At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR support for a diverse workforce and manage complex employee relations.
- Company: Join Gibson Dunn, a top global law firm with a focus on innovative legal strategies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while working in a dynamic legal environment.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 preferred; strong UK employment law knowledge required.
Summary
Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high‑stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.
Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high‑stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.
Based in London, the successful candidate will lead the delivery of high-quality HR support across a large and diverse workforce. The successful candidate will bring extensive UK employment law and regulatory knowledge, a proven track record of managing complex employee relations matters at scale, and experience partnering with leaders across a multifaceted organisation. This role requires a confident Senior HR professional who can balance strategic thinking with operational excellence while driving positive employee outcomes and organisational performance.
This role reports to the Director of Administration.
Responsibilities Include
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing expert guidance on people strategy, organisational effectiveness, and workforce planning.
- Lead and manage complex employee relations cases, including disciplinaries, grievances, performance management, long‑term absence, restructures, redundancies, and settlements.
- Ensure compliance with UK employment legislation and relevant regulatory requirements, firm policies and HR best practice, mitigating people related risk across the business.
- Lead, develop, and oversee the HR Operations function, ensuring the delivery of efficient, compliant, and high‑quality HR services across the employee lifecycle.
- Partner with all relevant departments supporting the Associate review cycle including: Partner reviewers, US HR teams, and the Director of Administration to support the associate lifecycle, including performance and development reviews, progression decisions, and associate departures.
- Provide strategic and operational HR support across both fee earner and business services populations, recognising the distinct commercial and people considerations applicable to each.
- Lead and support organisational change initiatives, including restructures, TUPE transfers, integration activities, and wider business transformation programmes.
- Coach and develop managers to build capability and confidence in managing people matters effectively, consistently and in line with firm policies, culture and values.
- Analyse HR metrics and workforce data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, providing actionable insights and recommendations to the Director of Administration and senior leadership.
- Work closely with the firm's CHRO, HR Directors, and international HR colleagues to ensure alignment with global people initiatives while maintaining compliance with UK legal and regulatory requirements.
- Lead and contribute to HR projects that enhance employee engagement, organisational effectiveness, diversity and inclusion, talent development, and workplace culture.
- Drive continuous improvement in HR policies, processes, and service delivery, supporting the development of initiatives that foster an inclusive, high‑performing, and engaging workplace
Qualifications
- CIPD Level 7 qualification (or equivalent) preferred.
- Degree level education or equivalent professional experience.
- Evidence of ongoing professional development.
- Additional qualifications in Employment Law, Mediation, Coaching, or Organisational Development would be advantageous.
Experience
- Significant HR experience gained within a Senior HR Manager, HR Business Partner, or equivalent role.
- Strong working knowledge of UK employment law and current regulator requirements, with the ability to apply this pragmatically in a legal environment.
- Demonstrable experience managing high volumes of complex employee relations cases across a large workforce.
- Proven ability to build credibility and communicate effectively with senior stakeholders, including partners and business leaders.
- Excellent judgement and decision‑making capabilities, particularly in sensitive and high‑risk complex situations.
- Strong analytical skills with experience using people data and HR metrics to inform decision making.
- Experience developing and implementing HR policies, procedures, and people initiatives.
- Ability to balance strategic priorities with operational delivery in a fast paced environment.
- Experience leading and developing HR teams, including operational HR functions.
- Experience supporting organisational change, restructuring, and business transformation initiatives.
- Experience working within a professional services, legal, partnership, or similarly complex environment
Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.
Gibson Dunn is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities. We strive to ensure an inclusive and accessible hiring experience. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable participation in the application and recruitment process, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, participate in an interview, or otherwise take part in the recruitment process, please contact us at recruiting‑accommodations@gibsondunn.com.
Please note, this is a dedicated email inbox established exclusively to assist applicants with accommodation request related to the recruitment process. Inquiries about the status of an application or other non‑accommodation matter will not receive a response.
Senior HR Manager employer: Gibson Dunn
Gibson Dunn is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation meets legal expertise. As an Application Engineer, you will benefit from a culture that prioritises collaboration and professional growth, with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge technology projects while ensuring the highest standards of security and compliance. The firm is committed to inclusivity and provides comprehensive support for employee development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior HR Manager
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Gibson Dunn!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Gibson Dunn.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior HR Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Gibson Dunn. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Gibson Dunn and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Gibson Dunn. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Gibson Dunn's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gibson Dunn
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Gibson Dunn.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Gibson Dunn will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Gibson Dunn and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
