Human Resources Manager

Who will you be working for? This is a 12 month fixed term maternity contract working for a leading full-service UK law firm, with 1,200 freethinking colleagues all working together to make the future better for our people, clients and communities. "a big firm, without the attitude", this is a friendly, straight-talking firm that uses their "expertise and integrity to deliver smart legal services and a dynamic, inclusive and rewarding experience." They are in The Times Best Law Firms 2024 and consistently rank in the top tier of the Legal 500 and Chambers guides." The role: Key Responsibiltes • Working closely with managers you’ll provide operational HR guidance across three locations. • You will provide advice and support to managers on employee relations issues such as performance, disciplinary, grievance and absence. • You will use data and insight to drive the people agenda and to influence decision making • You will support on various firmwide initiatives such as check-in conversations, wellbeing, IIP, Graduate recruitment and planning and L&D within your locations • You will work with colleagues in relation to recruitment and lead on graduate recruitment within your locations ensuring we attract the best talent and that capability is being developed • You will work closely with the graduate team in relation to talent pipelines • Working with managers and heads of departments in relation to succession planning • You will conduct exit interviews with leavers within your locations seeking feedback to understand any issues or trends, making recommendations for improvements. • Keeping uptodate with pay and benefit trends within your locations and the legal sector and highlighting any trends and issues where appropriate. • Managing wellbeing issues and supporting employees and managers as appropriate What we’re looking for? • An experienced generalist HR professional, ideally within the legal sector or from a professional services environment. • Flexibility to be present in the Reading office and to travel to Bristol once a month. • Experienced in complex ER cases and carrying out disciplinary and grievance investigations. • Ability to deliver high level and operational HR support to a sophisticated client base, dealing with senior stakeholders and developing strong relationships at all levels. • Strong influencing, team working and organisational skills, keen attention to detail in all areas of work. • Enthusiasm and ability to get stuck in and to take the lead when managers lack experience or capability • Ability to offer pragmatic and commercial advice • Ability to consider big picture implications when offering advice and support at location level. • CIPD qualifications preferrable but not essential