HR Assistant

A leading UK law firm with a network of offices from the South Coast to Scotland, working together as one national team. An innovative practice and the first top 100 law firm to achieve “Gold Standard” Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. The lack of barriers between departments, a real lack of hierarchy, zero tolerance for arrogance and pomposity makes Shoosmiths a fantastic place to work.

The Northampton HR team is responsible for the central processing of all Pre Employment checks for a large number of prospective employees.  Working in a very busy department, this is a very process driven role working closely with, and supporting, the HR Manager in the provision of the HR function to the Northampton office (and other offices as and when required). Ensuring that a comprehensive and quality service is delivered to our internal clients.

This role includes but is not limited to the following:-

• Assisting with the Pre Employment checks for all staff joining relevant departments
• Issuing offer letters and managing the new starter process.
• Conducting the induction of new staff into the office in close liaison with their Manager/Supervisor and working with other departments i.e. IT and Estates and other HRMs to ensure consistency of delivery.
• Assisting the HR Manager in providing front-line HR support in relation to employee relation matters, in line with national HR policies and procedures
• Assist in managing the probation process and conduct entrance interviews, reporting back to the HR Manager as and when required.
• Assist with the leaver process and conduct exit interviews, reporting back to HR Manager
• Co-ordinate and provide monthly reports to Central Payroll ensuring deadlines are met.
• Ensure all changes to terms and conditions of employment are processed, liaising with the HR Manager and Central HR Operations team as and when appropriate.
• Updating and maintaining HR records via SAP HR as and when required in liaison with the Central HR Operations Team.
• Oversee the maintenance of employee e-files in line with statutory and firm wide requirements.
• Assisting with the day to day general correspondence.
• Responsible for the co-ordination of work experience and summer placement administration and set up.
• Assist the HR Manager with specific projects as and when required. 
• Maintain effective relationships with all Partners and staff in the Northampton Office.
• Assisting the HR Manager in providing support and assistance to all staff in respect of general welfare and wellbeing.
• Any other reasonable tasks and duties as requested by HR Manager
• Ensure adherence to the firm’s culture and values at all times

• Minimum 2 years’ experience working in busy, process driven role, ideally within professional services but this is not essential
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise and work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Professional, self-confident and calm approach.
• Strong communication skills.
• Excellent client care skills.
• Ability to work alone and within a team.
• Experience with HR would be an advantage but not essential for the role 

Due to the nature of the work undertaken, confirmation of employment will be subject to the Pre Employment checks that the successful candidate will be an integral part of managing.  These checks, which will be carried out once an offer of employment is accepted will include proof of right to work in the UK,  employment references covering the last 5 years, proof of ID, proof of address covering the last 5 years, credit check (which will only highlight insolvency or County Court Judgments - should any adverse data show on the credit check then any offer of employment will be withdrawn).Terrorism Check (against data supplied by the Bank of England) and a basic level DBS check previously known as a Criminal Records check.

Shoosmiths is a committed Equal Opportunities employer promoting equality of opportunity. This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

No agencies please