At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead people strategy and culture initiatives to drive growth and exceptional client experiences.
- Company: A forward-thinking law firm with a focus on transparency and client needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a leading law firm and make a real impact on its culture.
- Qualifications: Extensive HR leadership experience in professional services and strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to diversity, inclusion, and operational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The company
A new style of law firm, we’re trusted by clients because we focus on what matters: delivering practical advice and transparency on costs. We understand your needs and are committed to a user-friendly style of business.
Our firm providesclients with unparalleled access to one of the largest legal resources in Scotland. With a team of over 250 lawyers, we seamlessly integrate business acumen with innovative approaches, guaranteeing exceptional client service and unrivalled expertise.
We work with clients in all key sectors within the Scottish economy. Our strength comes from our collaborative relationships and our breadth of connections. We have an extensive network of clients and contacts throughout Scotland, as well as strong links to the wider UK and international markets.
The role
This role can be based at either our Edinburgh or Glasgow offices. As a member of our Executive Committee, the CPO acts as the firm’s chief adviser on all people and culture matters, shaping strategy, challenging and supporting senior leaders to drive sustainable commercial performance and an exceptional client experience aligned to the firm\’s growth ambitions.
With the support of your People team, the CPO will focus on the following areas:
Strategic Leadership
- Shapes and delivers the People Strategy aligned to the firm’s vision, strategy and growth plans.
- Provides courageous and constructive challenge to ExCo and partners to ensure people decisions align with the firm’s strategic and financial goals.
- Champions the commercial leadership of people to drive growth ambitions aligned to best practice.
Commercial Partnering
- Translates people data into insight that informs decisions on profitability, resourcing and client service delivery.
- Develops and deploys workforce analytics to inform capacity, capability, productivity and reward strategies.
Culture & Engagement
- Leads the design and delivery of culture-shaping initiatives that support market focus, collaboration, client focus, and sustainable performance.
- Drives initiatives that improve engagement, retention and employer brand.
Talent & Leadership
- Oversees talent acquisition, learning & development, talent review, succession planning and career pathways to ensure the firm has the right skills for the future.
- Strengthens leadership capability at all levels developing firm wide leadership development capability alongside leadership readiness programmes.
Reward & Performance
- Develops, implements and reviews fair, competitive and commercially viable reward strategies.
- Ensures performance management systems drive accountability, client-focused behaviours and business outcomes.
Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging
- Champions diversity, inclusion and belonging as drivers of talent attraction, retention, innovation and client value.
- Builds and delivers a DIB strategy that both drives the firm\’s growth agenda and supports the delivery of a great place to work
Operational Excellence
- Ensure high-quality HR operations, policies, systems and compliance.
- Lead the People team to deliver consistent, professional and efficient service to the business.
The successful candidate
The firm is a leading independent Scottish law firm, operating in a highly competitive market that demands strong financial performance, excellent client service and a distinctive culture. The CPO partners with the CEO, ExCo and the Board to align people priorities with commercial strategy. The role requires the ability to challenge senior leaders constructively, providing insight and data-driven evidence to ensure decisions support long-term sustainable growth.
- Outstanding senior HR Director/ People leader with significant experience in complex professional services or partnership or similar type environments.
- Strong analytical and data-driven mindset: able to interpret complex workforce, financial and market data to influence decision-making
- Resilient and persuasive, with the gravitas to influence senior partners and challenge constructively at Board / ExCo/partner and leadership level.
- Experience of leading cultural and organisational change.
- Deep knowledge of talent, reward, L&D, workforce planning, diversity and employee engagement.
- High personal credibility and professional integrity.
- Evidence of Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- Chartered/Fellow membership of an appropriate accredited Professional Institution(s) is preferred.
How to apply
To apply, please send your CV to Jaclyn Needham, Director at FWB to applications@fwbltd.com or for an initial confidential discussion, please contact her on 0131 539 7087.
Morton Fraser MacRoberts (MFMac) - Chief People Officer employer: FWB
Contact Detail:
FWB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Morton Fraser MacRoberts (MFMac) - Chief People Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the legal field, especially those who might know someone at Morton Fraser MacRoberts. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the firm’s culture and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their focus on collaboration and client service. Tailor your answers to reflect their commitment to transparency and practical advice.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job openings—be proactive! If you think you’d be a great fit for the Chief People Officer role, apply through our website. Sometimes, showing initiative can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview with a thank-you note. It’s a simple gesture that shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Morton Fraser MacRoberts (MFMac) - Chief People Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Chief People Officer. Highlight your experience in strategic leadership and how you've shaped people strategies in previous roles. We want to see how you can align with our vision and growth plans!
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role involves translating people data into insights, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical skills. Include examples of how you've used data to inform decisions on profitability and client service delivery. We love a data-driven mindset!
Emphasise Cultural Change Experience: We’re looking for someone who can lead cultural and organisational change. Share specific instances where you've successfully driven engagement and retention initiatives. This will show us that you can champion our values and enhance our workplace culture.
Apply Through Our Website: While you can send your CV to Jaclyn, we encourage you to apply through our website as well. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at FWB
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand Morton Fraser MacRoberts' values, culture, and recent developments. Familiarise yourself with their approach to client service and how they integrate business acumen with legal expertise. This will help you align your answers with their mission and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
As a Chief People Officer, you'll need to discuss strategic leadership and people management. Prepare examples of how you've shaped people strategies in previous roles, focusing on how these aligned with business goals. Be ready to challenge assumptions constructively and provide data-driven insights that support your points.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Given the emphasis on data-driven decision-making, be prepared to discuss how you've used workforce analytics in the past. Bring specific examples of how you've translated data into actionable insights that improved profitability or client service delivery. This will highlight your analytical mindset and ability to influence senior leaders.
✨Emphasise Cultural Fit and Engagement
Culture and engagement are key areas for this role. Think about initiatives you've led that improved employee engagement or fostered a diverse and inclusive workplace. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to shaping the firm's culture and enhancing its employer brand, aligning with their growth ambitions.