HR Advisor

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 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.

• Manage and assist with the recruitment process alongside the Central Recruitment team which will include conducting interviews.
• Oversee and conduct the onboarding and 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.
• Working with the Regional HR Business Manager provide front-line HR advisory support in relation to employee relation matters, disciplinaries and grievances, in line with national HR policies and procedures.
• Receive and log absence calls liaising with the line manager and highlighting any requirements for fit notes, pay adjustments, etc.
• Assisting with absence management across the office in line with the Absence 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, letters, and conduct You Reviews, and report back to the Head of HR/Regional HR Business Manager or Line Manager as relevant.
• Manage the leaver process and conduct exit interviews and report back to the Head of HR/Regional HR Business Manager and Line Manager as relevant.
• Manage and co-ordinate changes to terms and conditions of employment liaising with the HR Ops team as appropriate.
• Oversee the maintenance of employee e-files in line with statutory and firm wide requirements.
• Regional travel will be required 

Further responsibilities

• Co-ordinate annual benefit updates including, season ticket loans, flu vouchers, pension roadshows, etc.
• Arrange office HR training sessions, briefings sessions and drop in workshops.
• Assisting with the day to day general correspondence and 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 specific projects to assist the HR Director, Head of HR and/or Regional HR Business 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 Regional HR Business Manager.
• Ensure adherence to the firm’s culture and values at all times.

Essential

• Strong and broad knowledge and understanding of HR policy, best practise and legislation

Desirable

• CIPD level 5
• Educated to degree level – ideally in a relevant HR discipline

Experience and behaviour

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to build relationships and foster trust and confidence
• Strong sense of personal brand and professional integrity
• Able to work autonomously with minimal oversight
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities in a fast paced environment, work under pressure and make decisions with confidence
• Ability to deliver behaviours in line with the firms values; Talking Business Sense, Being within Reach and Responsive, Pulling Together and Taking Initiative
• Excellent IT and organisational skills
• Able to problem solve using a variety of available data and information
• Experience of working within professional services – ideally legal.

We consider this to be a Level 2 Competency position.

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.