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

The Interim Head of Human Resources will lead on the organisational development and people strategy projects associated with our 3 year strategy and will play a key role with all ongoing 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 have managed complex HR projects previously and be able to demonstrate your expertise and success within similar positions/roles. Proven experience within change & transformation and M&A activity is essential.

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, on a 12-month fixed term contract, and based at our head office in Derby, but with travel as required to our other offices in the UK. The role reports to the Chief Operating Officer and works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and 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.

* Drive cultural alignment across the firm and the regional teams, post M&A activity.

* 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 organisations 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 a HR Manager and 2 x HR Officers, 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.

* Oversee the delivery of a new HR system for the firm, this involves mapping the market for suitable products, attending demonstration meetings, presenting the recommendations to the COO & CEO and onboarding/updating the system once purchased.

* 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 HR Director 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 head offices

Onsite car parking

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