At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead HR across London and Europe, ensuring a high-performing employee experience.
- Company: Prestigious global law firm with a focus on strategic HR leadership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working days, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on talent development and organisational change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping HR strategy.
- Qualifications: Qualified Employment Lawyer with strong HR leadership and employment law expertise.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
- Director of Human Resources (Europe)
- London
3/4 days a week in the London office.
Qualified Employment Lawyer.
Ryder Reid is partnering with a prestigious global law firm to appoint a Director of Human Resources to lead HR across London headquarters and a key European office.
This strategic leadership role seeks a qualified Employment Lawyer who has transitioned into HR, bringing strong employment law knowledge and commercial people leadership expertise.
Reporting to senior leadership, the HR Director will align regional people strategy with global objectives, ensuring a consistent high‑performing employee experience across both offices.
The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to firm leadership, practice groups, and employees, providing expert guidance on broad workforce matters.
The role partners closely with senior stakeholders to manage complex employee relations, drive organisational change, support talent development and succession planning, and foster an inclusive high‑performance culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the HR function across two offices, aligning regional people strategy with global firm objectives.
- Ensure compliance with UK and European employment law, advising leadership on employment‑related risks and developments.
- Manage complex employee relations matters, including investigations, disciplinary issues, grievances, redundancies, and organisational change.
- Develop and implement HR policies and procedures that balance local compliance with global consistency.
- Oversee the full employee lifecycle for Business Services professionals, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, engagement, and retention.
- Provide HR support to lawyers on employee relations, performance management, immigration, and policy matters.
- Partner with global HR colleagues to deliver firmwide HR programmes, processes, and initiatives.
- Utilise HR data and metrics to support strategic decision‑making and continuous improvement.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing HR team, fostering a collaborative and service‑focused culture.
About You
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant HR qualification preferred.
- Significant progressive Human Resources leadership experience, preferably within a professional services or law firm environment.
- Demonstrated expertise in UK employment law.
- Proven experience managing complex employee relations matters and advising senior executives.
- Experience leading multi‑jurisdictional HR operations across Europe.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
HR Director employer: Ryder Reid
Join a leading UK law firm that not only values your expertise in Commercial Real Estate but also fosters a dynamic and supportive work culture. With competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and clear pathways for professional growth, this firm is dedicated to nurturing talent and ensuring employees thrive in their careers while contributing to impactful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Director
✨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 Ryder Reid!
✨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 Ryder Reid.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Director
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 Ryder Reid. 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 Ryder Reid 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 Ryder Reid. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Ryder Reid'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 Ryder Reid
✨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 Ryder Reid.
✨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 Ryder Reid 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 Ryder Reid and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
