Head of Human Resources

Head of Human Resources

Midlands (Hybrid)

up to £120,000 (DOE) plus annual discretionary bonus

Middlemore are partnering with a mid-sized, complex legal organisation to appoint a Head of HR into a pivotal leadership role within its People function, working with the Global HR Leader (based in the UK). This is search for a senior HR leader who thrives in intellectually demanding environments and enjoys operating at the intersection of strategy, operations and senior stakeholder influence.

Client

Gowling WLG is an international law firm with more than 1,400 legal professionals in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Canada. We provide our clients with in-depth expertise in key global sectors and a suite of legal services at home and abroad. We see the world from the perspective of our clients, and collaborate across countries, offices, service areas and sectors to help them succeed – no matter how challenging the circumstances.

We’re a firm where people genuinely matter. We create the conditions for everyone to thrive, whether they’re legal professionals, business services specialists or those just starting their careers. Collaboration is at the heart of how we work, and we’re proud of a culture that values trust, respect and the different perspectives people bring. We want you to feel supported, empowered and able to make your mark, because when our people flourish, so does our firm.

About the HR team:

Our business services teams are vital in helping our business to be the best it can be. We're a diverse HR team, proud of the fact that we all bring something different through a range of expertise and experience in HR advisory, talent acquisition, reward & benefits, resourcing, learning & development and HR operations. We are a collaborative group and highly value the power of teamwork needed to deliver the people and talent strategy, a critical part of the wider firm's vision – "Famous for our client experience, outstanding people and creative energy." We drive the people and talent agenda through our business partnering model, which includes supporting the business in delivering and managing change management projects, promoting a high performance culture, and investing in the development of our people.

Main purpose of the role:

This is the chance to join a forward thinking and ambitious HR team. You will be the HR leader ensuring core HR Operations, HR Advisory and HR Systems & Data services are delivered in the right way to our 1,200 people across our UK LLP offices (in the UK, Europe and Middle East). This is an opportunity to make an impact, bring innovative thought and creativity to our HR practices, leading a well-established team with strong expertise. We are a firm that strives for continuous improvement to ensure we meet the diverse needs of our clients and push for more effective and efficient processes and systems. Working closely with the HR Director and HR Leadership Team (HRLT), you will be responsible for ensuring the implementation of the people strategy across the firm. With 6 direct reports, you will provide operational and strategic direction. One of your direct reports is an HR Business Partner based in Frankfurt, and two are based in our London office. There will be some travel to London required, with only very occasional travel to international offices as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a multi-disciplinary HR team, deputising for the Global HR Lead
• Act as the thinking-partner to the Global HR Lead - co-creating the people and culture strategy, and then working to operationalise that through the wider team
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on organisational, talent and people-related matters
• Support HR Business Partners in shaping strategic workforce discussions with senior stakeholders
• Ensure the effective management of complex employee relations and sensitive people matters
• Help embed a stronger performance and feedback culture across the organisation
• Lead initiatives relating to leadership development, succession planning and talent management
• Ensure people data and insight are used effectively to support decision-making

The Environment

This is a high-touch, consultative leadership environment where senior stakeholders are highly capable and expect clear thinking, practical advice and confident delivery. Success in the role will require someone who is comfortable navigating complexity, influencing senior professionals and leading an experienced HR team. The culture values pragmatism, credibility and collaboration over bureaucracy.

Candidate Profile

We are interested in speaking with HR leaders who bring a combination of strategic perspective, operational depth and leadership capability.

You are likely to have:

• You will have held a Head of HR or similar position in a professional services environment, with people management responsibility and a commercial outlook
• A track record of leading multi-disciplinary HR teams
• You will be well-versed in project and people management skills, able to support your team with 'big picture' thinking and a clear direction
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence senior leaders
• Experience dealing with complex people matters and organisational change
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership
• A commercial and pragmatic approach to HR

Personal Qualities

The successful individual will bring:

• Credibility and presence with senior stakeholders
• Confidence to challenge constructively and contribute ideas
• Pragmatic judgement when navigating complex people issues
• Leadership without ego, capable of leading a strong HR team collaboratively
• Reliability and ownership, stepping forward when leadership is required

If this is something of interest then please apply, alternatively you can reach out directly to jenna.stocks@middlemore.co.uk