At a Glance
- Tasks: Support legal teams with HR advice, employee relations, and talent management.
- Company: Dynamic professional services firm with a focus on growth and collaboration.
- Benefits: 28 days annual leave, life assurance, electric vehicle scheme, and perks portal.
- Other info: Opportunity for career development and involvement in strategic HR initiatives.
- Why this job: Be a trusted advisor and make a real impact in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR roles, strong interpersonal skills, and ability to work independently.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and confident HR Business Partner to be based in one of our East Region offices (Cambridge, Northampton, London, Norwich) where you will have a regular presence. This is an autonomous role, supporting a number of legal teams across the firm which will be suited to an individual with HR Manager or junior HRBP experience who is comfortable working independently and building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders. Working as part of a small, collaborative team of HR Business Partners and reporting into the Head of HR, this role offers the opportunity to be involved in the full employment lifecycle, from talent management and strategic workforce planning to day‑to‑day advisory and employee relations. You will play a key role in supporting the firm’s continued growth while ensuring a consistent, commercial and people‑focused approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic HR Partnership: Build strong, credible relationships with Partners, Heads of Team and managers across the East Region, acting as a trusted advisor on people matters. Provide commercially‑aware HR advice aligned to business objectives and the firm’s people strategy. Contribute to and support strategic people initiatives, enabling effective decision‑making at senior level.
- Employee Relations & Advisory: Lead and manage a wide range of employee relations matters, including performance management, capability, absence, disciplinary and grievance processes. Provide clear, pragmatic and legally sound advice on UK employment law and best practice. Coach and support managers to build confidence and capability in managing people issues effectively.
- Talent & Performance Management: Support talent identification, succession planning and career development across supported legal teams. Partner with managers on appraisal cycles, promotion processes and performance calibration. Contribute to retention strategies and engagement initiatives within the region. Work closely with Recruitment to support workforce planning, hiring decisions and senior hires.
- HR Projects & Continuous Improvement: Support firm‑wide HR initiatives and projects, contributing ideas, insight and practical delivery. Ensure HR policies and processes are applied consistently, while allowing for regional and team nuances. Identify opportunities to improve ways of working and enhance the employee experience.
About You
Person Specification: Proven experience in an HR Manager, Senior Advisor or junior HR Business Partner role, ideally within a professional services or similarly commercial environment. Strong, hands‑on experience managing the full employment lifecycle. Experience of working with senior stakeholders and supporting matrix or geographically dispersed teams. Demonstrable ability to work independently and manage a regional remit.
Skills & Attributes: Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the confidence to challenge constructively. Able to use data to support business decisions and confident in the changing role of technology to support the development of HR in supporting the business. Commercially minded, pragmatic and solutions‑focused. Highly organised, with the ability to prioritise and manage competing demands. Comfortable working remotely from the wider HR team while remaining collaborative and connected. Willingness to travel regularly across both the allocated region, as well as other locations to support teams as needed.
Benefits of working with us as an HRBP: 28 days annual leave (plus public holidays), Life Assurance, Electric vehicle scheme, Happy People/Perks at Work benefits portal.
Human Resources Business Partner in Cambridge employer: HCR Law
Join a dynamic and supportive team as an HR Business Partner in one of our East Region offices, where you will enjoy a collaborative work culture that values autonomy and professional growth. With a focus on strategic HR initiatives and employee engagement, we offer competitive benefits including 28 days of annual leave, life assurance, and access to our Happy People perks portal, making this an excellent opportunity for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a thriving environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Human Resources Business Partner in Cambridge
✨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 HCR Law!
✨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 HCR Law.
We think you need these skills to ace Human Resources Business Partner in Cambridge
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 HCR Law. 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 HCR Law 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 HCR Law. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to HCR Law'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 HCR Law
✨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 HCR Law.
✨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 HCR Law 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 HCR Law and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
