Baker McKenzie

The HR Business Partner will support the assigned Practice Group(s) in London by establishing strong working relationships with Partners and other fee‑earning and business professional staff. The role-holder will work collaboratively with assigned internal clients to help them achieve their strategic goals by identifying organizational and people priorities, adopting a responsive, client‑focused approach, and delivering best-practice, commercial HR solutions. 

The individual will be part of a Practice Group‑aligned EMEA team and will also work closely with the London and Belfast-based HRBPs, HR Officers, and the HR Coordinator.

Main responsibilities: 

• Assist client groups in delivering against their strategic objectives
• Develop and deliver the respective People agenda for the London‑based team, aimed at driving employee engagement and a high‑performance culture, and ensuring best‑practice HR solutions in support of the client group’s business plan
• Clarify the client group’s resource requirements and engage the Recruitment team to deliver against these needs
• Provide trusted one‑to‑one guidance and coaching to Partners on all HR matters
• Advise on HR policy and make or recommend appropriate decisions
• Ensure the delivery of outstanding operational service through the HR Officers (HRO)
• Diagnose and analyze team and individual development needs, engaging Leadership and Learning (L&L) to put in place appropriate solutions
• Coordinate performance discussions and work closely with the Reward team throughout the annual salary and bonus review and promotion cycles at all levels
• Support client groups in undertaking talent‑management and succession/pipeline‑planning activities
• Work in conjunction with the ID&E team to manage and support diversity and inclusion‑related initiatives
• Manage and resolve ER cases effectively and proactively for assigned groups, aligning approach in line with office policies
• Partner closely with the regional HR team, office-based team, expert functions, and Center‑based services to deliver HR solutions to internal stakeholders
• Coach, mentor, and motivate the HROs and the HR Coordinator, provide regular feedback, and contribute to formal performance reviews
• Identify opportunities to improve internal processes and services, and work with the appropriate stakeholders to implement these changes
• Collaborate and share best practice with the other HR Business Partners and the wider People Team, both locally and regionally
• Contribute as a team member or lead strategic HR projects
• Provide input into the London office’s HR strategy and assist with or lead initiatives that deliver the HR pillars of the Firm’s strategy

Skills and experience: 

• Demonstrable experience gained in a similar role, ideally within a professional services organization, working at HRBP level
• Strong client service ethos and delivery focus
• A catalyst and leader of change
• A flexible approach to adapting the role to meet current and future business needs
• Strategic thinker with a commercial understanding and the ability to translate business goals into HR priorities
• Influencing and presentation skills to establish senior-level credibility
• Strong client relationship skills with the ability to manage the diversity of multiple leader relationships and serve their needs without compromising service levels
• Able to build rapport at all levels
• In-depth working knowledge and understanding of HR legislation, principles, policies, and procedures
• Able to develop solutions to a wide range of highly complex problems requiring creativity and innovation
• Strong diagnostic and analytic skills and the ability to exercise good judgment
• A motivator and developer of people
• A collaborative approach, effectively working with others to achieve team success
• Respects and enjoys the diversity of cultural, social, and academic backgrounds found in the Firm

At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. With our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 locally admitted lawyers, in over 70 offices worldwide, we have a passionately collaborative community of 60 nationalities and are committed to world-class career development to everyone in every job at every level. Baker McKenzie can offer you both the uncompromising commitment to excellence expected of a top firm paired with a passionately global and genuinely collaborative working environment.

To Apply: 

At Baker McKenzie, we welcome direct applications.

Please click on the Apply icon to start the online application process for this role. We will then be in touch with you once we have reviewed your application. 

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No agencies please 

Please note Baker McKenzie does not accept unsolicited CVs. Please click here for details of our Agency Policy and commitment to sourcing directly.

Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age - to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.