HR Business Partner

Charles Russell Speechlys LLP; City of London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An international law firm is seeking an experienced HR generalist to partner with Business Services and Fee Earning Divisions. The role requires a minimum of five years' experience and CIPD qualification. Responsibilities include developing HR solutions, managing employee relations, and ensuring compliance with employment law. The firm adopts a hybrid working model, allowing flexibility according to role requirements.

Qualifications

• CIPD qualified or equivalent is essential.
• Minimum of five years' HR experience.
• Working knowledge of UK employment law.

Responsibilities

• Forge relationships with Function Head and key individuals.
• Deliver people solutions that drive Firm objectives.
• Manage employee relations issues and investigations.

Skills

CIPD qualified

Strong working relationships

Commercial acumen

Generalist experience in HR

Outstanding communication skills

Job description

We are an international law firm that values the intersection of personal, family, and business matters, with a focus on private capital. Our firm is built on understanding people and fostering deep, trusted relationships. We deliver value with empathy and clarity, avoiding unnecessary jargon and attitude. Our commitment to responsible business practices is unwavering, as we strive to make a positive impact on our people, clients, communities, and the environment.

The HR Function

The HR function is split across several key areas: Business Partnering; Talent and Culture which includes, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Reward & Benefits; Services & Policy; and Organisational Learning & Development, all working collaboratively together and with the wider business to deliver the people aligned Firm strategy. Providing a trusted, high-quality service and delivery in line with our Firm values is key to the professional reputation of the function.

Role Purpose

This role requires an experienced HR generalist to partner our Business Services functions or our Fee Earning Divisions as part of the wider team of HR Business Partners and HR Advisors. The role holder will work closely with the business as a strategic partner and people professional, developing and deploying effective people solutions, ensuring that the HR value proposition and supporting capabilities are tailored to the needs of the Firm.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Forge meaningful and influential working relationships the relevant Function Head (I.e. Chief Operating Officer or Divisional Managing Partner), Business Services Directors, Partners, Head of Group, managers and other key individuals in the Firm.
• Deliver people solutions that help drive Firm objectives, working closely with senior managers to help build organisational and people capabilities, working collegiately with the HR centres of excellence.
• Use evidence-based data insights to identify people priorities for the business and address future Firm needs.
• ProvideHRpolicyguidanceandinterpretationtoensurecompliancewithlegalandregulatoryrequirements.
• Provide an HR advisory and coaching service to senior management to ensure they have the appropriate knowledge and skills to effectively manage their people. To include consideration of SRA Principles and Codes of Conduct to ensure compliance with professional standards.
• Manage key strategic projects and support strategic initiatives across the team as required, working in partnership with the business to ensure that appropriate procedures and best practice is followed to deliver positive change outcomes.
• Implement and foster a performance management culture within the business as a means of driving business improvement by ensuring clear objectives, feedback and the improvement of client service through integration of the Firm’s values and behaviours.
• Consult with and advise client groups on resourcing strategies, identify future talent and potential resourcing issues and plans, succession planning and continuous professional development, ensuring Organisational Capability Reviews are completed and regularly updated and inputting into the budgeting process.
• Manage and resolve employee relations issues; conduct effective, thorough, and objective investigations, effectively managing and remediating any risks for the Firm. Advise stakeholders on conflict resolution, fair and consistent application of policies and ensure investigations comply with employment law and SRA regulations, particularly regarding confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Work closely with managers and colleagues to improve work relationships, build morale, increase productivity, and retention.
• Raise awareness of the importance of colleague engagement and wellbeing to support performance and the ability to put this into practice. Implement initiatives that comply with health and safety regulations, such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
• Contribute to the development of the wider HR strategy and work to ensure a cohesive and coordinated HR service across the business.
• Coach, mentor and supervise Senior HR Advisors and HR Advisors in all aspects of delivering a high quality, accurate service, providing guidance on operational HR issues where required.
• Complete the annual salary review process for the relevant Divisions or Business Service groups, working with the Reward Manager as necessary. Challenge and ensure robust justifications for bonus awards are given by DMPs/Directors/Heads of. Ensure compensation practices comply with equal pay legislation and other relevant employment laws.

Act as a role model in relation to our Values and Behaviours and at all times promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion across the Firm.

Employment Law Compliance

• Ensure all HR practices comply with relevant employment laws, such as the Equality Act 2010, Employment Rights Act 1996, and GDPR regulations.

Regularly review and update policies to reflect changes in legislation.

SRA Regulations

• Ensure HR policies and practices align with SRA Principles and Codes of Conduct, particularly regarding ethical behaviour and professional standards.
• Support the firm's compliance with SRA training requirements, ensuring that all staff, including business services, are aware of their obligations under the SRA framework.

Comply with all relevant legal and regulatory obligations including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations, and Principles.

Data Protection and Privacy

• Ensure HR data handling and storage practices comply with GDPR and other relevant data protection laws.
• Conduct regular audits and training on data privacy and protection.

Skills and Experience

• CIPD qualified (or equivalent professional body or experience) is essential.
• Working knowledge of employment law and associated directives.
• Able to form strong working relationships and act as a “critical friend” when advising on areas of practice.
• Translating strategy and practical application with commerciality and business acumen.
• Generalist experience across a people lifecycle, from attraction, selection, development, employee relations, talent management and effective exit strategies.

Person Specification

• A minimum of five years’ HR experience is required with at least two years working with a leadership level on a consultative and partnering basis, ideally within professional services or law or other regulated environment.
• Significant generalist experience with a proven track record of delivering high quality, commercial HR advice.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills together with the ability to influence and problem solve.
• Solid negotiation, change management and project management skills.
• Strong business acumen and commercially focused.
• Excellent working knowledge of UK employment law and proven experience of resolution of employee relations matters.
• Credible, articulate, and experienced with systems, data and analysis.
• Experience of supervising and mentoring others.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and manage to tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of employment law / practices globally would be desirable.
• Ability to speak other languages would be desirable.
• Working together
• Integrity and respect
• Inclusive
• Personal impact and growth
• Driving high standards
• Client - centric
• Responsible Business

Hybrid working

We adopt a hybrid and flexible working approach, dependent on the requirements of the role and subject to manager approval.

For a detailed specification please download the job description in the documents section of this page.

Clicking 'apply' will direct you to the application tracking system, hosted for us by Reach-ATS.com.