Impress employers and recruiters.
Choose from hundreds of resume examples.

Impress employers and recruiters.
Choose from hundreds of resume examples.

Target Resume Now

About the Role

This role supports the wider HR team in delivering a high-level, seamless service to internal clients. Reporting to an HR Adviser, the HR Assistant will be involved in HR operational activities and project work, primarily assigned to client groups. The role acts as the first point of contact for general HR queries and support across the employee lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all end-to-end HR administrative processes are completed accurately, including changes to terms and conditions, family-friendly leave, immigration, secondments, absence monitoring, employee relations, and salary review administration.
• Accurately input and maintain HR data in the HR Information System.
• Provide ad-hoc support on cyclical HR projects.
• Create spreadsheets and use Excel formulas to manipulate data.
• Manage the HR inbox by responding to and escalating queries.
• Process pre-employment background security screening.
• Coordinate induction programmes for all employee levels.
• Draft offer paperwork and contracts.
• Manage joiner administration and the onboarding and offboarding process.
• Support probation review processes.
• Schedule exit interviews.
• Act as the first point of contact for new joiners.
• Produce timely and accurate information for the Payroll and Benefits team.
• Liaise regularly with the Payroll and Benefits team regarding joiners, leavers, and ad-hoc changes.
• Utilize the HR and payroll system for changes efficiently and accurately.
• Escalate payroll and benefits queries to the reward team.
• Proactively and accurately use the HR Information System to log and report on headcount, absence, holiday, diversity information, and other employee data.
• Produce regular and ad-hoc reports.
• Document and maintain records of HR processes and procedures.
• Draft changes to terms and conditions and update policies with support from HR Advisers and Managers.
• Proactively suggest, promote, and implement improvements to processes, templates, and guidance.
• Update the HR pages of the firm's intranet.
• Stay updated with regulations and practices.
• Participate in firm and department projects to support strategy.

Requirements

• Relevant experience in a similar role, with strong administration and/or assistant experience preferable.
• Analytical ability to interpret management information and data.
• Accuracy and a strong eye for detail are essential.
• Ability to handle sensitive situations and information confidentially and discreetly.
• Experience working in a professional services environment would be an advantage.
• Excellent organizational skills, including planning, prioritization, and time management.
• Ability to manage a high volume of work.
• Experience of an HR Information System/database, such as Workday.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong IT skills, mainly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Commercial understanding and approach.
• Awareness and understanding of core Employee Legislation and policies.
• Willingness to take on new challenges.
• Demonstrates a willingness to adopt and use AI-powered tools to improve efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery within HR processes.
• Pro-active and self-starter.
• Can-do, client-focused, and positive attitude.
• Ability to think quickly and on their feet.
• Adaptable and amenable to changing deadlines and demands from multiple work streams.
• Proactive with strong prioritization skills.
• Empathetic and people-centric approach.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Approachable and able to build rapport quickly with stakeholders at all levels.
• Resilient with the ability to deal effectively with setbacks and challenging situations.
• Motivated by and interested in people and the HR agenda.
• Credible and professional.
• Ability to effectively and professionally communicate with all levels of Stephenson Harwood partners, staff, and management.
• Eager to learn and develop within the role.
• Ability to manage multiple and competing demands.
• Open to change and able to contribute new ideas.
• Commercial approach to increase efficiency.

Skills

• Strong administration
• Assistant experience
• Analytical skills
• Data interpretation
• Attention to detail
• Confidentiality
• Discretion
• Organizational skills
• Planning
• Prioritization
• Time management
• HR Information System/database experience (e.g., Workday)
• Verbal communication
• Written communication
• Excel
• Word
• PowerPoint
• Commercial understanding
• Understanding of Employee Legislation and policies
• AI-powered tools adoption
• Client focus
• Teamwork
• Building rapport

Location

• London

Work Type

• Hybrid

Experience Level

• Relevant experience in a similar role
• Partnership experience is not essential
• Experience working in professional services environment would be an advantage

Benefits

• Competitive and fair reward
• Recognition based on all round performance

About the Company

• Stephenson Harwood is an international law firm committed to creating 'positive partnerships' with clients.
• The firm represents listed and private companies, institutions, and individuals, building lasting relationships to help them succeed.
• Focus sectors include Energy Transition, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Private Capital and Funds, Technology, and Transportation and Trade.
• With over 1,500 people, including 250+ partners, across eleven offices in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, the firm combines deep legal capabilities and broad commercial expertise.
• The firm has forged close ties with high-quality law firms globally, blending local knowledge with global savvy for clients in over 100 countries.
• The firm understands the power of diversity in delivering high-calibre advice and aims to attract diverse talent, particularly encouraging applications from underrepresented demographics.

Equal Opportunity

• We understand the power of diversity in delivering that high calibre advice to our clients. We want to attract diverse talent and we particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.