HR Manager - Lead HR Team

Position: HR Manager - Lead a small 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.