At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide HR advice, manage employee relations, and support general HR queries.
- Company: Join a dynamic law firm that values diversity and employee well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive team, flexible work-life balance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal branding and career growth in a fun, entrepreneurial team.
- Why this job: Perfect for HR enthusiasts seeking a new challenge in a thriving environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as an HR/People Advisor and knowledge of ER legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
We are looking for an HR Advisor to join our HR team to cover a period of maternity cover. This is a generalist role, and you will provide professional practical HR advice and support across the firm, managing general HR queries, including ER casework. Led by the Head of HR, the core HR team consists of two HR Business Partners, two HR Advisors and a HR Administrator. The wider HR department also comprises a Payroll specialist, an L&D, Benefits & Systems, and Recruitment team.
Due to the nature of this role, we are looking for someone with HR/People Advisor level experience. Some of your day-to-day tasks will include:
- Support and lead on generalist HR tasks and provide advice on general HR matters that arise from the business.
- Lead on Employee Relations processes including probation management, absence, conduct, performance and grievances.
- Manage flexible working requests, advising employees and managers on the process and seeing the hearing process through from receipt of request to outcome.
- Manage leave requests in relation to policies, including maternity, paternity and shared parental leave process from beginning to end.
- Manage the probationary process – including mid review check-ins and advising where capability is not on track.
ABOUT YOU
This is an excellent opportunity for someone already operating at the HR/People Advisor level (or similar), looking for a new challenge in a supportive, fun and entrepreneurial team. You will be able to call upon solid generalist experience, and your theoretical knowledge of ER legislation and good practice in HR. Ideally you will have some experience in a professional services setting, but we will consider candidates from other sectors as well, who want to work within a thriving and growing law firm. As this is a maternity cover vacancy, it would suit someone who would be confident in building their personal brand quickly and taking on a caseload and running with it.
WHY US
Winckworth Sherwood is an exciting, diverse, and growing business. We are a full-service law firm with a diverse client base, that prides itself on providing advice across a broad range of sectors and markets. Delivering a first-class service is key to everything we do. Our clients range from some of the UK’s largest businesses and institutions, housebuilders and developers through to investors, professional partnerships, family offices, not for profit organisations and private individuals – all of which benefit from the flexible, practical approach of our lawyers. We recognise that our people play a key part in our success and as a result we are committed to their development and well-being. We promote a healthy work-life balance and flexibility, keeping our people motivated and stimulated to deliver great things.
YOUR APPLICATION JOURNEY
Your profile will be screened by a member of the WS recruitment team. If your CV is shortlisted, you will be invited to have an initial call with our Recruitment Manager, Ash Evans, to discuss your interest in the vacancy and provide an overview of your experience. No AI is used in our application screening process! Every candidate who applies to this role will be told if they have been successful or not in moving to the next stage.
1st Interview (in person at our London office)
This will be with one of our HR Business Partners and Ash, who will discuss your interest in the role, what you are looking for professionally, and ask some competency/behavioural questions that relate to the key skills/behaviours needed for this position. You will also be able to showcase your HR/ER knowledge on a practical level, with a scenario-based task, which we will discuss with you. Every candidate who reaches this stage will be offered the chance to have a feedback call with our Recruitment Manager to understand why they weren't offered the position, so that you can use this feedback to help with other job applications.
2nd interview (in person at our London office)
At this stage, you will meet the Head of HR and the HR Advisor you will be working alongside, who will ask you some additional competency/behavioural questions. This is also a good opportunity to ask any final role/firm specific questions. Every candidate who reaches this stage will be offered the chance to have a feedback call with our Recruitment Manager to understand why they weren't offered the position, so that you can use this feedback to help with other job applications.
Offer of employment
If you are successful and accept our offer of employment, we will submit your details to our background screening company (Giant), who will conduct a series of background checks. Once these have been completed and we have separately validated your proof of right to work in the UK, a start date can be agreed, and your onboarding schedule can be planned.
HR Advisor (Maternity Cover) employer: Winckworth Sherwood LLP
Winckworth Sherwood LLP is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets tradition. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to mentorship from leading telecoms lawyers and opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative team. The firm values work-life balance and fosters a culture of inclusivity, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the legal sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Advisor (Maternity Cover)
✨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 Winckworth Sherwood LLP 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 Advisor (Maternity Cover)
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 Winckworth Sherwood LLP. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Winckworth Sherwood LLP
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Winckworth Sherwood LLP, 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 Winckworth Sherwood LLP 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 Winckworth Sherwood LLP.
✨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 Winckworth Sherwood LLP.
