HR Manager

Totum Partners; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading professional services firm in London is seeking an experienced HR Manager to oversee HR operations. The ideal candidate will have significant expertise in UK employment law and be CIPD qualified. This pivotal role involves managing employee relations, driving talent acquisition, and ensuring compliance with HR policies. The firm values diversity and aims to source talent from a broad pool. Competitive salary and benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in an HR role within legal or professional services.
• Strong knowledge of HR policies and best practices.
• Ability to influence and build trust at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage HR operations for the London office.
• Provide guidance on employee relations and performance management.
• Drive talent acquisition, onboarding, and succession planning.

Skills

Experience in HR Manager or HR Business Partner role

Knowledge of UK employment law

CIPD qualified (Level 5 or above)

Interpersonal and stakeholder management skills

Track record of developing high-potential talent

Proficient in MS Office and HR systems

Proactive and solutions-focused

Job description

A globally recognised law firm is seeking an experienced HR Manager to lead the London office’s HR function. This is a pivotal role, partnering with senior stakeholders to deliver people strategies that drive business performance and foster a collaborative, inclusive culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of HR operations for the London office, ensuring alignment with firm‑wide values and strategic objectives.
• Provide expert guidance on employee relations, performance management, and employment law, acting as a trusted advisor to partners and managers.
• Manage and develop the local HR and Secretarial Admin teams, championing engagement, empowerment, and high‑quality service delivery.
• Oversee complex employee relations matters, including conflict resolution, grievances, and disciplinary processes.
• Ensure compliance with right‑to‑work checks and skilled worker visa requirements.
• Drive talent acquisition, onboarding, development, and succession planning initiatives.
• Support organisational change and workforce planning, contributing to the firm’s growth strategy.
• Lead compensation and benefits benchmarking and reviews, ensuring market competitiveness.
• Maintain and enhance HR policies, procedures, and systems, with a focus on continuous improvement and regulatory compliance (including GDPR).

Key skills and experience required

• Demonstrable experience in an HR Manager or HR Business Partner role within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK employment law, HR policies, and best practice.
• CIPD qualified (Level 5 or above).
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with proven ability to influence and build trust at all levels.
• Track record of developing high‑potential talent and driving engagement initiatives.
• Proficient in MS Office and HR systems.
• Proactive, solutions‑focused, and able to thrive in a dynamic, growth‑oriented environment.

Equal Opportunities

As a responsible business, it is important that we represent the diversity of our people, our clients and our communities. We believe that the firms that thrive are those with the most diverse team; that’s why we work so hard to source the best talent from the broadest pool possible. As an equal opportunities employer we strive to accommodate anyone who may have specific needs. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the selection process, please talk to a member of the recruitment team so that any required adjustments can be made in advance.