Senior HR Advisor in Birmingham

Location: Birmingham

Salary: Hidden

Recruiter: Shoosmiths

Date Advertised: 2024-06-27

The firm

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. 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.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

To discover more about our benefits, please visit: Benefits Package

The team

We are a dynamic team, stretching across various functions such as HR, Performance & Talent Development, Talent Acquisition, Reward, Benefits, DE&I & Sustainability.

The team is headed up by the Director of People, and consists of around 30 people, based all up and down the country.

We provide excellent support to our Legal Professionals as well as Business Services employees, and work together to deliver on business needs and objectives.

The role

The responsibilities of a Senior HR Advisor typically encompass a wide range of duties related to human resources management, recruitment, employee relations, project management and supporting key stakeholders of the business.

HR advisory play a pivotal role in the effective operation of the firm.

Main responsibilities
  • Build and maintain trusted working relationships with internal clients, specifically with the Partners, Line managers and other key leaders within the business.
  • Oversee and conduct the on-boarding and induction of new employees and Partners 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.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, disciplinary actions, and grievances, escalating to the Employee Relations Manager where necessary.
  • Oversee performance management processes, including, goal setting, and development plans. Provide training and support to managers on performance management best practices.
  • Manage and co-ordinate changes to terms and conditions of employment liaising with the HR Ops team as appropriate.
  • Providing support and assistance to all employees/Partners in respect of health and wellbeing.
  • Interpret and advise line managers and staff on the application of terms and conditions of service, best practice, policies / procedures and new legislation and proactively advise managers of changes.
  • Support line managers through the probation process.
  • Support the leaver process and conduct exit interviews as required, analyse leaver data and report analysis as relevant.
  • Oversee any family friendly leave requests or queries, including conducting maternity conversations and all correspondence, liaising with the HR Ops teams as appropriate.
  • Assist with the recruitment process alongside the Central Recruitment team which will include conducting interviews.
  • Support the absence management process, assisting with RTW and Occupation Health assessments when required.
  • Supporting in training and coaching of managers within teams.
  • Support in projects including firm-wide organisation design/ restructuring / ER initiatives.
  • Supporting and leading on other specific projects to assist the People Director, Head of HR and/or HR Business Partner.
  • Assist the HR Business Partner in implementing HR strategies and initiatives that align with business objectives and promote employee engagement and retention.
  • Produce HR metrics and analytics to support decision-making.
  • Work collaboratively with other teams within the People directorate, e.g., L&D, Corporate Responsibility/ESG, Diversity and Wellbeing, Benefits, HR Ops, etc to provide a seamless service to the client group.
  • Provide support for other offices and across the HR Advisory team when required.
  • Assisting with the day-to-day general correspondence (reference requests, invoices, etc).
  • Lead by example and enhance Shoosmiths’ reputation as an employer of choice both locally and in the various disciplines of the Firm.
  • Any other reasonable tasks and duties as directed by People Director, Head of HR or HR Business Partner.
  • Be an ambassador of the Firm’s Values and strive for excellence in all tasks and responsibilities.
  • Skills and qualifications
  • Ideally CIPD qualified or studying towards qualification.
  • At least 3 years’ experience within an Advisory role within professional services (ideally Legal).
  • Good IT skills, specifically PowerPoint, use of AI, and knowledge of SAP HR would be desirable.
  • Professional, self-confident and calm approach.
  • Strong communication skills, ability to present in front of Partners/Senior Management
  • Highly organised with the ability to prioritise and work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent client service skills.
  • Ability to work alone and within a team.

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