At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape people strategy and influence the next generation of legal talent.
- Company: Leading law firm with a dynamic and supportive HR environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunity for career development.
- Other info: 12-month fixed-term contract with potential extension and hands-on involvement in early careers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-visibility role within a fast-paced legal setting.
- Qualifications: CIPD Level 7 qualified or working towards it, with HR experience in legal environments.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
A leading law firm is looking for an experienced HR Manager to cover a period of maternity leave. This is a rare chance to step into a senior, high-visibility role where you will shape people strategy and directly influence the next generation of legal talent.
Sitting at the heart of the HR function, you will get genuine breadth across generalist HR, employee relations, and early careers, all within a fast-paced legal environment where your work is seen and valued.
The Opportunity
You will act as a trusted HR partner to the business, guiding leaders and supporting employees while taking the lead on the firm's trainee and early careers programmes. It is a hands-on role with real influence, well suited to someone who enjoys strategic thinking and the satisfaction of delivering it day to day.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide proactive, high-quality HR support across the firm
- Act as an escalation point for HR Advisors and junior team members
- Partner with senior stakeholders on employee relations and people strategy
- Support and guide managers on performance, absence, and the wider employee lifecycle
- Oversee HR processes, policies, and compliance
- Manage and develop HR reporting and systems
Trainee and Early Careers Focus
- Lead on Vacation Scheme and Training Contract programmes
- Design and deliver assessment centres
- Manage the trainee lifecycle, including onboarding, seat rotations, and qualification
- Partner with stakeholders to deliver a first-class trainee experience
About You
- CIPD Level 7 qualified, or working towards it
- Proven HR generalist experience within a law firm or legal environment (essential)
- Confident designing and delivering assessment centres, or a strong appetite to learn
- Skilled at managing complex ER issues and advising senior stakeholders
- Highly organised, commercially aware, and detail-focused
- A genuine interest in developing early careers talent
Additional Details
- Hybrid working, minimum 3 days per week in the London office
- Likely 2-stage interview process, including at least one in-person meeting
- Ideal start date: late June, allowing time for handover before maternity leave in August
- Contract length: 12 months initially, with potential to extend to 14 to 15 months (not guaranteed)
Interested?
If you are an experienced HR professional with a background in legal environments and a passion for developing early careers talent, get in touch to find out more.
HR Manager (Maternity Cover) - Leading Law Firm in Slough employer: Versende Legal
Versende Legal in Birmingham is an excellent employer for those looking to launch their career in law, offering a supportive work culture and the opportunity to be part of a dynamic Business Development and Marketing team. With hybrid working options and a clear path for professional growth within a respected UK law firm, employees can thrive while contributing to exciting projects from day one.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Manager (Maternity Cover) - Leading Law Firm in Slough
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Versende Legal and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace HR Manager (Maternity Cover) - Leading Law Firm in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Versende Legal. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Versende Legal
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Versende Legal, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Versende Legal uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Versende Legal.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Versende Legal.
