At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of a modern people strategy and enhance workplace culture.
- Company: Dynamic law firm focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our people strategy and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Senior HR leadership experience and strong understanding of talent management.
The predicted salary is between 61816 - 75552 £ per year.
This is a newly created leadership role and a unique opportunity to shape the future of our people strategy, culture and organisational development.
As the firm continues to grow and evolve, we are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of People & Culture to lead the development of a modern, high-performing people function that supports our strategic objectives while strengthening the culture and values that make our firm distinctive.
Working closely with the Management Committee, Strategy Board, Heads of Department and Business Services leaders, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing and delivering a people strategy that attracts, develops and retains exceptional talent, enhances leadership capability and creates an engaging and inclusive environment in which our people can thrive.
This role combines strategic leadership with operational responsibility and requires an individual who is equally comfortable shaping long-term initiatives, influencing senior stakeholders and delivering practical solutions to day-to-day people challenges.
The Head of People & Culture will be a key member of the Business Services leadership team and will play an important role in supporting the firm’s continued growth and success.
Responsibilities
Duties to include but not limited to
- Strategic leadership
- Develop and deliver a people and culture strategy aligned with the firm’s objectives.
- Advise the Management Committee and Strategy Board on workforce planning, organisational design and succession planning.
- Use data and insight to inform strategic decision-making and future talent needs.
- Foster a culture that supports collaboration, inclusion, wellbeing and high performance.
- Business partnering
- Build trusted relationships with partners, department heads and managers.
- Provide advice and coaching on leadership, performance management and partner/employee development.
- Support business growth, organisational change and transformation initiatives.
- Promote consistent people management practices across the firm.
- Talent, development and engagement
- Lead recruitment strategies across legal and business services teams.
- Oversee graduate recruitment, trainee development and the firm’s transition to the SQE framework.
- Develop talent management, succession planning and leadership development programmes.
- Work closely with the Head of Business Development & Marketing to develop and embed a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP) aligned with the firm’s culture, values and wider brand strategy
- Enhance employee engagement, internal communication and wellbeing initiatives.
- Strengthen the firm’s employer brand and employee value proposition.
- Reward, performance and employee relations
- Lead performance review, promotion and salary review processes.
- Review and develop reward and benefits strategies.
- Provide expert guidance on employee relations matters.
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation, regulatory requirements and best practice.
- People operations diversity and inclusion
- Develop and maintain effective HR policies, systems and processes.
- Drive continuous improvement across the people function.
- Lead the firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
- Deliver meaningful people reporting and metrics to support business decision-making.
Skills and experience
Essential
- Significant senior HR leadership experience, ideally within a law firm, professional services or partnership environment.
- Demonstrable experience developing and implementing successful people strategies.
- Strong understanding of talent management, leadership development and organisational change.
- Excellent knowledge of UK employment law and employee relations.
- Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and build strong relationships across an organisation.
- Commercially minded, with strong business awareness and judgement.
- Experience implementing HR systems and people analytics frameworks.
- Chartered FCIPD status.
- Personal attributes
The successful candidate will be
- A credible and influential adviser.
- Commercial, pragmatic and solutions focused.
- An excellent communicator with strong relationship building skills.
- Comfortable operating strategically while remaining hands on when required.
- Passionate about developing people and creating a positive workplace culture.
Head of People and Culture employer: Simons Muirhead Burton LLP
Join our esteemed Media & Communications Disputes team in London, where we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and dynamic work culture. As a Senior Associate, you'll benefit from a hybrid working model, competitive remuneration, and ample opportunities for professional growth while working with high-profile clients in the media sector. Our commitment to employee development and a supportive environment makes us an exceptional employer for those seeking a meaningful career in law.
Contact Details:
Simons Muirhead Burton LLP Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of People and Culture
✨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!
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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 Simons Muirhead Burton LLP!
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of People and Culture
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 Simons Muirhead Burton LLP. 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 Simons Muirhead Burton LLP 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 Simons Muirhead Burton LLP. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Simons Muirhead Burton LLP'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 Simons Muirhead Burton LLP
✨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 Simons Muirhead Burton LLP.
✨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 Simons Muirhead Burton LLP 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 Simons Muirhead Burton LLP and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
