At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage HR functions and drive improvements in a dynamic legal environment.
- Company: A respected regional law firm with offices in Manchester and London.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and involvement in strategic HR projects.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact on HR strategy.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR within a law firm and strong Employee Relations skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
A highly regarded regional law firm with established offices in Manchester and London is looking to appoint an experienced HR Manager to join its growing people function. This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious HR professional with proven legal sector experience who enjoys operating in a hands-on, operational role while also driving continuous improvement across HR systems and processes.
Working closely with senior leadership, the HR Manager will play a key role in supporting the firm’s people strategy, managing complex Employee Relations matters, and ensuring the HR function operates efficiently and compliantly across both offices.
The Role
The successful candidate will take ownership of the day-to-day HR function while helping modernise and enhance internal HR operations. This role will suit someone who is confident working autonomously, building strong stakeholder relationships, and managing a varied workload within a fast-paced legal environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the full employee lifecycle across legal and business services teams.
- Lead on Employee Relations matters including disciplinaries, grievances, performance management, probation reviews, flexible working requests, and absence management.
- Oversee and continuously improve HR systems, processes, and reporting.
- Ensure HR policies and procedures are compliant with current UK employment legislation.
- Provide practical and commercial HR advice to Partners and senior stakeholders.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and retention initiatives.
- Produce HR analytics and management reports to support business decisions.
- Assist with performance review processes, learning & development initiatives, and wider HR projects.
- Contribute to building a positive, collaborative, and high-performing culture across the firm.
About You
- Previous HR Manager or Senior HR Advisor experience within a law firm or professional services environment is essential.
- Strong Employee Relations experience with the confidence to manage cases independently.
- Experience working with HR systems and improving operational HR processes.
- Solid understanding of UK employment law and HR best practice.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
- CIPD qualified (Level 5 or above preferred).
What’s on Offer
- Hybrid working – 2 days per week in the Manchester office.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunity to join a collaborative and growing regional law firm.
- Exposure to strategic HR projects and business transformation initiatives.
- Supportive leadership team and clear opportunity for progression.
If you are an experienced HR professional looking to join a progressive law firm where you can make a genuine impact, we would love to hear from you.
Human Resources Manager employer: HarKaye Core Talent
Contact Detail:
HarKaye Core Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the legal sector! Attend industry events, join HR forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience in HR. Talk about specific situations where you’ve managed Employee Relations or improved HR processes. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the firm and its culture. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing complex HR matters. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your skills and achievements.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our people strategy.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Manager role. Highlight your experience in Employee Relations and any specific achievements in improving HR systems. We want to see how your background fits with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with our firm’s people strategy. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Legal Sector Experience: Since we’re a law firm, it’s crucial to emphasise your experience in the legal sector. Share examples of how you've managed complex Employee Relations matters and contributed to HR compliance in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at HarKaye Core Talent
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in managing Employee Relations matters.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience in a law firm or professional services environment. Talk about how you've improved HR systems and processes, and be ready to discuss the outcomes of your initiatives.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since the role involves working closely with senior leadership, think about how you can demonstrate your strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Practice discussing how you've built relationships in previous roles and how you can bring that to the table.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific HR scenarios, like managing a disciplinary process or addressing grievances. Prepare by thinking through your approach to these situations, focusing on compliance and best practices.