Senior HR Advisor in Whitehall

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the HR Business Partner (HRBP) to provide proactive support to line managers and Chief Officers across Business Teams on all people‑related matters.
• Act as the first point of call and trusted advisor for all departments within Business Teams.
• Support line managers with performance management issues and provide best‑practice guidance.
• Advise employees and line managers on all HR policy, process, and culture matters.
• Manage parent leave arrangements, including the provision of new parent support.
• Manage the flexible working process, including individual requests and wider hybrid working patterns.
• Manage the probationary review process and support line managers with any performance concerns and next steps in line with the firm's policies.
• Support the recruitment process for roles across all departments in partnership with the Talent Acquisition team: liaise with stakeholders, clarify role requirements/budgets, short‑list and interview candidates.
• Oversee joiner and leaver procedures: coordinate onboarding arrangements, present induction programmes, conduct regular new joiner catch‑ups, and perform exit interviews as needed.
• Analyse leaver data to identify any themes requiring further investigation.
• Handle absence management and follow‑up, including conducting return‑to‑work interviews where sickness absence trigger points have been reached and making occupational health referrals where necessary.
• Provide advice and support to employees and line managers regarding ongoing health and wellbeing concerns, disabilities, and ensure reasonable adjustments are implemented effectively and reviewed regularly.
• Ensure payroll changes are communicated to People Operations promptly and that employment paperwork and changes to terms and conditions are updated in the relevant systems.
• Create and produce management information to inform and evaluate Business Team management priorities and activities; provide input to regular reports and papers requested by Chief Officers or the Operations Board.
• Ensure the timely delivery of the firm's appraisal, salary review, bonus and promotion processes, working closely with the HRBP and Reward team.
• Keep the HRBP up to date with all HR activity across Business Teams, providing regular updates on activity and ongoing matters.
• Undertake additional ad‑hoc people projects as required.
• Perform any other reasonable duty in line with the level of the role.

Qualifications and Experience

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent by experience). CIPD qualification is desirable.
• At least 2–4 years of experience at HR Advisor level within a law firm or professional services partnership environment.
• Experience using employee database software and online management tools.
• Strong organisational skills with great attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, able to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive approach to work and able to work autonomously when required.
• Interest in keeping up to date with HR trends and legal updates, and the ability to apply this knowledge to the role.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to build successful relationships at all levels.
• Strong numeracy skills with experience using Word and Excel.
• Strong team‑player qualities and enthusiasm for collaborative work.
• Flexibility to work additional hours where resource requirements dictate.

Additional Information

We are an equal‑opportunity employer committed to supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process, including those who require adjustments. All applicants will be considered fairly and without discrimination.