Head of HR

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of HR to join the HR department in our Grimsby office (Lincoln office would also be considered).

Wilkin Chapman LLP is the largest law firm in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire, providing a wide range of legal services to both businesses and individuals. The Firm regularly achieves department and individual recommendations in the UK's leading legal directories and is ranked 106 in the top 200 UK law firms by turnover.

Working with the Firm’s leadership team (Senior Partner, Divisional Heads and the wider Partner group) to develop and enhance the people strategy.  Acting as the face of HR for the Firm with overall leadership of the HR function.

Responsible for the leadership and management of the Human Resources department.  To support the Firm’s people strategy and be responsible for all HR activities across the Firm.  Maintain good working relationships with staff and Partners ensuring that the Firm has up to date and fit for purpose Human Resources policies and procedures that enable staff motivation and the achievement of Firm and personal objectives.

• Develop and implement an annual HR strategy which supports the Firm’s strategic plan.
• The delivery of all HR initiatives making sure that they are effectively implemented and managed across the business.
• Manage, with the HR Manager, the day to day operation of the HR team.
• Working closely with other Heads of Operations from across the business.
• Lead and manage the Firm’s pay and reward strategy including the annual salary review.  Make recommendations for pay rises in consultation with Heads of Department, Divisional Heads and the Senior Partner.
• Lead and manage the Firm’s Wellbeing offering.
• Lead on all employee related consultations e.g. contracts of employment, potential redundancy etc.
• Manage the Firm’s overall benefits offering.
• Provide advice and guidance to Partners, Heads of Department and Line Managers on all HR issues.
• Ensure the all HR policies and procedures are up to date, fit for purpose and legally compliant and be responsible for the development of policies where appropriate.
• Overseeing and managing recruitment for the Firm and being involved with Senior Recruitment.
• Manage the promotion process for Partners and the recruitment of lateral Partners.
• Budget creation and management.
• Working closely with the Graduate Recruitment Partner to ensure the Firm recruits high calibre Trainees each year. 
• Overall responsibility for a HR team (consisting of 5 people).
• Overall responsibility for the Document Production Service and the Support Services Manager.

Successful applicants need to possess:

• Educated to degree level is desirable.
• CIPD qualified is essential.

Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate:

• Previous Head of HR experience, working with a headcount of circa 400 people, preferably within a professional services environment.
• Proven track record in managing a HR team and operating at a senior level.
• An ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills with proven leadership capabilities.
• Be able to forge relationships and to bring cohesion where needed.
• Strong employment law knowledge.
• Makes sensible, intelligent decisions in difficult and deadline driven situations.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrates passion - approaches all tasks in an enthusiastic way. Committed to upholding professional standards.
• Takes responsibility for own actions and visibly supports the senior leadership team and their agenda.
• Results focused - understands what is important to staff, clients and management and is committed to achieving goals. Tenacious approach to delivery, quality of output and organisation.
• Capable communication skills - handles complex and difficult situations with thought and confidence
• Ability to deliver appropriate information to the right people.
• Ability to explain detailed legal information to staff in a straightforward way.
• Displays integrity - is sincere in own behaviour and in dealings with others.
• Self-motivated and self-aware - recognises own strengths and weaknesses and is committed to personal development.
• Takes a broad interest in the success and development of the Firm and the HR function as a whole.
• As the Firm is multi-site, you will be required to travel as necessary.
• Understanding and adopting the Firm’s values and behaviours.

Wilkin Chapman is an equal opportunities employer that values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religious practice or any other perceived differences.  We are an armed forces friendly employer.

Our Values

All that we do is shaped by our five values: Service, Teamwork, Approachability, Innovation and Commitment to achieving results. These values are the bedrock of Wilkin Chapman, they define who and what we are - they underpin everything that we do. For more information on our values, please click here.

If you have any queries regarding this position, please contact recruitment@wilkinchapman.co.uk.