About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit www.ashurst.com.

Department/Role overview

This is a highly-valued HR generalist role that supports legal divisions in the UK. Working as part of a business partnering team, you will be supporting People & Culture Business Partners, and collaborating with a centralised transactional team in Glasgow and specialist HR teams in London. The role provides operational HR support to multiple teams and stakeholders.

Main responsibilities

• Responsibility for timely and accurate execution of staff movement processes including starters, leavers, parental leave and global secondments/transfers. This involves keeping track of what is happening in different teams and proactively ensuring that processes are followed, stakeholders are aware of movements, and relevant approvals are obtained in a timely way.
• Provide HR operational updates (e.g. team movements, P&C initiatives) for team meetings and newsletters. Draft team communications on behalf of staff partners, for example to welcome new joiners.
• Assist with ad-hoc reporting requirements and general HR policy questions from employees, career managers, partners and leaders, in collaboration with central HR and finance teams.
• Analyse HR data and provide data insights where relevant to support decision makers.
• Proactively share information, ideas and points of view to enhance business processes and policies.
• Review and amend contracts, letters and ad-hoc communications prepared by central HR teams to ensure correspondence is appropriate, accurate and any risks are managed.
• Work with Staff Partners/Practice Heads to develop and implement plans to improve employee engagement.
• Support Business Partners with cyclical processes such as talent review, performance review, and salary review.
• Contribute to HR projects as required, for example, new induction for new joiners in London, or the transfer of HR processes to the centralised HR transactional team.
• Liaise with and support Early Careers team and Business Partners regarding trainee seat moves, qualification processes and interviews, to ensure business needs are met.
• Manage sickness absence and occupational health requirements, working with employees and relevant teams to ensure a successful return to work.
• Take notes for employee relations processes including investigations, capability and disciplinary meetings. Opportunity to take ownership for managing ER cases over time.
• Risk and Control: Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with our regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Essential skills and experience

• Excellent attention to detail to produce accurate work and keep close to team movements.
• Strong organisational skills to be able to work across multiple populations and manage workload, keeping track of what is happening and where support is needed/follow up is required.
• Proven ability to take ownership of operational HR activities and use initiative.
• Demonstrates ability to think about the best way to support decision makers/stakeholders so they feel supported and things get done.
• Experience working in a matrixed and partnership organisation will be an advantage.
• Previous experience within HR advisory is essential, with a good understanding of HR process and best practice.
• Ability to successfully manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Proactive ability to identify and implement business process improvements to achieve more efficient and effective ways of working.
• Proven ability to communicate with confidence at all levels and strong relationship building skills.
• Team player, contributing to the success of the People and Culture team through collaboration.
• Preference for CIPD qualified or working towards qualification.

Background checks

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.