Stephenson Harwood LLC Hiring for HR (Human Resources) Assistant at London Full Time

About the Firm:
With 8 offices worldwide and with our headquarters based in London, Stephenson Harwood is a law firm where our people are committed to achieving the goals of our clients – listed and private companies, institutions, and individuals across the globe. Our mix of expertise and culture results in a combination of deep local insight and the capability to provide a seamless international service.

Our experience encompasses corporate, commercial litigation and arbitration, employment, pensions and private wealth, finance, marine and international trade, and real estate and projects.

We assemble teams of bright thinkers to match our clients’ needs and give the right advice from the right person at the right time. Dedicating the highest calibre of legal talent to overcome the most complex issues, we deliver pragmatic, expert advice that is set squarely in the real world.

We understand the power of diversity in delivering that high calibre advice to our clients. We want to attract diverse talent and we particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.

Our values:
Individuality – We encourage creativity and develop talent

Commitment – To be the best and deliver the highest standard

Teamwork – We work together to build close, long-term relationships

Straight talking – We say what we mean and do what we say

These values express the personality of the individuals within our firm. They are the behaviours we encourage in our people and the standards which inform our decisions and actions.

Our vision

To be a successful, independent firm, where talented people work together in an entrepreneurial environment, building long term client relationships.

This vision is about who we want to be, as well as who we are. It is as much about our values as about our character – the attributes we want to see from all of our people. It also reflects the importance of remaining independent – a clear sign that we are confident in our own future.

That’s how we unlock our entrepreneurial spirit, advising our clients with top performing teams.

Team Structure:
The HR and L&D department consists of 40 people globally and is responsible for the effective management of all matters concerning the employment and development of people within Stephenson Harwood. This involves carrying out appropriate initiatives, providing guidance and support to partners, managers and all employees alike, as well as supporting the creation of an environment which enables people to make the best use of their capabilities and realise their potential to the benefit of the firm and themselves. This means that we are involved in a wide range of activities including:

implementing strategy in line with business objectives

end to end employee cycle, from recruitment, onboarding, succession planning and performance management

recruitment of all partners and employees, including graduate ‘trainee’ recruitment

talent and career management

reward strategy and salary review

supporting the end of year summary review and quarterly check-ins

employment and personnel administration, including payroll and benefits

policy and procedures setting and the practical application of these across the business globally.

Main Responsibilities:
A key member of the team, this role will support the wider HR team in the provision of a consistent high level, seamless service to our internal clients. Reporting to one of the HR Advisers, the Assistant will be involved in operational (recruitment, employee cycle, benefits administration) and project work, primarily assigned to client groups which will be a mix of fee earner and business services groups, as well as assisting with queries from international offices. The role will involve working closely with the wider HR, Recruitment, Payroll and benefits, HR systems and L&D teams and other support departments as and when required, as well as providing cover for the other Assistant when necessary.

The HR Assistant role is varied and acts as the first point of contact for general HR queries and support across the whole employee lifecycle. Main responsibilities include:

Generalist HR:
Flexible working

Maternity leave

Exit Interviews

Immigration

Intra-company and client secondments

Absence monitoring and reporting

Joiner and leaver administration

ER

End of year summary and salary review administration

Accurately inputting and maintaining all HR data in the HR Information System

Resourcing:
Arranging interviews and participating where appropriate

Security screening and references

Coordinating induction programmes for all levels of employees, as well as partners

Assisting the resourcing team with drafting offer paperwork and contracts as and when needed

Joiner administration and managing the on-boarding process

Being the first person of contact for new joiners

Payroll and benefits:
Producing timely and accurate information to the Payroll and Benefits team

Regular liaison with the Payroll and Benefits Specialist in relation to joiners, leavers and other ad-hoc changes

Efficient and accurate use of the HR and payroll system changes

Acting as the first point of contact for payroll and benefits queries

HR Systems:
Proactive and accurate use of HR Information System to log and report on all headcount, absence, holiday, diversity information and other employee data

Production of regular and ad-hoc reports

Policies, know-how and developing the HR function:
Documenting and proactively maintaining record of HR processes and procedures

Drafting changes to terms and conditions and updating policies with the support of the HR Advisers and HR Managers

Proactively suggest, promote and implement improvements on process, templates and guidance

Event management including the firm-wide Christmas party and internal HR events as appropriate

Updating the HR pages of the firm’s intranet

Keeping up to date with regulations and practices

Participating in the firm and department projects to support strategy

Attributes/Skills Required:
Skills

Relevant experience in a similar role

Analytical with the ability to interpret management information and data

Accuracy and a strong eye for detail are essential

Able to handle sensitive situations and information confidentially and discreetly

Partnership experience is not essential but experience working in professional services environment would be an advantage

Excellent organisational skills; planning and prioritisation; time management of self and others

Experience of an HR Information System/database, such as CoreHR

Excellent verbal/written communicate skills

Strong IT skills, mainly Excel and PowerPoint

Commercial understanding and approach

Awareness and understanding of core Employee Legislation and policies

Attributes

Can-do, client focus and positive attitude

Can think quickly and on their feet

Adaptable and amendable to changing deadlines and demands from multiple work givers

Flexible approach and proactive manner to all work

Empathetic and people-centric in approach

Ability to work as a part of a team

Approachable and able to build rapport quickly with stakeholders at all levels

Resilient with the ability to deal effectively with set-backs and challenging situations

Motivated by and interested in people and the HR agenda

Credible and professional

Ability to effectively and professionally communicate with all levels of Stephenson Harwood partners, staff and management – quickly builds credibility

Eager to learn and develop within the role

Ability to manage multiple and competing demands

Open to change and able to contribute new ideas

This job description is indicative only and does not represent an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The firm reserves the right to alter or change the responsibilities at any time, in line with the firm’s strategy and business needs.

If you require this document in an accessible format (e.g. large print), please contact [email protected].

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to having a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, culture or any other protected characteristics. We aim to create a culture where everyone can be themselves and is valued for their strengths and unique perspectives.