Head of HR




Department: Human Resources




Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time




Location: Derby, UK




Description



The Head of HR will work closely with the senior leadership team and the board, focussing on change and transformation, as the firm goes through a period of planned growth and ongoing M&A activity.



The Head of HR will lead on the organisational development and people strategy projects associated with our growth strategy and will play a key role with all M&A activity, ensuring all new teams are on-boarded in new locations, and fully integrated into the business.



As a key aspect to our strategy, you will also plan and roll out learning and development strategies that align to the firm's overall business plans and our overall people development strategy.



You will be solely responsible for the design, delivery, and execution of the HR department balanced scorecard, ensuring that all people objectives from the firm's balanced scorecard are met and to agreed deadline.



You will have managed complex HR projects previously and be able to demonstrate your expertise and success within similar positions/roles. You must have proven experience in change management and transformation.



As a highly successful individual with excellent communication skills, you must be able to operate in a fast-paced, high volume and demanding environment. You will need to be a confident decision maker who can influence stakeholders and improve business processes.



The role is full-time onsite working at our Derby head office with frequent travel to other sites across the UK. The role reports to the Chief Executive Officer and works closely with the board.




Key Responsibilities

• Interrogate and re-design the HR strategy as necessary to align with the firm's objectives, direction, and wider goals around growth and acquisition.


• Design, deliver and drive the HR balanced scorecard alongside the firms' balanced scorecard, achieving agreed KPIs and metrics set by the CEO and management board.


• Drive cultural alignment across the firm and the regional teams.


• Lead the organisational development and change management projects across the organisation in partnership with the senior leadership team and C suite team.


• Lead and develop the organisations people processes including performance management, employee development, and employee engagement.


• Partner with Heads of Department and the Head of Recruitment on succession planning, ensuring the development of the organisation's employees and the retention of key performers.


• Develop and monitor HR metrics to assess effectiveness, trends, and make business improvement recommendations.


• Provide strategic direction to the HR team including 2 x HR Managers, 1 HR Officer, 1 x HR Coordinator and an HR Assistant, to ensure the firm has consistent HR practices and HR compliance.


• Assess and manage the compensations and benefits programs for the firm, ensuring competitiveness to retain and attract employees.


• Provide support and strategic direction to the HR team on complex HR matters which may include employee relations matters, disciplinary action, and termination where appropriate.


• Lead and manage the TUPE transfer process for any employees transferring into the organisation as part of any M&A activity.


• Provide regular MI and any other HR related data to the senior leadership team and presentation of this to board level.


• Fully implement and optimise the firms HRIS system, ensuring the HR Manager leading this project is delivering to agreed timescales and improving efficiencies.


• Submit key information to the SRA on an annual basis. This includes diversity, equality and inclusion data & continued professional development records for qualified solicitors.


• Review and monitor the delivery of the annual PDP process and report on progress of this to the COO & CEO.


• Conduct training needs analysis annually in line with PDP process.


• Manage external relationships with HR service providers including Investors in People, HR system vendors and other consultants as required.

Stay updated with changes in HR regulations and employment law matters ensuring compliance and mitigating risk.




Skills, Knowledge and Expertise



You will:

• Be a qualified HR professional, preferably CIPD level 7.


• Have proven experience at Head of HR level, working on change and transformation projects.


• Have previous HR experience in pre and post M&A activity.


• Have experience and ability to lead the TUPE transfer process.


• Have in-depth knowledge of HR practices, employment law, and HR compliance policies.


• Be a strong senior leader with experience leading HR teams at all stages of their career.


• Have experience leading complex projects including implementation of HR systems, designing and implementing HR strategies and initiatives.


• Be a strong strategic leader, able to consult the business and the senior leadership teams on complex people projects and identify and mitigate risk for the firm.


• Have a continuous improvement focus and be comfortable challenging process to make an impact on operational efficiencies and profitability.

Benefits



What we offer?

• Competitive salary


• Bonus potential


• Great working environment at our Derby offices


• Career development opportunities


• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays


• Options to buy & sell 1 week's holiday


• 1 week's holiday carry over


• Extra day off for your birthday


• Staff card discount scheme for local shops


• Social days and evenings on the firm


• Staff discounts on legal services