Lead HR Business Partner

Lead HR Business Partner

Full-Time 42750 - 52250 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
JGA Recruitment Group | B CorpTM

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead HR initiatives, partner with senior lawyers, and navigate complex employee relations.
  • Company: A prestigious UK law firm with a collaborative and inclusive culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary up to £80,000, bonus, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Join a firm with a clear sustainability agenda and excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Elevate your HR career by influencing at the highest levels in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in law firms, strong business partnering skills, and line management experience.

The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.

We're partnering with a highly regarded, ambitious UK law firm to find a Lead HR Business Partner, and this one is genuinely urgent. The outgoing postholder is retiring and has agreed to stay until this is filled. If you're an experienced HRBP from a law firm background and you're ready for your next step up, this needs to move quickly.

The Role

This is a genuine, broad-scope business partnering role elevated from a Senior HRBP position and re-scoped to reflect the seniority and influence required. You'll take full ownership of a defined business group, partnering day-to-day with senior lawyers including Partners across Commercial, Corporate, Financial Services, Employment, and Banking practices.

It's a highly visible, relationship-led role requiring someone who can operate confidently within a partnership model, influence at the most senior levels, and bring genuine commercial and people thinking to complex organisational challenges.

What a Typical Day Looks Like

  • Acting as a trusted strategic partner to the Head of Business Group and a network of Partners advising on people strategy, talent, performance, and organisational effectiveness
  • Navigating complex employee relations matters within a professional services environment, balancing legal risk with commercial pragmatism
  • Coaching and influencing senior stakeholders who are Partners themselves — requiring credibility, confidence, and a peer-to-peer approach
  • Leading, developing, and line managing two HRBPs based in Bristol
  • Driving people initiatives across the business group from succession planning and leadership development through to culture and engagement
  • Collaborating with the wider HR function, including an HR Ops team largely based in Exeter, to deliver seamless people support

The Package

  • Up to £80,000 + discretionary bonus
  • Bristol, Exeter, or Cheltenham - 3 days per week on-site (some flex to 2 days for the right person)
  • A collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking firm culture
  • A business with genuine purpose and a clear sustainability agenda
  • 2-stage interview process

What They're Looking For

  • Law firm experience is essential - ideally a top 100 regional or national firm
  • Proven exposure to a partnership model - you understand how Partners operate and how to influence within that structure
  • Strong business partnering capability at a senior level, broad generalist, commercially astute, and genuinely trusted by stakeholders
  • Line management experience, or a strong track record of coaching and developing HR colleagues
  • Confident navigating complexity, ambiguity, and senior relationships simultaneously

Lead HR Business Partner employer: JGA Recruitment Group | B CorpTM

As a Payroll Manager in London, you'll thrive in a dynamic and supportive hybrid work environment that values your expertise and autonomy. With a focus on employee growth and process improvement, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead a well-established payroll function while collaborating closely with Finance and HR teams. Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, all within a culture that promotes inclusivity and professional development.

JGA Recruitment Group | B CorpTM

Contact Details:

JGA Recruitment Group | B CorpTM Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead HR Business Partner

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 JGA Recruitment Group | B CorpTM!

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 JGA Recruitment Group | B CorpTM.

We think you need these skills to ace Lead HR Business Partner

HR Business Partnering
Law Firm Experience
Stakeholder Management
Coaching and Development
Employee Relations
Organisational Effectiveness
Commercial Acumen

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 JGA Recruitment Group | B CorpTM. 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 JGA Recruitment Group | B CorpTM 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 JGA Recruitment Group | B CorpTM. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to JGA Recruitment Group | B CorpTM'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 JGA Recruitment Group | B CorpTM

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 JGA Recruitment Group | B CorpTM.

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 JGA Recruitment Group | B CorpTM 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 JGA Recruitment Group | B CorpTM and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.