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- Tasks: Provide comprehensive HR services and support across European offices.
- Company: Join a leading international law firm with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a change agent in HR and make a real impact on employee wellbeing.
- Qualifications: 5 years of HR experience, Bachelor's degree preferred, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace committed to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
The firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the world’s leading international law firms. The Firm was established in 1884 and has more than 1,000 lawyers. Headquartered in New York with offices in Beijing, Brussels, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, Palo Alto, São Paulo, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., the Firm provides coordinated legal advice and transactional capability to clients around the globe.
Description/Job Summary
To provide a comprehensive HR service to the firm’s European offices covering legal talent and professional staff. To act as an agent of change in the HR department and the firm, working across all aspects of the HR function’s remit. To work in partnership with managers and partners to provide professional, client focused HR advice and solutions that support and build organisational and people capabilities and an excellent working environment for staff.
Responsibilities/Duties
- Operational Human Resources
To continuously review HR processes and recommend efficiencies for the team. To draft complex written communication. To support the HR Assistants and Coordinators with written communication including contract variation letters, claw back letters and any ad hoc communication required. To work with the HR Assistants and HR Coordinators to ensure that the payroll and HRIS team receive all required information in a timely manner. To support the HR Assistants HR Coordinators with all HR queries. To ensure all staff receive a probationary review and to following up on any issues where necessary. To lead on all immigration matters for current employees. To lead on all inbound secondments. To support the HR Coordinators with all client secondments. To support the HR Managers with the development of the HR assistants and HR Coordinators.
- HR Policies
To keep abreast of any developments in employment law and best practice in the firm’s European offices. Work with the Associate Director, Human Resources to review and update HR policies. To provide guidance on the interpretation of HR policies to managers and partners in conjunction with UK, Belgian and Luxembourg employment law. To assist with communicating and reinforcing policies and procedures, such as time recording, vacation tracking, overtime and expense claims.
- Performance Reviews
To support the annual review process for legal talent and professional staff. Work with the HR Management team to assist with communications and materials for the annual review process for legal talent and professional staff.
- Health and Wellbeing
To support the health and wellbeing of staff through identifying need for occupational health checks, flu jabs and ergonomic assessments.
- Employee Relations
To support with formal employee relations matters including investigations, capability hearings, disciplinary hearings, probation review processes and flexible working requests. To lead on informal ER issues including, absence management and informal performance reviews.
- Other Duties/responsibilities
Contribution to any other office initiatives/projects as and when required or requested. This is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities which may be subject to change over time.
Required Skills
- Proven HR generalist experience of five years is required;
- A Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred;
- CIPD qualified is strongly preferred;
- Knowledge of current employment legislation, best practice and potential developments;
- Knowledge of employee relations and performance management;
- Highly effective communications skills (both verbal and written) and the ability to communicate credibly and diplomatically at all levels;
- Ability to manipulate and present qualitative and quantitative data in a meaningful and persuasive way;
- Excellent time management and organisation skills, and the ability to simultaneously manage multiple highly detailed projects;
- Ability to manage a very busy workload within deadlines;
- Excellent attention to detail;
- Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure;
- Ability to keep confidential any information, observations or viewpoints regarding office personnel or matters;
- Ability to solve problems on an immediate basis and work using initiative;
- Ability to demonstrate a flexible and hands-on attitude;
- Previous experience of working with Workday is preferred;
- Previous experience of international visas and international mobility;
- Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
Equal Opportunities
Simpson Thacher is committed to ensuring that everyone can reach their full potential, irrespective of background, identity or circumstance. We recognise that in order to be successful we need to attract, retain and develop diverse talent at all levels. This means recruiting from the widest possible pool of talent and fostering a collegial environment which maximises collaboration and empowers everyone at Simpson Thacher to bring their whole selves to work. If there is anything we can do to accommodate you to participate fully in the recruitment or interview process, please let us know by emailing List-LondonRecruitment@lists.stblaw.com.
HR Specialist employer: Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
Contact Detail:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the firm and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the firm's culture and values. We want to show that we’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the team. Tailor our answers to reflect how we align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. This helps us get comfortable with common HR questions and allows us to refine our responses to highlight our experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating our interest in the position shows professionalism and keeps us on their radar. Let’s make sure they remember us!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the HR Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially in HR processes and employee relations.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key in this role, use clear and concise language in your written application. Don’t forget to demonstrate your ability to draft complex written communications, as mentioned in the job description.
Highlight Your HR Knowledge: Mention your understanding of current employment legislation and best practices. If you have experience with HRIS systems or international mobility, make sure to include that too, as it’s a big plus for us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
✨Know Your HR Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your HR knowledge, especially around employment legislation and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, as it shows you're not just familiar with the theory but can also put it into practice.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is key in HR, prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information to different stakeholders. Think about times when you had to draft important documents or handle sensitive conversations—these will be great talking points.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
HR often involves navigating tricky situations, so be prepared to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. Whether it's managing employee relations issues or streamlining HR processes, showing your problem-solving skills will impress the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle real-life HR situations. Practice responding to questions about performance reviews, disciplinary actions, or employee wellbeing initiatives. This will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills effectively.
