are suggestions for how this can be used in different scenarios:

- User joins company:

- User is promoted, user account updated to a new position, two actions required:

- User leaves company:

## Next steps

- [What are job assignments?](/totara-20/docs/what-are-job-assignment)
- [Create a position](/totara-20/docs/create-a-position)

![Course badge](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/course-badge_positions-organisations-and-job-assignments.svg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-01T09%3A39%3A25Z&se=2026-11-01T10%3A39%3A25Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=2CnQJPsEbahi9NHbaJoHGaPKvTmegXLTI7CCdST0NLc%3D)The Totara Academy has a whole course dedicated to using [Positions, organisations and job assignments](https://totara.community/course/view.php?id=567) in Totara. Here you can learn more on how to use hierarchies and job assignments, see best practice, and give it a go yourself.

Join the [Totara Community](https://totara.community/) for more resources to help you get the most out of Totara.

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