Interim HRBP / HR Manager - 3 month FTC (Part-time)

Why Bates Wells? We’re an award winning, purpose driven City law firm. We were the first UK law firm to become a B Corp and are the highest scoring global law firm in the B Corp community. Globally recognised as the market leading UK firm for charities and purpose-driven organisations, our commercial teams are also using law as a force for good and driving change from the inside out. Our values are key to our success, and you’ll be able to make a real impact from day one. Come and join the firm who have a standout and authentic commitment to a triple bottom line, where we’ll never prioritise profit over people and planet.

The role We’re seeking an interim HR Manager on a short‑term temporary basis, reporting to the Senior HRBP. This role provides cover while we recruit an HR Advisor, and the role holder will be involved in a broad range of generalist HR activity. The timing will align with our annual cycles (salary review, performance reviews, and talent mapping). This is a busy and varied role that combines day‑to‑day HR support with project work and business partnering across both Practice and Business Teams. The role holder will respond to general queries, support payroll processes, and work closely with the HRBPs on annual cycle activities. There will also be a small ER caseload and some discrete project work, including contributing to the implementation of a new benefits system.

Key Responsibilities

• Employee Relations and Employee Welfare (40%)
  • Support on transactional HR matters across the firm including family friendly conversations, joiners/leaver interviews.
  • Advise on policy interpretation and business case applications.
  • Support the HR Assistant with the processing of the firm’s payroll.
  • Lead on, advise and resolve informal and formal performance matters across the firm, proactively managing cases involving others as appropriate to develop knowledge.
  • Manage a variety of employee queries via the HR mailbox as they arise across the firm.
• Annual HR processes (30%)
  • Support the salary review cycle, including data preparation, calibration support and tracking changes.
  • Coordinate talent mapping and review meetings; prepare materials, capture outcomes and follow up on actions.
  • Work closely with other HRBPs to ensure consistency across teams and share insights from reviews.
• Project Work (25%)
  • Working closely with the Senior HRBP and HRD to contribute and lead as appropriate on functional and firm-wide projects.
  • Support the HR Operations manager with the implementation of a new Benefits System.
• Team (5%)
  • Deliver excellent client service in collaboration with all the HR team and take on a champion role within HR to promote best practice and share knowledge.
  • Work with the HR Assistant; delegating and involving them in relevant meetings.
  • Represent the firm internally and externally on people relevant events.
  • Actively help upskill more junior HR colleagues through supporting, coaching and effectively delegating cases.
  • Work seamlessly to assist and cover for HR team members as needed.

Specific tasks may change, so we’ll need you to be adaptable and flexible as we continue to meet our clients’ needs.

About You

You have experience working as part of an HR team and partnering with colleagues across the business to support organisational goals and values. You are comfortable working across a broad range of HR activities and can adapt to what the team or business needs day‑to‑day. You take a practical, supportive approach and are happy to get involved wherever your contribution is needed. You bring around six years of HR generalist experience, gained either within a team or in a standalone role, ideally in a partnership or professional services environment.

What are we like to work for?

• Impact-Driven Purpose: We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.
• Committed to the Climate: Through our Climate & Nature Group, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.
• Championing Inclusion: We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.
• Flexible and Hybrid Working: Our hybrid model supports balance, with part-time options and at least two office days weekly.
• Progressive Benefits: We offer sustainable pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well‑being and growth.

At Bates Wells, equity, diversity, and inclusion are part of who we are and how we work. As a B Corp and purpose-driven law firm, we’re committed to building a workplace that is fair, inclusive, and representative of all.