HR Manager (12 Month FTC)

Overview of role

We are seeking a HR Manager in our London office for a duration of 12 months to cover a period of maternity cover. 

The London office operates a 50% hybrid policy. 

As a trusted partner, the HR Manager helps aligns business objectives with employees and management in the London office.

The primary focus for this important role is to administer and implement all of the Firm's HR procedures and processes fairly; to lead entry to middle management employee relations cases, to accurately administer the monthly payroll, pension and benefits protocols, support the annual performance and reward cycle, and support both local and global projects. The HR Manager will work closely with the Head of HR and the Global Recruitment team to facilitate the end-to-end recruitment process of all staff joining the London office. They will collaborate with the European and Global teams on projects and form meaningful working relationship across the global HR function to deliver value added service to management and employees that reflect the Firm’s objectives.

Duties, Responsibilities & Person Specification

RECRUITMENT AND INITIAL ONBOARDING

• Supports the Global Recruitment team to drive staffing and recruitment activities for the London office
• Collate annual salary surveys for the UK market as it relates the job roles in the London office.
• Track all new/live roles and offers on a weekly basis and report on the journey through the entire recruitment cycle from hire to onboarding.
• Support interviews and evaluate candidates with the recruiting manager, when required.
• Work with the Head of HR and or Recruiting Manager to analyse compensation information in order to  make a solid offer recommendation
• Support the HRA on verification/background screenings and support the RA on contract productions for new candidates. If required, extends job offers and negotiate with candidates within the budgetary constraints.
• Overseeing and supporting the RA and HRA with contract terms for new hires, promotions, transfers and the on boarding process including orientation and induction
• Assist international employees with relocation, immigration for non UK nationality candidates and related HR matters. Support internal secondments and contract production.

BENEFITS, COMPENSATION AND POLICY ADMINISTRATION

• Provides input into the development, implementation, and administration of HR policies and procedures and their dissemination
• Advises managers/practice group leaders and employees on general benefits and compensation-related matters; forwards high level issues to the Head of HR and benefits team
• Support managers and practice group leaders with developing position descriptions and conducting job classifications
• Assist with the administration of the Year-End Performance and Growth Plans (PGPs) process and Regular check-ins. Monitor to ensure all PGP forms are completed by the deadline and filled correctly.

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

• Act as the first line of contact in Human Resources for any probation related issues or entry to mid-level employee relations issues involving employees and middle managers.
• Conduct regular meetings with respective business units and practice group leaders to build and maintain good working relationships with HR.
• Serves as a trusted advisor to employees, business unit leads and partners on a wide variety of issues such as training needs, poor performance, policy interpretations, career development, conflict management, and other issues impacting productivity and/or morale
• Support, develop and coach business line managers / partners to manage employee relations issues using Walkers policies, procedures and best practice, ideally resolving issues where possible informally
• Able to support formal capability, disciplinary or grievance hearings

PROJECTS/INITIATIVES & STRATEGY

• Part of the global HR team in the implementation of the strategic HR Plan, projects and initiatives at Walkers to positively add value to both our business and employees.
• Supporting the delivery and implementation of HR global projects that support or deliver change linked to the global HR strategy e.g. Engagement Survey analysis and presentations to client groups
• Work with the Head of HR, Regional HR Director and with key stakeholders to ensure that all HR projects and initiatives are appropriately communicated and implemented.
• Identify local projects and HR initiatives in line with the business objectives e.g. support the design and implementation of a Wellbeing strategy for the London office; Town Hall preparations for OMP

ADMINISTRATION, SYSTEMS & RECORDS

• Administer all family friendly leave in line with local laws. In addition, support the case for any discretionary leave request to the Office Managing Partner.
• Promote the use of People Central (HR systems), policies and processes, challenging appropriately as necessary
• Manage exit processes for colleagues, carrying out exit interviews and reporting the results bi-annually
• Ensure Payroll, Pension and Benefits are accurately administered on a monthly basis; and all queries from staff are responded to in a timely manner.
• Oversee, input and regularly update employee information into the firm's HRIS
• Regularly update own knowledge of the firm's people policies, procedures and processes
• Work with the Office Manager to administer Health, Safety and Wellbeing plans for the office

Education, Skills & Experience

QUALIFICATIONS

• CIPD qualification preferred

• Educated to a minimum of degree level

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Technically strong HR Manager/generalist with relevant experience working in a legal / professional or financial services environment, ideally in a business operating across multiple jurisdictions

• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to identify and implement pragmatic HR solutions to support line managers and the business needs

• Good communication skills with an ability to interact sensitively and professionally with staff at all levels of the organisation, both verbally and in writing

• Strong organisational skills, including planning and time management to enable effective prioritisation and delivery of multiple activities

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