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 50 law firm to achieve “Platinum 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 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.

• Assist with the recruitment process alongside the Central Recruitment team which will include conducting interviews.
• Oversee and conduct the on-boarding and induction of new staff into the office(s) in close liaison with their Manager/Supervisor and working with other departments i.e. IS and Estates and other HRAs to ensure consistency of delivery.
• Providing front-line HR advisory support in relation to employee relation matters, disciplinaries and grievances, in line with national HR policies and procedures.
• Receive absence calls and logging, liaising with the line manager and highlighting any requirements for GP 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.
• Oversee any family friendly leave requests or queries, including conducting maternity conversations and all correspondence, liaising with the HR Ops teams as appropriate.
• Preparing for and attending meetings, providing professional guidance towards the outcome within disciplinary, grievance, and performance management.
• Support line managers through the probation process, conduct You Reviews. Report back to the Head of HR/Regional HR Business Manager or Line Manager as relevant.
• Support 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.
• Provide support for other offices when required, in particular Midlands region.
• Oversee the maintenance of employee e-files in line with statutory and firm wide requirements.
• Liaise with HR Operations / HR Benefits as necessary regarding annual updates, requests and payroll matters.
• Arrange office HR training sessions, briefings sessions and drop in workshops.
• Assisting with the day to day general correspondence (reference 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 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.

• Ideally CIPD qualified or studying towards qualification
• 2-3 years’ experience within a Advisory role within professional services (ideally Legal)
• 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

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

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.