HR Advisor

We are BDB Pitmans, recognised for our market-leading expertise in infrastructure. We also specialise in real estate, energy, technology, transport as well as corporate and commercial matters, private wealth, employment, and public and charity law.

With offices in London, Cambridge, Reading and Southampton, we have a team of over 420 experts dedicated to making a clear and positive difference, with the legal precision we are known for.

At BDB Pitmans, we care about helping shape what’s important to people and society. Working constructively with our colleagues and clients and by explaining things clearly in a friendly and approachable way.

ED&I

At BDB Pitmans, our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion sits at the heart of who we are as a firm as we are passionate about ensuring we create a work environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and fully supported to be themselves. Our ED&I work, though, goes beyond how we work with our colleagues. Our firm values – we act with respect, we work in partnership, and we find solutions – are deeply embedded in ED&I principles, and heavily inform how we approach client relationships, as well as external partnerships.

The team

The HR Department focuses on the delivery of strategy, policy, procedures and advice to enable a supportive working environment for all members of the firm and the development of the skills and expertise of employees and partners.

The opportunity

Responsible for providing advice and guidance to partners, managers and employees on all generalist HR matters. Providing commercially focussed people solutions that take into account the business strategy and growth planning, policies and procedures, employment legislation and HR best practice. Responsible for a providing support throughout the full employee lifecycle.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Generalist HR

• In collaboration with senior members of the HR team, drive the business performance in relation to the organisations objectives.
• Lead on absence management ensuring employees are being supported and areas for concern are dealt with promptly.
• Help research, design and implement the firm polices to ensure policies comply with legislative changes and are in line with the firm brand.
• Review and update job descriptions in conjunction with line managers.
• Act as the main point of contact for all partners and employees responding to or delegating tasks as appropriate.
• Working with HoD’s and line managers to identify development needs.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of HR systems and practices.
• Ensure all appropriate policies, procedures and legal requirements are adhered to in accordance with GDPR regulations.
• Support and guide managers through critical annual HR cycle to ensure processes are executed to time; e.g. PDR’s, salary review.
• Working with Heads of Department (HoD’s) to ensure the firms values and culture are being adhered to.
• Work with HoD’s to ensure high levels of employee engagement are being maintained across all offices, ensuring consistency and fairness across all offices.

Employment Relations

• Provide advice, guidance and support to line managers on all ER matters, including discipline, grievance, absent management, restructures and employment terminations.
• Managing employee relationships and supporting through any grievances and conducting mediation meetings where appropriate.
• Handling HR matters reliably and in accordance with current legislation and firm policy.
• Support HR Business Partner to review performance management.
• Training line managers on current employment legislation and future changes.
• Write and present information briefings on a range of HR related topics.

Resourcing

• Working closely with HoD’s and line managers to identify succession planning, working closely with the Resourcing Advisor to advise managers on recruitment and selection strategies and seeking appropriate authorisation for any recruitment.
• Train hiring managers on candidate interview evaluation techniques.
• Monitor key recruiting metrics e.g. turnover and retention rates.
• Assisting line managers with interviews.
• Assisting Early Talent and Development Specialist with assessment centres, vacation schemes etc.
• Managing maternity, paternity and shared parental leave, meeting with all employees and managing correspondence. Ensuring Payroll & Benefits Manager has all the necessary information.
• Informing employees of their rights and entitlements to benefits and keeping them abreast of changes.
• In conjunction with wider HR team, coordinating salary review process in a timely manner. Ensuring reviews are consistent across the firm and working towards minimising the firms Gender Pay Gap.

Projects

• Supporting the wider HR team with ad-hoc projects.
• Supporting the firm with a number of D&I and CSR initiatives.

Who we are looking for

Knowledge/Qualifications

• CIPD Level 5 or above

Experience

• Previous experience of working at HR Advisor level, preferably within the legal or other professional services sectors

Skills

• Excellent communicator and team player
• Sound judgement and able to think on their feet
• Strong administrative skills and ability to prioritise
• Resilient and flexible
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Team player prepared to take on responsibility for other team member roles/tasks when the situation requires.
• Methodical approach to administration.
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise workload.
• Ability to use own initiative.
• Ability to communicate at all levels.
• Can work within tight deadlines.

Job Specification

• Overtime may be required e.g. events, special projects or particularly busy periods, therefore flexibility is essential

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