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

The role is responsible for delivering best‑in‑class HR support in a broad, generalist capacity. Reporting to an HR Business Partner, the role holder will work across all aspects of transactional HR and support firm‑wide strategic initiatives and focus areas. This is a business partnering role with direct relationships across the firm to help strengthen engagement and performance.
Working closely with the HR Operations and Inclusion Manager, and colleagues across the firm, the role supports operational processes, our benefits offering, and the promotion of a culture of belonging aligned with Bates Wells’ values and strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Business Partnering (40%)

• Trusted Advisor – build strong relationships with key stakeholders, act as a trusted and commercial HR advisor.
• Leadership Development – advise and coach colleagues and managers to handle people conversations and become inspiring leaders.
• Employee Relations – manage a variety of ER matters as they arise across the firm, including scripting and supervising conversations.
• Performance Management – lead on, advise and resolve informal and formal performance matters across the firm, proactively managing cases and being the main point of contact for probation reviews.
• Transactional HR – support on all transactional HR matters across the firm including family friendly conversations, conducting new joiner chat and exit interviews.
• Welfare – act as a point of contact for employees during difficult periods, providing them with appropriate support and signposting external resources as needed.
• Support Annual HR Cycles – talent mapping, salary and bonus process, graduate recruitment.

Operations (30%)

• Payroll – working with the HR Assistant to ensure smooth processing of the monthly payroll cycle, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely processing.
• HR Systems and Processes – ensure HR operations run efficiently by managing HR systems, maintaining data integrity, and optimizing processes, while serving as a subject matter expert (SME) and working closely with the HR Assistant.
• Ensure Compliance and Policy Management – maintain and update HR policies and procedures in line with employment legislation and best practices, collaborating with HRBPs to ensure consistency and compliance across the firm.
• Oversee HR Inbox and Query Management – ensure timely and effective responses to employee queries by overseeing the HR inbox, supporting the HR Assistant in managing queries efficiently.
• Policy – advise on policy interpretation and business case applications. 

Benefits (25%)

• Support with Annual Benefits Renewal – promote, administer, and manage the annual benefits renewal process, working closely with HR operations manager to ensure a smooth and well-communicated rollout.
• Ensure Effective Benefits Administration – work closely with the HR Assistant to manage payroll and benefits administration including P11D processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a seamless employee experience.

Team (5%)

• Working closely with other senior leaders to contribute towards strategic and firm wide projects.
• Deliver excellent client service in collaboration with all the HR team and take on a champion role within HR to promote best practice and share knowledge.
• Champion one of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion groups.
• Support with recruitment efforts during peak periods.
• Represent the firm internally and externally on people relevant events.
• Actively help upskill more junior HR colleagues through supporting, coaching and effectively delegating cases.
• Work seamlessly to assist and cover for HR team members as needed.

Specific tasks may change, so we’ll need you to be adaptable and flexible as we continue to meet our clients’ needs.

About You

• You have at least 3 years of HR generalist experience, preferably within a partnership. 
• You bring an interest in working with people and are comfortable advising, supporting, and managing conversations in a way that aligns with employment law, the firm’s B Corp values, and what is fair for individuals. 
• You have experience working as part of an HR team and partnering with colleagues across the business to support organisational goals and values.

About our HR team

• The HR team comprises of 9 individuals, who work collaboratively, sharing knowledge to ensure we uphold the firm’s values and focus on constant improvement. 
• We are split into Operations and Advisory. This role sits within the Advisory function alongside working closely with our HR Business Partners, Emerging Talent Manager and the HR Director.

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.