At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR initiatives, support recruitment, and enhance employee engagement across multiple locations.
- Company: Join Hempsons, a leading law firm with a vibrant culture and diverse team.
- Benefits: Enjoy private health insurance, life assurance, and flexible hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in HR while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: HR management experience, strong communication skills, and a CIPD qualification preferred.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative and inclusive workplace.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Hempsons Newcastle, England, United Kingdom
Reporting to: Head of HR
Hours: 09:00‑17:00 Monday‑Friday (*)
Location: Manchester, Newcastle or Harrogate
About Hempsons
With over 250 staff and lawyers across five offices nationwide, Hempsons is a leading law firm for the health and social care, charity, and social enterprise sectors. We help our clients tackle a constantly changing array of opportunities and challenges – never more so than now. Our aim is to provide outstanding legal services that deliver the best possible client outcomes whilst nurturing a culture that makes us a “great place to work”.
The Role
We have an opportunity for an HR Manager to join our HR team in Manchester, Newcastle or Harrogate. Although based locally, you will support the HR team nationally. As part of a team providing HR strategic and operational support, the generalist HR Manager will provide day‑to‑day advice and guidance on employment legislation, best practice, the firm’s policies, procedures and benefits, and will work to deliver recruitment and other objectives of the firm.
Core Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead induction for new employees, coordinating 1‑month, 3‑month and 6‑month reviews and ensuring documentation is returned.
- Provide day‑to‑day advice on employee relations, including disciplinary, grievance and equality and diversity matters.
- Act as investigating officer in disciplinary matters, keeping notes, making recommendations, and attending hearings.
- Oversee the annual performance management and salary review processes, providing market research and salary charts.
- Monitor absence records, conduct absence interviews and keep notes.
- Serve as the first point of contact for payroll matters, providing accurate information to Finance each month.
- Support the renewal of the benefits package and manage leavers, including exit interviews and recruitment business cases.
- Draft company‑wide HR communications and maintain the HR team’s SharePoint page.
- Act as the main point of contact for the HR system (PeopleHR), ensuring data integrity and efficient use.
- Lead policy reviews, drafting new policies and keeping up‑to‑date with legislative changes.
- Partner with the Talent Acquisition Manager to support recruitment, ensuring business cases, candidate specifications and job descriptions are in place.
- Lead firm‑wide HR projects to improve culture, engagement and retention.
- Perform any other duties reasonably directed by the Head of HR.
Candidate Specification
- Experience as an HR manager in a professional services environment (e.g., law firm).
- Over one year of managerial HR experience, handling employee relations and TUPE processes.
- Experience in HR change‑management projects and commercial decision‑making.
- Strong written & verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience in recruitment interviews; graduate recruitment desirable.
- CIPD qualification (fully or part‑CIPD) or a bachelor’s degree; industry experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- Experience reviewing and drafting HR policies and employee handbooks.
- Sound knowledge of employment legislation and recognised HR best practice.
- IT skills: Outlook, Word, Excel and an HR database (PeopleHR).
What we can offer you
Our benefits package includes private health insurance, life assurance, critical illness cover, season ticket loans, a cycle‑to‑work scheme and more.
Equal Opportunities
Hempsons is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and encouraging diversity through recruitment. Applications are welcome from all sections of the community, and decisions to progress will be made with reference to entirely objective criteria.
Hybrid Working
In line with the firm’s current hybrid guidance, a minimum of 2 days per week must be worked in the office. (*) Advertised working hours are from 09:00 – 17:00 but staff may be required to work additional hours, sometimes at short notice.
Note: this job description is not contractual and may be amended or revised from time to time. It will be reviewed periodically.
HR Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Hempsons
Contact Detail:
Hempsons Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the HR field, especially those who work at firms similar to Hempsons. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Hempsons and its culture. Understand their values and how you can contribute to making it a 'great place to work'. Tailor your responses to show you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common HR interview questions with a mate. Get comfortable discussing your experience with employee relations, policy drafting, and change management. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Manager role at Hempsons. Highlight your relevant experience in employee relations, recruitment, and policy drafting. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about joining Hempsons and how you can contribute to our culture and objectives. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: As an HR Manager, strong communication is key. Make sure your application reflects your written communication skills. Use clear language and structure to demonstrate your ability to convey information effectively – it’s what we do every day!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hempsons
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of employment legislation and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've handled employee relations, disciplinary matters, and recruitment processes in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an HR Manager, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated policies or handled sensitive situations. Practise articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Fit
Hempsons values a great workplace culture. Think about how you can contribute to their environment and be prepared to discuss initiatives you've led that improved engagement and retention in your past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think through potential HR challenges you might face at Hempsons and how you would approach them, especially regarding employee relations and policy reviews.