HR Business Partner - 12 month FTC

This is a 12 month fixed term contract (FTC), based in London, with a hybrid working model.

Purpose of role

The purpose of this role is to provide the full range of HR Business Partner support from an operational and strategic perspective to aligned groups, delivering a first class service to our people. You will be working closely with our people managers and leaders, acting as a trusted advisor to ensure that the people agenda is reflected in all business decisions. You will collaborate with leaders and people managers to define, create and deliver effective HR solutions.

Trusted advisor:

• Develop and sustain strong business relationships by giving professional advice and becoming a trusted advisor; all advice and support will be aligned to the core values and principles of the firm.

Continuous improvement and change management:

• Work with the HR team, leaders and line managers, to implement business improvement and transformational change;
• Promote the HR Services model, adopt a continuous improvement and innovative mindset, and drive effective ways of working.

Talent management and development:

• Support the identification and development of key talent within designated groups to enable individuals to meet their potential and the departments to meet their business objectives;
• Promote and champion the learning and development programmes and initiatives that are available to support colleague development.

Engagement and communication:

• Work with the leaders and people managers to support communication and initiatives and processes to improve employee engagement;
• Participate in management meetings as the HR professional and expert;
• Facilitate effective communication and knowledge sharing between departments and across HR.

Performance and reward:

• Advise and coach leaders and line managers to build increased capability in performance management;
• Provide support and advice, guiding decision making and maintaining objectivity and fairness;
• Develop ways to support a continuous feedback, development and recognition culture within your designated groups;
• Manage the performance, salary and bonus review process across designated groups, communicating with and co-ordinating with all relevant parties.

Employee relations:

• Keep up to date with all developments in terms of employment legislation and employee relations issues and utilise this technical knowledge to provide advice and guidance to people managers;
• Work closely with the ER team to manage complex performance, grievance and disciplinary issues;
• Oversee wellbeing and long term sickness cases for the designated groups, liaising with Occupational Health and support services where relevant and providing general support to people managers as required.

HR transactions:

• Work with the Advisory and HR Services team to ensure smooth, accurate delivery of HR lifecycle transactions including onboarding, movers, leavers, and flexible working requests.

Data and management reporting:

• Create and utilise management reports to enable informed and appropriate business decisions to be made;
• Use data to highlight potential areas of focus in support of the people agenda;
• Drive and support activities to ensure data integrity.

Key Requirements

Essential

• Significant generalist HR experience working within a business facing HR role is essential;
• Excellent knowledge of and experience of Employee Relations;
• Current knowledge of employee legislation and best practice;
• Experience of working in change intensive environments;
• Good project management skills;
• Excellent relationship building and senior stakeholder engagement and influencing skills;
• Proficient IT skills including experience of HR systems and Excel;
• Proficient English verbal and written language skills.

Desirable

• CIPD qualification or equivalent preferred;
• Experience of working within a professional services organisation.

Competencies

• The ability to build strong working relationships and to be able to persuade and influence a range of people across levels, cultural and global boundaries;
• Excellent planning ability;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to listen, clarify and share information easily;
• A diplomatic and adaptable working style, works collaboratively with colleagues and demonstrates an empathetic approach when dealing with others;
• Dedicated to meeting and exceeding customer expectations with a commitment to the highest level of integrity;
• Resilient and able to remain calm and positive under pressure and when dealing with ambiguity;
• Is delivery focussed and drives forward quality of service;
• Decisive and mature in judgement and able to resolve complex problems taking a proactive approach to analyse the issues and generate solutions.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing. Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.

About Us

Freshfields is a global law firm with a long-standing track record of successfully supporting the world’s leading national and multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments on ground-breaking and business critical mandates. At Freshfields we seek to create a better future for our clients, our people and the communities in which we work. Our global teams bring together individuals with different experiences, skills and strengths in a culture where we support all to belong, engage and excel.