HR Advisor

Shoosmiths - UK Law Firm of the Year Winner at the Legal Week British Legal Awards 2015.

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.

Whether we are helping an individual plan their career, working on salary reviews or planning car parking,  our objective is to satisfy the needs of our clients – the people who work for Shoosmiths. As with all the support departments, HR and Estates Management play a pivotal role in the effective operation of the firm. Many within the team undertake responsibility for both areas and the team is headed up by a single director.

Working closely with the HR Manager (Manchester Office) in the provision of an HR function to the Manchester and Belfast office (and other offices as and when required) delivering a comprehensive and quality service to our internal clients.

Whilst the role is based in Manchester, regular travel to Belfast and Leeds will be required, as will some travel to Edinburgh.

• Manage and assist with the recruitment process alongside the Central Recruitment team, conducting interviews, obtaining feedback, issuing offer letters, managing the new starter process
• Oversee and conduct the induction of new staff into the office(s) 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.
• Providing front-line HR advisory support in relation to employee relation matters, in line with national HR policies and procedures
• Assisting with absence management across the offices in line with the Absent Management Policy and supporting line managers with return to work discussions and plans.
• Preparing for and attending meetings, providing professional guidance towards the outcome within disciplinary, grievance, and performance management.
• Assist with the probation process and conduct You Reviews, and report back to the HR Manager or Line Manager as relevant.
• Manage the leaver process and conduct exit interviews and report back to HR Manager and Line Manager as relevant.
• Manage and prepare changes to terms and conditions of employment liaising with the HR Business Manager and Central HR Ops team as appropriate.
• Updating and maintaining HR records via SAP HR as required.
• Oversee the maintenance of employee e-files in line with statutory and firm wide requirements.
• Assisting with the day to day general correspondence (reference letters, rejection letters, invoices, etc)
• Provide support during the work experience and summer placement administration and set up, presenting HR/H&S induction on day one as appropriate
• Providing support to the development and delivery of people plans and change management.
• Contribute to business wide HR policies, processes and initiatives
• Supporting and managing on specific projects to assist the HR Director, Head of HR and/or HR Manager
• Support the L&D team with the co-ordination of training.
• Supporting in training and coaching of managers within teams
• Assist with initiatives to develop the Firm’s people and culture to meet the demands of a fast growing Firm and a fast changing business environment.
• Help create Shoosmiths’ reputation as an employer of choice both locally and in the various disciplines of the Firm.
• Implement new processes and procedures in the office and ensure effective implementation of all the Firm’s policies. 
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with all Partners and staff
• Providing support and assistance to all staff in respect of general welfare and wellbeing.
• Any other reasonable tasks and duties as directed by HR Director, Head of HR or HR Manager.
• Ensure adherence to the firm’s culture and values at all times

• Ideally CIPD qualified or studying towards qualification
• 2 years’ experience within a similar role within professional services (ideally Legal)
• Experience in high volume working practices desirable
• Knowledge of SAP HR would be desirable.
• Professional, self confident and calm approach
• Strong communication skills
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise and work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Excellent client care skills
• Ability to work alone and within a team

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.