Reporting to the Head of HR, this role combines strategic partnering with hands-on leadership of the HR function. You will act as a trusted advisor to Partners and senior stakeholders while overseeing the day-to-day delivery of HR services across the firm.
This is a broad and influential position spanning employee relations, trainee development, performance management, HR systems, compliance, and team leadership. It offers significant visibility and the opportunity to shape people strategy within a professional services culture where commercial awareness and credibility are key.
Key Responsibilities
*Provide proactive HR business partnering support to designated practice groups and departments.
*Advise senior stakeholders on employee relations, absence management, performance issues, and organisational matters.
*Coach and guide HR Advisors on complex cases and people matters.
*Lead and develop a small HR team, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
*Oversee probation, appraisal, and performance review processes.
*Partner with business leaders to support workforce planning and learning & development initiatives.
*Manage trainee recruitment and development programmes, including assessment processes and qualification pathways.
*Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and professional body processes.
*Maintain robust HR systems, management information, and reporting capability.
*Support diversity reporting, accreditation processes, and best-practice HR governance.
This role will suit an HR professional who brings:
*Significant HR generalist or HRBP experience within a law firm or professional services environment.
*Strong employee relations expertise and confidence managing complex cases.
*Experience supporting partnership structures and senior stakeholders.
*Commercial awareness and the ability to balance business needs with HR best practice.
*Experience overseeing trainee or early careers development (highly desirable).
*Strong organisational capability with attention to detail and process integrity.
*CIPD Level 7 qualification (or working towards).
*A collaborative, pragmatic and solutions-focused approach.
This is an excellent opportunity for a Legal HR professional seeking a permanent leadership role with breadth, autonomy and influence. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, contribute to long-term people strategy, and lead a capable HR team in a professional services firm where HR is valued as a strategic partner to the business.