Senior Hr Manager - Corporate (12 Month Contract)

Job description

We are currently recruiting for a Senior HR Manager to join our London office to provide direct HR support to our London Corporate practice on a 12 month contract basis.  You will support the Head of HR in the provision of strategic and operational advice to relevant client groups and to assist in the delivery of the strategic HR plan for the Global Practice Group. 
Role and responsibilities
Overall operational and strategic HR management for a population of c130 (28 partners, 90 Associates/Counsel and 13 Corporate support professionals and Knowledge Lawyers).
Develop and manage effective working relationships with the key stakeholders listed above plus the senior support team.  Working closely with the Corporate Partners and Head of HR to implement HR strategy for the Practice Group including:

• Contribution to the strategic planning process for the department, alongside Corporate Management
• Implementation of talent and succession plans
• Facilitation of the Group's culture through HR initiatives, e.g. the departments DE&I strategy
• Support of the leadership of the Group
• Advising in all HR matters (particularly in relation to risk and cost) related to the management of the Practice Group
• Attendance at management / operation partner meetings for HR initiatives/ projects

Work as a fully integrated and trusted advisor to the partners within the Practice Group including:

• Advising on HR matters related to strategic resource planning, recruitment, development and retention of individuals within the Practice Group and facilitating issue resolution through the Central HR teams and other Support Departments
• Providing strategic input to influence the design of London wide projects for the benefit of the Practice Group and working with Central HR/ other Support departments to ensure smooth implementation in the Practice Group Identification and proactive resolution of group issues/ themes
• Supporting partners to deliver effective staff management processes and messages
• Facilitating quarterly talent discussions with partners, ensuring that development outcomes are assessed and actioned to enable pro-active performance management and promoting a high performance culture.
• Leading the headcount and HR-related financial budgeting process for relevant London Corporate teams
• Leading the annual Associate promotion and reward review process for relevant London Corporate teams
• Lead the talent meeting and Compass process for relevant London Corporate teams.
• Responsible for the successful implementation of the salary and bonus review process
• Input into the client and international  secondment planning process including identification of suitable secondees
• Supporting and working closely with each group within the practice which includes attending and inputting in to partner meetings and group meetings/town halls
• Leading the design and implementation of the diversity and inclusion agenda in London Corporate
• Supporting the continued roll out of the London Corporate Mental Health agenda
• Collaborating and liaising with the other Support teams in the Practice Group to provide a coherent and co-ordinated service to the practice group and the firm, including Business Development, Finance, Know-How and the Group Managers
• Monitoring employee engagement, supported by the analysis and action planning following MySay survey
• Working with the finance team to supply data for the budgeting and resource planning process
• Responsibility for agreeing career breaks and other periods of unpaid leave and flexible working arrangements
• Undertaking exit interviews, analysing feedback and responding as appropriate
• Supporting the Counsel and PSL Counsel Promotion processes, including, as appropriate, briefing and preparing candidates and their sponsors, design and implementation of the panel and assessments and supporting newly promoted Counsel/ PSL Counsel into the business

Key requirements

• CIPD or similar certification (desired)
• Technical competence in all aspects of employment law, compliance practices and policies with significant HR experience
• Will have worked successfully as an HR practitioner in a corporate, finance, professional services, consultancy or law firm
• Excellent track record of working with senior management within a complex international organization
• Strong commercial/business acumen with the ability to influence strategic thinking/direction through creative and pragmatic issue resolution
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interface at all levels and particularly to win the respect of the Partner community, building and developing strong client relationships
• Collaborative team player with the ability to nurture and work in a fast paced, intellectually rigorous environment
• High energy individual who enjoys both the operational and strategic sides of this role and shows great flexibility
• Resilient; able to understand that credibility has to be earned in this environment and may take time
• A person of sound judgment, able to establish a high level of credibility in the organisation and act as a trusted advisor to Management
• Ability to deal sensitively with difficult issues and personalities.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of Allen & Overy’s recruitment team who will work with you to provide any reasonable adjustments as required.
We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
At Allen & Overy, we recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.
Allen & Overy recognises the value of flexible working and embraces hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do however remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together. If you would like additional flexibility we will of course consider this in line with business needs.

Allen & Overy is a leading global law firm operating in over thirty countries. We work on some of the most challenging and important deals and have built a reputation for delivering exceptional legal solutions that help our clients grow, innovate and thrive. The legal industry is changing, and we're committed to leading that change, putting our people first, embracing new ways of thinking and integrating technology into our everyday work. Our business teams work hand-in-hand with our lawyers, Consultants and other specialist teams, and are ambitious, driven and leaders in their field.
With us, you will constantly be learning and growing. We invest in you by offering exceptional professional and personal development – providing training, mentoring and practical support. We offer rewarding careers that are built around your strengths and designed to ensure you can achieve your personal and professional goals, recognising that those may look different for everyone.
We have a powerful commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We’re determined to play our part in advancing a workplace where progress is made by harnessing our differences – whatever defines you, we ask you to bring your whole self to work.
What truly defines a career at Allen & Overy? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. We provide challenge, support and a place for you to belong. And together we excel, working on meaningful projects of global significance.