HR Advisor

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

This role sits within HR Advisory, one of the core teams within the People Directorate. The team comprises HR Business Partners, HR Advisors, and an Employee Relations specialist, all led by our Head of HR. Each team member takes responsibility for a business unit and/or location, playing a pivotal role in the firm’s effective operation. The HR Advisory team collaborates closely with specialist people teams covering Performance & Talent Development, Talent Acquisition, HR Benefits, Reward and Operations, and Responsible Business. We are strategic partners to the business, putting people and society at the heart of everything we do.

The Role

We are looking for a dynamic and proactive HR Advisor to join our team in Northampton. In this role, you will work within the HR Advisory team and report to an HRBP, focusing on a specific business unit. Your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of duties related to human resources management, recruitment, employee relations, project management, and supporting key stakeholders of the business.

Main Responsibilities

• Employee Relations
  • Providing front-line HR advisory support on employee relation matters.
  • Assisting with absence management and supporting line managers with return-to-work plans.
  • Overseeing family-friendly leave requests and maternity conversations.
  • Preparing for and attending meetings related to disciplinary, grievance, and performance.
• HR Projects and Change Management
  • Supporting the HRBP with divisional projects.
  • Contributing to business-wide HR policies, processes, and initiatives.
  • Implementing new processes and procedures and ensuring effective implementation of firm policies.
  • Assisting with the development and delivery of people plans and talent management.
• Recruitment and Onboarding
  • Assisting with the recruitment process and conducting interviews.
  • Supporting the onboarding process and providing induction to new employees/partners and conducting new joiner reviews.
  • Supporting the leaver process and conducting exit interviews.
• Training and Development
  • Supporting office training sessions, briefings, and workshops.
  • Providing support during work experience and summer placements.
  • Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with all partners, directors, and staff.
• Data Analytics and AI Utilisation
  • Producing data analytics to provide insights and improve employee engagement strategies.
  • Analysing employee feedback data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
  • Utilising AI-driven tools to streamline HR processes and procedures.
• Administration and Support
  • Overseeing the maintenance of employee e-files.
  • Liaising with HR Operations/HR Benefits regarding annual updates, requests, and payroll matters.
  • Assisting with general correspondence and providing support for other offices when required.
  • Providing support and assistance to all staff in respect of general welfare and wellbeing.
  • Ensuring adherence to the firm’s culture and values at all times.

Additional Responsibilities

• Supporting specific projects directed by the Director of People, Head of HR, HRBP, or other HR Advisory team members.
• Helping create the firm’s reputation as an employer of choice.
• Any other reasonable tasks and duties as directed by the Director of People, Head of HR, or HRBP.

Skills and Qualifications

• 3+ years’ experience in a HR role, ideally within professional services or other high-support environment.
• Broad HR knowledge.
• Experience managing ER cases and HR projects.
• Experience working with stakeholders at all levels within an organisation.
• Professional, self-confident and calm approach.
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise and work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent client care skills.
• Ability to work alone and within a team.
• Excellent IT skills for data analytics, ability to use AI and knowledge of SAP HR would be desirable.

Equal Opportunities

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues. This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.