Interim HR Manager
A mid-sized UK law firm is seeking an experienced Interim HR Manager to lead its HR function. Reporting to the Managing Partner, the role combines hands-on operational delivery with oversight of key people initiatives.
Managing a small HR team, the Interim HR Manager will act as a trusted adviser to the Partnership, ensuring the firm continues to operate with robust, compliant and commercially aligned HR practices. The infrastructure is in place; the emphasis is on consistent delivery, stakeholder support and targeted improvement.
Prior law firm experience is essential, alongside a clear understanding of partnership dynamics and the expectations of a legal environment.
Key Areas of Responsibility
HR Operations & Advisory
- Day-to-day ownership of the HR function, ensuring consistent and compliant delivery
- Provide pragmatic, commercially grounded advice to Partners and senior stakeholders
- Maintain and evolve HR policies and processes in line with legal sector best practice
Recruitment & Onboarding
- Lead end-to-end recruitment with a focus on direct sourcing and cost management
- Support Partners on hiring decisions, benchmarking and process design
- Oversee offers, contracts and onboarding to ensure a smooth integration of new hires
Performance & Development
- Drive delivery and consistency of appraisal processes
- Support and challenge Partners and managers on performance management
- Oversee L&D planning and delivery, aligned to business need and budget
Employee Relations
- Lead on a full range of ER matters, including complex and sensitive cases
- Manage risk effectively, liaising with external counsel where appropriate
- Support absence management and broader employee wellbeing considerations
Projects & Change
- Deliver key HR initiatives, including engagement, benchmarking, EDI and wellbeing
- Support the ongoing development of the firm’s people strategy and priorities
HR Systems, Data & Reporting
- Oversee HR systems, data integrity and reporting to the Partnership
- Ensure GDPR compliance and effective handling of employee information
- Work closely with Finance on payroll and headcount data
Team Leadership
- Line manage and develop the HR team, ensuring effective delivery across all activities
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure the firm remains compliant with employment legislation and regulatory requirements
- Maintain a well-run, transparent and professionally governed HR function
Candidate Profile
- Proven HR generalist experience within a UK law firm (essential)
- Strong ER capability, including complex case management
- Experience operating credibly with Partners within a partnership structure
- Commercial, pragmatic approach with the ability to influence at senior level
- Comfortable balancing operational delivery with strategic input
- Line management experience
- Solid understanding of UK employment law
- CIPD qualified or equivalent (desirable)
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.