HR Process Analyst - 6-9m FTC

Freshfields; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A global law firm in Manchester is looking for an HR Process Analyst to optimize HR processes using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. This role involves supporting change initiatives, collaborating with HR teams, and enhancing service delivery. Ideal candidates will have a background in Continuous Improvement and a keen interest in HR operations. Join us to make a significant impact on employee experience and HR transformation.

Qualifications

• Experience in Continuous Improvement or Business Transformation.
• Professionally adept in HR, customer service is a plus.
• Qualifications like Lean, Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt are desired.

Responsibilities

• Support process improvements within HRSSC.
• Assist in local rollout of HR process changes.
• Create and maintain Standard Operating Procedures.
• Conduct root cause analysis and recommend solutions.
• Collaborate on business requirements for improvement initiatives.
• Explore automation opportunities to streamline processes.
• Analyze data to assess process changes.
• Lead the HR Innovation Squad for issue resolution.
• Contribute to change management efforts.
• Engage in ongoing learning about HR technologies.

Skills

Process mapping skills

Analytical mindset

Interest in HR service delivery

Excellent communication skills

Experience in analysing change impacts

Confident working independently

Proactive and detail-oriented

Willingness to learn new technologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft 365 Suite

Visio

Excel

Power Automate

UiPath

Workday

Job description

Role Overview

We are offering an exciting opportunity to join our Continuous Improvement (CI) team in a role dedicated to supporting the strategic objectives of the HR function. As an HR Process Analyst, you will work exclusively with the HR Shared Services Centre (HRSSC), applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to drive process optimisation, enhance service delivery, and support global and local HR transformation initiatives.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong interest in HR operations, process improvement, automation, and digital innovation. You will play a key role in identifying inefficiencies, supporting change initiatives, and helping to deliver a best‑in‑class employee experience.

This 6‑to‑9‑month assignment offers a valuable opportunity to develop skills in HR process analysis, problem‑solving, digital transformation, and documentation—laying the groundwork for future leadership roles in HR or CI.

The right candidate for this role will demonstrate experience and/or qualifications in Continuous Improvement or Business Transformation (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma – Green Belt/Black Belt level).

Key Responsibilities

• Support the identification, analysis, and implementation of process improvements within the HRSSC, focusing on efficiency, accuracy, and service excellence.

• Assist in the local adaptation and rollout of global HR process changes, ensuring alignment with local requirements.

• Create and maintain clear, user‑friendly Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.

• Conduct root cause analysis on process issues and incidents, recommending practical solutions or escalating where appropriate.

• Collaborate with HR stakeholders to gather and document business requirements for process improvement initiatives.

• Explore and support the implementation of automation and AI opportunities to streamline HR processes.

• Analyse data to assess the impact of process changes and prepare regular reports on improvement outcomes.

• Lead the HR Innovation Squad: manage issue resolution, track bugs, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to completion.

• Actively contribute to change management and communication efforts related to HR process changes.

• Work closely with global and local HR teams to ensure alignment and consistency in service delivery.

• Engage in ongoing learning to build expertise in HR technologies, process optimisation, and digital tools.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong process mapping skills (preferably using Visio) and the ability to identify value and waste through collaboration.

• Analytical mindset with strong problem‑solving and investigation skills.

• Keen interest in HR service delivery, automation, and AI.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to document processes clearly and engage stakeholders effectively.

• Experience in analysing change impacts and supporting change initiatives.

• Confident working independently and collaboratively across teams and cultures.

• Proactive, self‑motivated, and detail oriented.

• Understanding of HR service delivery is essential; prior experience is beneficial but not required.

• Willingness to learn and adopt new technologies and digital tools.

Qualifications & Experience

• Demonstrable experience and/or qualifications in Continuous Improvement or Business Transformation (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma – Green Belt/Black Belt level).

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred, ideally in HR, Business, or a related field.

• Experience in HR, customer service is advantageous.

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 Suite; familiarity with tools such as Excel, Visio, Power Automate, UiPath, or Workday is a plus.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (eg the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.