ABOUT THE TEAM Our Human Resources (HR) team is comprised of six people – one senior HR officer, two HR officers, one HR Assistant, one Management PA/HR Administrator and the Head of Human Resources. They have a collaborative working style and offer a high level of support to the firm. Our Human Resources team are responsible for a number of key functions, including firm-wide recruitment, employee well-being and benefits, payroll, performance management, appraisals, inductions etc. They work closely with all members of the firm, including senior stakeholders and all support teams. PURPOSE OF THE ROLE This Head of Human Resources role offers a unique opportunity to shape the firm’s people strategy. You’ll lead on HR initiatives, complex employee relations (ER) issues, oversee recruitment and have oversight of daily HR operations, while managing a great team of four direct reports. You’ll have the chance to spearhead exciting initiatives, particularly looking at ways to improve reward and benefits, recruitment, and further developing our learning & development programmes, amongst other specific projects like revamping our appraisal process across all levels of the firm. Reporting to an Equity Partner on the firm’s Management Committee, this role is predominantly strategic, making it ideal for someone who enjoys crafting and implementing people strategies. However, it also includes an important day-to-day operational element, ensuring the smooth running of HR functions across the firm. We’re looking for an articulate, analytical candidate who can balance long-term vision and strategic planning with a hands-on approach, seamlessly moving between high-level initiatives and overseeing practical, daily HR activities. This is a great role for a seasoned HR leader with a clear vision for shaping a forward-thinking, innovative HR function. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Work with the senior leadership team to develop and deliver an HR strategy. Develop strategies to improve organisational effectiveness, including within the areas of recruitment and retention, reward and benefits and training. Streamline and optimise the existing appraisal process at all levels of the firm. Lead on initiatives around the future of hybrid working. Leverage strategic thinking to develop and implement innovative new roles within the firm, enabling revenue generation by individuals outside the traditional Fee Earner roles and fostering a more dynamic approach to business development. Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership, providing advice and guidance across all people topics at a complex level, including employee relations and policy application and development. Manage Partner HR matters, in particular, supporting the Senior Partner in managing Equity Partner issues. Support and encourage collaborative communication between Heads of Support Functions. Support Heads of Practice areas in managing fee earners. Oversee management of the annual performance reviews of all associates and support staff, including collating feedback, summarising annual reviews and conducting review meetings with associates and practice group leaders. Champion a performance culture while continuously reviewing productivity and employee development, making recommendations for improvement. Oversee complex issues such as grievance and disciplinary cases in compliance with local legislation and HR best practice. Champion change initiatives, getting buy-in from Partners. Develop and implement relevant training programmes to support professional development at all levels. Contribute to DEI initiatives and steering group, bringing fresh ideas. Contribute to internal communication strategies. Responsible for managing the HR function, including 5 direct reports. Update and review HR policies, procedures and guidelines and enforce organisation values. Control the HR budget and report on current and future staffing costs and initiatives. Maximise the effectiveness and value derived from our HR systems. Facilitate compliance with regulatory requirements. KEY SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES Excellent leadership skills and the ability to cultivate relationships across teams at all organisational levels. Strong commercial awareness – collaborates with the business to implement people strategies aligned with commercial objectives, with a solid understanding of firm finances, leveraging financial modelling to shape policies. Confident competence and solid expertise. Interest in innovation and technology, as well as an eye for continual improvement. A high level of numeracy, comfortable with numbers and handling/interpreting complex data. A highly adaptive, sensitive working style. L&D/training knowhow in relation to senior fee earners and non-fee earning employees. Strong employee relations knowledge. Significant knowledge of employment law with a demonstrated history of applying up-to-date legislation to a range of HR scenarios. Comfortable developing team members and empowering staff. A solid background in generalist HR is required. Experience of working in a law firm environment is preferred. A genuine passion for working with people. Exceptional communication skills – able to deliver difficult news with a positive perspective and effectively influence partners and other stakeholders. Proven organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively. Capable of solving problems and showcasing both operational and strategic skills. Capable of managing workload efficiently and driving projects forward using the right resources. QUALIFICATIONS Ideally CIPD qualified with evidence of continuous professional development. Significant HR leadership and management experience in a law firm or other partnership. We are an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status.