HR Advisor (24 month FTC)

We are a driven and supportive HR team. We support each other to deliver the very best service possible. In this role you will be exposed to the business from the very start.

The business focussed HR Advisor will provide professional and proactive advice and guidance on relatively complex HR matters and cases. These can arise either via escalation from the HR Services team, HR and Senior HR Managers, the HR Services Manager, or directly from the business. Expertise on specific technical areas can be provided by the HR Centres of Excellence.

The role can provide support across both our London and Manchester offices.

Key Responsibilities and deliverables

• Working with the HR and Senior HR Managers to ensure consistency in application of all policies and processes, helping them to understand how they are applied within the firm;
• Building strong working relationships with Key Stakeholders with the ability to coach and influence their approach to HR matters;
• Undertaking all necessary duties of a HR Advisor including supporting disciplinary and grievance processes where appropriate, along with absence and performance management;
• For performance management and disciplinary issues, work with the Business HR Managers providing investigative support as appropriate to the case and providing progress updates (applying discernment and judgement to each case, referring to the HR Specialists where applicable to minimise risk);
• Providing advice and guidance on relevant terms and conditions of employment and employment related policies, procedures and practice across all business areas;
• Providing advice on specific questions, queries and escalation points;
• Providing a professional HR operational service to the firm responding to queries and managing specific cases to bring to resolution (such as flexible working or PHI cases);
• Managing the administrative elements of contentious leavers together with ER and HR Managers;
• Escalation point for contentious flexible working, maternity/paternity/dependents leave requests;
• Managing the year end appraisal and interim review project teams, including salary and bonus review;
• Generating, collating and interpreting relevant management information as required;
• Providing bespoke HR administrative services, including drafting of non-standard documentation where required;
• Assisting with centrally sponsored HR programmes and initiatives, e.g. engagement surveys, to ensure effective delivery and implementation;
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with HR specialist teams, HR Operations team and HR Consulting team;
• Participating in HR function meetings. Facilitating effective communication and knowledge sharing between the London HR operations team, HR Consulting team and the HR Services team;
• Participating in HR projects requiring changes / improvements to HR processes;
• Working with the other HR colleagues to help support process improvements in their specific areas, as well as identifying training needs and system changes.

Key requirements

• Ideally educated to degree level, CIPD qualification or equivalent.
• Previous experience of working as a HR generalist and advising line managers is essential. Ideally a minimum of 2 years’ experience in an HR Advisor role or equivalent.
• Meticulous attention to detail, with excellent organisational and planning skills – ability to prioritise and work to tight time constraints.
• An excellent communicator, both verbal and written, with the ability to tailor to the appropriate audience.
• Results focused and practical approach to working practices with good analytical and evaluation skills.
• High level of pc/database skills including Microsoft Office and experience of a case management system.
• Able to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of people gaining credibility at all levels.
• Capable of challenging current practices in a constructive manner.
• Sound, up to date knowledge of UK employment law.

Competencies

• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to listen, clarify and share information easily.
• The ability to build working relationships with a range of people at all levels.
• Able to convince and persuade a range of people at all levels, is reputable and can influence stakeholders.
• Proactive approach with a ’can-do’ attitude.
• Identifies and communicates opportunities to improve the way that work is done.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage tasks efficiently.
• Strong commercial acumen.
• Works successfully as part of a team, sharing knowledge, collaborating with and supporting colleagues.
• Dedicated to meeting and exceeding customer expectations.
• Flexible in approach and adaptable to change.
• Ability to manage self and maintain level of objectivity and professionalism.
• Resilient and able to remain calm and positive under pressure and when dealing with ambiguity.
• Is delivery focussed and drives forward quality of service.
• Takes ownership and actively looks for personal learning and development opportunities.
• Demonstrates sound judgement.
• Commitment to the highest level of integrity
• Able to resolve complex problems taking a proactive approach to analyse the issues and generate solutions
• An understanding of working across cultural boundaries.
• Demonstrates an empathetic approach when dealing with others.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing. Please note that, in line with the requirements of the UK Border Agency, non-EEA candidates may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled EEA candidate can fill the position.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.