Human Resources Manager (D&I focus)

We are seeking an experienced HR Manager to join our HR Advisory team, which plays a critical role within the broader Human Resources function. This full-time, permanent position will provide high-quality HR support to Business Services teams while embedding Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) principles across these departments. The HR Manager will report to the Senior HR Manager and work with a HR Adviser, collaborating with another HR Manager for Business Services to provide seamless support across the firm. This role is an excellent opportunity for a skilled HR professional to drive business-aligned HR strategies, enhance employee experience, and champion inclusive workplace practices within a dynamic and fast-paced legal environment.

Our HR Advisory team offers a comprehensive range of HR support, partnering with Business Services leaders to develop and implement people strategies that drive organisational success. Working closely with the broader HR function—including Early Careers Development, Early Careers Recruitment, Recruitment, Diversity and Inclusion, HR Systems and MI, Global Mobility, and Reward and Benefit—this role ensures an integrated, proactive, and high-impact HR service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop strong working relationships with Business Services leaders to act as a trusted advisor on all people-related matters.
• Provide proactive, high-quality advice and guidance on employee relations, performance management, absence, flexible working requests, and workplace wellbeing.
• Analyse HR data to identify trends and provide strategic insights that inform business decisions.
• Ensure organisational structures align with business needs, advising on restructures, internal mobility, and workforce planning.
• Support and facilitate annual performance review processes ensuring fairness, transparency, and engagement.
• Partner with Business Services leaders and L&D teams to ensure managers have the necessary skills and knowledge to lead high-performing teams effectively.
• Collaborate with the Recruitment team on hiring strategies, ensuring a seamless recruitment process aligned with business needs and D&I objectives.
• Provide HR support for graduate and early careers programmes where applicable.

Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) Embedding

• Work closely with the Diversity and Inclusion team to implement D&I initiatives across Business Services, ensuring policies and practices reflect the firm’s commitment to inclusivity.
• Embed D&I principles into talent development, and performance management processes.
• Provide HR support on D&I-related matters, ensuring leaders are equipped to foster an inclusive workplace culture.
• Analyse diversity data within Business Services teams and work with the D&I team to propose initiatives to address underrepresentation and improve equity.
• Act as a key HR contact for employee networks and inclusion-related working groups.

Employee Lifecycle & Engagement

• Oversee the full employee lifecycle, from onboarding to offboarding, ensuring a positive employee experience at every stage.
• Conduct and analyse exit interviews, identifying key themes and working with Business Services leaders to address retention challenges.
• Work with the Reward & Benefits team to support the annual salary and bonus review process.
• Partner with business leaders to develop and implement employee engagement initiatives, ensuring high levels of motivation and satisfaction.
• Support health and wellbeing initiatives, ensuring Business Services employees have access to appropriate support and resources.

HR Policy & Compliance

• Ensure HR policies remain current, legally compliant, and aligned with best practices.
• Lead on policy development and process improvements that enhance efficiency and effectiveness across Business Services.
• Collaborate with the Head of ER to manage complex ER cases and ensure best-practice risk mitigation.
• Work closely with the HR Advisors to ensure seamless HR service delivery.

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage, develop, and mentor an HR Adviser and HR Administrator, fostering a high-performing and engaged team.
• Promote collaboration across the HR function, ensuring a consistent and joined-up approach to HR service delivery.
• Work closely with the other HR Manager for Business Services to ensure alignment in people strategies across departments.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Qualifications & Experience:

• CIPD qualified with substantial HR experience, ideally in professional services or a legal environment.
• Proven ability to provide high-level HR advice to senior leaders and managers.
• Strong knowledge of UK employment law, with experience managing complex employee relations matters.
• Previous experience integrating D&I principles into HR policies and practices.
• Skilled in data analysis and HR systems, with the ability to interpret trends and inform strategic decision-making.
• Demonstrated success in managing HR projects, from design to implementation.
• Experience of using the Workday platform would be advantageous.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong business acumen, with the ability to align HR initiatives with commercial objectives.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, able to engage with senior stakeholders and employees at all levels.
• A collaborative approach, working effectively with cross-functional teams.
• High level of confidentiality, integrity, and professionalism.
• A proactive, solution-focused mindset, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace culture.