Job description We are currently recruiting for acommercial individual with a proven track record in a professional services environment, driven to work in a high-performance environment at a global law firm where commercial insight, developing strong personal relationships and achieving tangible results are valued and recognised to join our London office as an Early Careers - HR Manager. This role will provide HR support and strategic guidance to the Early Careers populations (with a particular focus on solicitor apprentices), trainers and supervising partners, ensuring successful: (i) integration of new hires, and inclusion for a diverse range of people; and (ii) progression throughout the training programmes, with a focus on excellence and becoming high performing associates. Role and responsibilities Trainee solicitors (future and current) Law School Ownership of HR matters in relation to future trainees at law school includes: (i) liaising with future trainees, and the business, on a range of matters including SQE assessments; and (ii) management/development of touchpoints and matters relating to work readiness. Build trust and open dialogue with the future trainee population, so that you are aware of and can deal with any issues at an individual or collective level, and shape new initiatives in this space. Ensure access to any additional support including by, for example, facilitating mentoring and coaching where there is an identified need. Working with Senior HR Managers on broader strategic projects in relation to future trainees, such as engagement during the onboarding journey. Support to the business Responsibility for successful integration and inclusion of new hires (i.e. at point of joining the business and throughout the training journey) includes: (i) proactive management of matters arising in this area (and taking preventative steps); and (ii) advising the business (including relevant partners) on any additional support which may be required for individual trainees (and apprentices). Raise awareness of the firms inclusion initiatives and networks amongst current and future trainees (and apprentices). Identify and report on data and trends, relevant to the Early Careers experience, including through an inclusion lens, to provide any insights to training partners and other relevant stakeholders, and inform policy decisions. Work with relevant stakeholders to help reinforce the important link between a candidates experience from the point of receiving an offer through to joining the firm, and their experience throughout their period of training. Work with fellow Early Careers HR Manager to ensure effective management of Employee Relations matters in the Early Careers populations. Solicitor apprentices Our solicitor apprentices typically join the firm after completing their A levels. Responsibility for managing, and providing day-to-day HR support in relation to, the solicitor apprenticeship programme, working with relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful integration and inclusion of apprentices in the business. In addition to programme management, the role involves working on broader strategic matters regarding the apprenticeship programme. Management of central processes for the development and successful qualification of solicitor apprentices includes: Onboarding and induction. Seat rotation and secondment processes. Performance development includes leading moderation meetings and working with the Talent & Development team on internal training for this population. Qualification and admission to the roll of solicitors. Regulatory responsibilities Ensure compliance with SRA regulations (plus others), to facilitate qualification as a solicitor via the Solicitors Qualification Examination (SQE). Relationship with Law School Management of all day-to-day law school matters in relation to the apprenticeship programme includes: establishing key milestones (such as assessments and performance development meetings) and managing the business on the same, proactive management of candidate performance at law school, and managing HR matters such as performance and absence management. Supporting apprentices Proactively establish strong relationships with apprentices and provide ongoing support to apprentices, and their line managers, to ensure that apprentices are progressing well and any issues are resolved. Provide confidential counselling and guidance. Identify and connect apprentices with appropriate external/internal networks to support apprentice integration and ongoing development. Overall responsibility for managing day-to-day apprentice Employee Relations matters. Supporting supervisors and updating the business Work with the apprentice and their teams to closely monitor the experience, collate feedback and ensure that development points are worked on. Connect with relevant external organisations and stakeholders on apprentice matters, to help inform best practice. Key requirements Robust generalist HR experience in professional services or legal (CIPD qualification is advantageous). Experience of working with entry level talent (both at school leavers and the post graduate stage is desirable but not mandatory) and appreciation of various issues (including from a mental health and wellbeing, and inclusion perspective), that might impact new hire performance. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to: (i) build and develop strong relationships across all levels of the firm and externally; and (ii) influence stakeholders. Collaborative team player with the ability to work in a fast paced, intellectually rigorous environment. High energy individual who takes a proactive and pragmatic approach. A person of sound judgment, able to establish a high level of credibility and act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders. Ability to deal sensitively with difficult issues and personalities. Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required. We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services. We recognise the value of flexible working and embraces hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do however remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together. ADZN1_UKTJ