Baker McKenzie

The HR Business Partner - Contract (12 months) will cover a period of maternity leave, supporting the assigned Practice Group(s) in London, establishing strong working relationships with Partners and other fee-earning/ business professional staff. The role holder will work collaboratively with assigned internal clients to help them achieve their strategic goals. By identifying the organizational and people priorities, adopting a responsive, client-focused approach, and delivering best practice, commercial HR solutions, the successful candidate will establish themselves as a trusted advisor within the business.

The role holder will be part of a Practice Group aligned EMEA team, but will also work closely with other London/ Belfast based HRBPs, HR Officers and the HR Coordinator.

Main responsibilities: 

Activities for each client group to include:

• 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, high performance culture, and ensuring best practice HR solutions in support of the delivery 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, making or recommending appropriate decisions
• Ensure the delivery of outstanding operational service through the HROs
• Diagnose and analyze team and individual development needs, engaging L&L to put in place appropriate solutions
• Coordinate performance discussions, work closely with the Reward team throughout the annal salary and bonus reviews, and promotions cycles at all levels
• Support client groups to undertake talent management and succession/pipeline planning activities
• Work in conjunction with the ID&E team to support diversity and inclusion-related initiatives
• Effectively and proactively work with the ER Manager to support all ER cases for assigned groups
• Partner closely with the regional HR team, expert functions, and Center-based services to deliver HR solutions to internal stakeholders
• Coach, mentor and motivate the HROs and HR Coordinator; give regular feedback and feed into formal performance reviews
• Look for opportunities to improve internal processes/services and work with the appropriate people to implement these changes
• Collaborate and share best practice with the other HR Business Partners and wider People Team (locally and regionally)
• Contribute as a team member or to lead strategic HR projects
• Provide input into the London office's HR strategy and to assist with or lead on initiatives that deliver the HR pillars of the Firm's strategy

Skills and experience:

• Experience in a similar role ideally within a professional services organization
• 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

Reports to: EMEA PG Talent Lead

Position type: In Market

Development framework: Manager

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. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the Recruitment Team on either 020 7919 1000 or Recruitment.London@bakermckenzie.com.

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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.