Human Resources Advisor

Bates Wells; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK law firm is seeking a Human Resources Advisor to provide best-in-class HR support. You'll work closely with partners to drive engagement, manage employee relations, and support operational processes. Ideal candidates are proactive HR professionals with strong relationship-building skills and experience in performance management. This role offers a flexible, hybrid working environment with progressive benefits.

Benefits

Sustainable pensions

IVF support

Private healthcare

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in HR or related field.
• Experience with employee relations and performance management.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environments and contribute to team success.

Responsibilities

• Deliver best-in-class HR support in a broad generalist capacity.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders as a trusted HR advisor.
• Manage employee relations matters and performance management.
• Support operational processes and benefits administration.

Skills

Proactive HR professional

Strong relationship building

Coaching mindset

Managing HR matters

Job description

Overview

Title: Human Resources Advisor

Department: Human Resources

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: London

Description

Why Bates Wells?

We’re an award winning, purpose driven City law firm. We were the first UK law firm to become a B Corp and are the highest scoring global law firm in the B Corp community. Globally recognised as the market leading UK firm for charities and purpose-driven organisations, our commercial teams are also using law as a force for good and driving change from the inside out.

Our values are key to our success, and you’ll be able to make a real impact from day one.

Come and join the firm who have a standout and authentic commitment to a triple bottom line, where we’ll never prioritise profit over people and planet.

The Role

This role is responsible for delivering best-in-class HR support in a broad and generalist capacity. Reporting to an HR Business Partner, you’ll be involved in all aspects of transactional HR while also contributing to firm-wide strategic initiatives and focus areas. You’ll build direct relationships with partners and leaders across the business, helping to drive engagement and performance.

Working closely with the HR Operations and Inclusion Manager, as well as colleagues across the firm, you’ll support operational processes, benefits administration, and help foster a culture of belonging aligned with Bates Wells’ values and strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Business Partnering (45%)

• Build strong relationships with stakeholders, acting as a trusted and commercially aware HR advisor.
• Coach and support managers and colleagues to handle people conversations and grow as inclusive leaders.
• Manage employee relations matters, including preparing and supporting sensitive conversations.
• Lead and advise on performance management, including informal and formal cases and probation reviews.
• Support transactional HR processes such as family-friendly policies, new joiner chats, and exit interviews.
• Provide welfare support to employees during challenging periods, signposting resources as needed.
• Contribute to annual HR cycles including talent mapping, salary and bonus reviews, and graduate recruitment.

Operations (30%)

• Partner with the HR Assistant to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.
• Manage HR systems and processes, maintaining data integrity and acting as a subject matter expert.
• Maintain and update HR policies and procedures in line with legislation and best practice.
• Oversee the HR inbox and ensure timely, effective responses to employee queries.
• Provide clear guidance on policy interpretation and business case applications.

Benefits (20%)

• Support the annual benefits renewal process, ensuring smooth rollout and clear communication.
• Collaborate with the HR Assistant to manage payroll and benefits administration, including P11D processing.

Team Contribution (5%)

• Work with senior leaders on strategic and firm-wide projects.
• Deliver excellent client service and champion best practice within the HR team.
• Lead or support one of the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion groups.
• Assist with recruitment during peak periods.
• Represent the firm at internal and external people-related events.
• Support and coach junior HR colleagues, delegating effectively to aid development.
• Provide seamless support across the HR team as needed.

About You

• You’re a proactive and collaborative HR professional who thrives in a generalist role.
• You build strong, trusted relationships across all levels of the business.
• You bring a coaching mindset and support others to grow as inclusive and effective leaders.
• You’re confident managing a wide range of HR matters, from operational processes to strategic initiatives.
• You’re committed to fostering a culture of belonging and continuous improvement.
• You enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and contributing to team success.

What are we like to work for?

Impact-Driven Purpose: We align profit with social purpose to create lasting positive impact for our people, communities, and planet.

Committed to the Climate: Through our Climate & Nature Group, we reduce environmental impact and drive a just transition to net zero.

Championing Inclusion: We foster a diverse, inclusive culture where creativity and innovation thrive.

Flexible and Hybrid Working: Our hybrid model supports balance, with part-time options and at least two office days weekly.

Progressive Benefits: We offer sustainable pensions, IVF support, private healthcare, and more for your well-being and growth.

At Bates Wells, equity, diversity, and inclusion are part of who we are and how we work. As a B Corp and purpose-driven law firm, we’re committed to building a workplace that is fair, inclusive, and representative of all.

At Bates Wells, we’re not the average law firm. We believe that actions speak louder than words. We strive to do the right thing as a business and to help our clients make a positive impact on their people and society.

Recruitment at Bates Wells – The use of AI

We would like to clarify that we do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, sift, score, reject, or approve any recruitment decisions, at any stage of our recruitment process. Our recruitment decisions are made by hiring managers and the HR team, ensuring a personal and thoughtful approach to each candidate.

We do utilise AI technology in a limited capacity to enhance our recruitment process. Specifically, we use Metaview to record and transcribe interviews. This tool helps us maintain accurate records of interviews, to support objective scoring of answers based on evidence and ensures that we can review and reflect on the conversations held during the recruitment process. Importantly, Metaview is not used to evaluate candidates or make any decisions regarding their suitability for a role.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and fairness in our recruitment processes and will continue to review and update our practices to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and guidelines.