HR Advisor (Fixed Term Contract - 12 Months)

The role

We are looking for an HR Advisor to join us on an initial 12-month fixed term contract.  You will work closely with the HRBPs in providing support across our fee earning and business services departments on the full spectrum of HR services.

This is a hands-on and varied role in a collaborative team of 13.  You will enjoy a varied workload ranging from handling day-to-day employee relations matters, to collaborating with the HRBPs on strategic HR initiatives and project work.

Role responsibility

Providing support to the HRBPs in:

• Handling simple ER issues, as well as supporting HRBPs on more complex ER matters (note taking, investigation and document support);
• Managing maternity and other family leave processes, including initial planning of timings before and after return, advice on policies, arranging coaching and re-integration plans, preparing associated paperwork, etc;
• Managing flexible working requests, discussing proposals with managers, and other changes to work patterns;
• Conducting exit interviews and analysis of exit interview data;
• Managing probation and similar scheduled performance check-ins;
• Managing sickness absence, including pay-related discussions, OH referrals, return to work meetings, phased return to work planning, etc;
• Data analysis e.g. Resourcing (regular analysis of time recording data, flagging under/over performance issues); sickness absence; tenure; attrition;
• Managing contractual changes and associated paperwork;
• Proactive management of FTCs, flagging end dates, discussing extensions, agreeing terms;
• Assisting in the management of annual activities such as talent & performance reviews, promotions and pay review;
• Actively engaging in firm-wide DEI and responsible business initiatives;
• Ad hoc policy, analysis, precedent and project support.

About you

Ideally you will be able to demonstrate:

• Proven relevant previous experience, ideally gained with legal/professional services;
• Excellent interpersonal, organisational and administrative skills; attention to detail is critical;
• An enthusiastic and proactive approach;
• The desire to work in a collaborative team, supporting others when required; and 
• Strong listening and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual holiday
• Permanent Health Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Interest free Season Ticket Loan
• Private Healthcare
• Pension Scheme
• Staff Introductory Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

About us

With almost 200 lawyers in one location, we ensure our clients have the right team to help them get from where they are to where they want to be. We advise major corporates and institutions as well as entrepreneurial, ambitious enterprises which are often privately or family owned, or private equity backed. As well as our significant business law capability, we are one of only a few London-based law firms with a large private wealth offering. Our clients find our straightforward approach a compelling alternative to larger, less personal firms.

Whether you are an ambitious and talented individual wanting to hit the ground running from day one, or an established professional looking for a new opportunity, Howard Kennedy is the firm where you can really make it happen.

We have earned a strong reputation for our exceptional and uniquely talented people who between them deliver outstanding results for clients. In a firm of our size, our strong team dynamic creates a thriving culture of creativity and entrepreneurialism. Howard Kennedy is a pragmatic and non-hierarchical environment where success is shared, and you are proactively encouraged to thrive at your own pace.

Our distinctive culture is built on fairness and respect. Guided by the firm’s values of talk straight, think smart and be yourself, everyone in the firm holds equal value, and everyone plays their role in supporting, encouraging and inspiring colleagues to do their best work.

At the same time, we recognise and reward individualism, celebrating the diversity of our people and supporting them to grow their practice and drive their own career advancement.

As well as client work, there is opportunity to broaden your horizons at the firm with fulfilling pro bono and charity projects. We have a regular social calendar full of wellbeing activities, charitable and social events too.