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Location

Guildford, Surrey | United Kingdom

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Job description

Job Details

An exciting opportunity has risen for a HR Director to  join a well established law firm in Guildford. 

The Director of People will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the firm’s people strategy. This strategic leadership position is responsible for driving initiatives that enhance employee engagement, foster a positive workplace culture, and align with the firm’s business goals. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated HR team, partnering closely with senior leaders to deliver effective HR programs and solutions.

Develop and implement a comprehensive HR strategy aligned with the firm’s objectives.
• Collaborate with senior management to address current and future workforce needs.
• Oversee the recruitment process, ensuring the firm attracts top legal talent.
• Develop and implement strategies for talent retention, career development, and succession planning.
• Act as a trusted advisor to employees and management, handling complex HR issues with professionalism and confidentiality.
• Implement policies and procedures to maintain a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
• Lead the design and implementation of performance management processes that align with the firm’s goals.
• Provide guidance on performance improvement plans and employee development initiatives.
• Identify training needs and work closely with the Training Committee and the Training Partner to design development programs to enhance employee skills.
• Foster a learning culture through continuous improvement and professional development initiatives.
• Manage the firm’s compensation and benefits programs, ensuring competitiveness in the legal market, working closely with the firm’s Remuneration Committee.
• Regularly review and benchmark salary structures and benefit offerings.
• Stay informed about UK employment laws and ensure the firm’s HR practices comply with all regulations.
• Provide guidance to management on legal issues related to employment.
• Coach, mentor and support Heads of Department and senior colleagues to identify strengths and development needs.
• Ensure the efficient management of annual HR budgets.
• Form strong relationships with Heads of Department, Senior Managers and the Executive Committee, to ensure that the team perspective is fully represented in decision making.
• Provide management and strong leadership of the HR business unit functions and staff, including advice and direction on work priorities, budget and staff resources, strategic and policy issues, organisation and staff management issues. This job description is non exhaustive and the Firm reserves the right to vary the duties and responsibilities of the post holder at any time according to the needs of the Firm’s business.

Qualifications
Level 7 accreditation or above from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), or a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Psychology, or Business-related subject.
A minimum of 5 years of HR leadership experience, preferably within the legal industry.

Essential personal qualities, skills and abilities
• Is professional and courteous in communication at all times, both internally with colleagues and externally with others.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude.
• Ability to lead and inspire the HR team.
• Strategic thinking to align HR initiatives with organisational goals.
• Strong decision-making skills, especially in handling sensitive and complex HR issues. 

Benefits 

• 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays
• Private medical cover
• Contributory pension (5% from employer, 3% from employee)
• Life assurance – 4 x annual salary
• Annual bonus scheme
• Career development plans
• Social events
• Hybrid working

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Job tags

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Salary

£70k - £100k per annum