HR Manager - Lead a High-Performing HR Team

Reporting to the Head of HR, this role combines strategic partnering with hands-on leadership of the HR function. You will act as a trusted advisor to Partners and senior stakeholders while overseeing the day-to-day delivery of HR services across the firm.

This is a broad and influential position spanning employee relations, trainee development, performance management, HR systems, compliance, and team leadership. It offers significant visibility and the opportunity to shape people strategy within a professional services culture where commercial awareness and credibility are key.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide proactive HR business partnering support to designated practice groups and departments.
• Advise senior stakeholders on employee relations, absence management, performance issues, and organisational matters.
• Coach and guide HR Advisors on complex cases and people matters.
• Lead and develop a small HR team, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
• Oversee probation, appraisal, and performance review processes.
• Partner with business leaders to support workforce planning and learning & development initiatives.
• Manage trainee recruitment and development programmes, including assessment processes and qualification pathways.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and professional body processes.
• Maintain robust HR systems, management information, and reporting capability.
• Support diversity reporting, accreditation processes, and best-practice HR governance.

This role will suit an HR professional who brings:

• Significant HR generalist or HRBP experience within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong employee relations expertise and confidence managing complex cases.
• Experience supporting partnership structures and senior stakeholders.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to balance business needs with HR best practice.
• Experience overseeing trainee or early careers development (highly desirable).
• Strong organisational capability with attention to detail and process integrity.
• CIPD Level 7 qualification (or working towards).
• A collaborative, pragmatic and solutions-focused approach.

This is an excellent opportunity for a Legal HR professional seeking a permanent leadership role with breadth, autonomy and influence. You will work closely with senior stakeholders, contribute to long-term people strategy, and lead a capable HR team in a professional services firm where HR is valued as a strategic partner to the business.