Senior Advisor (HR & Secretarial Services)

Contract (12 months FTC) - Open to part time (28 hours) or full time (35 hours)

What we are looking for:

The Senior HR Advisor is aligned to Office Management but also works closely with the HR team. Working in partnership with the Secretarial Services Manager, the Senior HR Advisor supports the identification, management, and resolution of day-to-day HR issues within the London secretarial team, from recruitment, ongoing performance and development, through to offboarding. Essential for success in this role is a collaborative approach, competent management and interpersonal skills as well as a strong generalist HR background either in a law firm or professional services environment. A solid understanding of employment legislation and its practical application is essential. The successful candidate will have proven experience influencing key stakeholders, the ability to make sound business/HR recommendations as well as a kind and empathetic approach.

What you’ll be doing:

• Oversee day-to-day HR issues for the community of London Legal PA Co-ordinators (LPACs), Management Team PAs, legal EAs, Junior Legal PAs, and Legal PA apprentices.
• Coach and influence the Secretarial Services Manager and LPACs to build their line management capability, challenge, influence and support them to develop their knowledge, understanding and ability to manage their teams effectively.
• Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations cases, ensuring fair, timely and legally compliant outcomes in accordance with the needs of the business.
• Advise the Secretarial Services Manager and LPACs on the interpretation and application of HR policies, supporting consistent decision making.
• Work with the Secretarial Services Manager and the HR team to undertake annual salary reviews, moderation sessions, liaise with department heads and message salary changes.
• Deliver high quality people advice on performance, conduct, absence and organisational change.
• Support each stage of the employee lifecycle.
• Attend and contribute to regular LPAC team meetings enabling a cohesive approach to the management of the London secretarial team.
• Undertake return-to-work interviews after periods of sickness absence and liaise with the HR department about any long-term absence, disciplinary procedures and/or redundancy programmes.
• With the Secretarial Services Manager, conduct individual monthly stakeholder update meetings.
• In partnership with the Secretarial Services Manager undertake all secretarial recruitment, identifying needs, gaining authorisation to recruit, interviewing and preparing the necessary paperwork.
• In partnership with the Secretarial Services Manager devise, implement and maintain a Professional Skills Frameworks, talent mapping, promotions pathways etc., for the Legal PAs, Legal EAs and Management PAs and EAs.
• Partner with HR colleagues to ensure a joined‑up approach to people initiatives and employee experience.

Several years' generalist HR experience at a similar level with exposure to administrative support teams, PAs and EAs. A background in the legal sector or professional services is preferable. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrable experience identifying and leading HR issues. The ability to quickly build positive relationships with, and influence and gain support from, a range of senior stakeholders. A positive, friendly, empathetic, and collaborative approach is essential. The ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy, always observing confidentiality. Self‑motivation and the ability to work using own initiative.

Please note: We conduct thorough pre‑employment screening checks as part of our recruitment process.

What we can offer you:

We offer a competitive benefits and wellbeing package for all employees.

Who we are:

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is a sector‑focused international law firm with extensive expertise and industry insight across its core sectors of energy, infrastructure and transport. Through its network of 19 offices, the firm advises clients on complex, high‑value transactions and disputes – matters requiring precise legal execution and a nuanced understanding of global market dynamics. The firm’s success is driven by its people. It fosters a collaborative, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow, share ideas and make an impact. Guided by its values – We are experts, We are united and We care – the firm delivers exceptional service through strong relationships and teamwork. The firm is committed to clear career paths, championing diversity and investing in its people so they can thrive. Diversity and inclusion are integral to the firm’s strategy and underpin its efforts to attract and retain top talent. All employment decisions are made objectively, based on merit and ability and the firm is committed to inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment. As a Disability Confident employer, WFW welcomes adjustments for candidates with disabilities or long‑term health conditions and participates in the Disability Confident interview scheme. If you would like to apply through this scheme or require adjustments during any stage of the process, please contact London_Recruitment@wfw.com.