HR Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: HR Manager (Standalone)

Responsible to: Managing Partner

Department: HR Department

Employment Type: Permanent - Full-time or may consider 4 days per week

Work Pattern: 3 days in the office and 2 days working from home. (Initially more days in the office will be required until the Managing Partner agrees to the hybrid working arrangement).

Location: Greenwich

THE FIRM

Our client is a busy, full-service South-East London law firm with a long-established history based in a fantastic modern riverside office in the heart of Greenwich. The firm is seeking a HR Manager to join the firm to fully manage the HR function. This is a standalone role with a great opportunity to work autonomously and alongside the partners of the firm.

The firm prides itself on a collaborative, friendly and open door working culture.

JOB PURPOSE

The HR Manager will provide a comprehensive generalist HR service and support to the partners and have involvement with both strategic and operational HR matters across the firm, whilst continuously ensuring the firm is compliant with UK employment law and SRA regulations. The role will work across all aspects of the HR function's remit implementing HR policies and initiatives, to align with the business strategy and operational processes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

• Working with the partners to lead and implement the firm’s HR strategy and initiatives.
• Liaising with the Compliance Manager to ensure the firm is compliant with SRA regulations.
• Managing cyclical SRA HR compliance requirements.
• Creating and continuously reviewing the employee handbook and associated HR policies.
• Managing and updating the firm’s HRIS/LMS and continuous systems improvements.
• Training and development of all staff, where required.
• Managing and reviewing existing and new benefit offerings for staff.
• Dealing with all employee relation matters, such as performance improvement plans, conflict resolutions, mediation, disciplinarians and grievances, absenteeism etc.
• Recruitment of at all levels such as direct advertising, via agencies and interviewing of candidates at all levels.
• Managing terms of business for all external HR vendors.
• Managing the firm’s monthly payroll process with the Head of Finance and external payroll provider.
• Leading and managing HR projects.
• Responsible for the preparation and execution of the annual employee engagement survey, staff engagement initiatives and employee engagement action plans.
• Continuously reviewing improvements to the firm’s annual performance review framework
• Managing cyclical processes such as annual performance, salary and benefit review processes.
• Mentoring/coaching departmental heads to improve human resources skill management.
• Assisting the Managing Partner to manage and oversee the office administration function consisting of two employees, the receptionist and the Facilities and Administration Officer. (The team will have a dotted reporting line into the HR Manager).
• Contribute to the development of HR department goals, objectives, and systems.
• Dealing with relevant HR related H&S matters and documentation.
• Compliance of GDRP for HR files/records.
• Ensuring training is logged and undertaken, including mandatory training in anti-money laundering, cyber security, GDPR etc
• HR administration.

KEY COMPETENCIES / SKILLS

• Excellent people and communication skills
• Strong business acumen
• Ability to build and nurture relationships with partners and employees
• Strong communication skills (Oral and Written)
• Good attention to detail
• Ability to deal with "difficult" and sensitive conversations with staff, when required.
• Good problem solving skills

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

At least 5 years’ previous experience in a HR Manager or Assistant HR Manager role. Working in a law firm or a professional services/fee earning firm would be very advantageous but not essential. Ideally working in a standalone HR Manager role would also be very beneficial.

FIRM ACCREDITATIONS

Lexcel, ISO9001, CQS, WIQS and Family Law Accreditations