Job Title: Director of Human Resources (Europe).
Location: London.
Working Arrangement: 3/4 days a week in the London office.
Ryder Reid is partnering with a prestigious global law firm that is seeking to appoint a Director of Human Resources to lead its HR function across its London headquarters and a key European office.
This is a strategic leadership role for a qualified Employment Lawyer who has successfully transitioned into HR, bringing a strong understanding of employment law alongside commercial people leadership expertise.
Reporting to senior leadership, the HR Director will be responsible for aligning regional people strategy with the firm’s global objectives, ensuring a consistent and high‑performing employee experience across both offices. Acting as a trusted advisor to firm leadership, practice groups, and employees, the successful candidate will provide expert guidance on a broad range of workforce matters.
The role will partner closely with senior stakeholders to manage complex employee relations issues, drive organisational change initiatives, support talent development and succession planning, and foster an inclusive, high‑performance culture. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly respected international law firm and play a key role in shaping its people strategy and future growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the HR function across two offices, aligning regional people strategy with global firm objectives.
- Ensure compliance with UK and European employment law, advising leadership on employment‑related risks and developments.
- Manage complex employee relations matters, including investigations, disciplinary issues, grievances, redundancies, and organisational change.
- Develop and implement HR policies and procedures that balance local compliance with global consistency.
- Oversee the full employee lifecycle for Business Services professionals, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, engagement, and retention.
- Provide HR support to lawyers on employee relations, performance management, immigration, and policy matters.
- Partner with global HR colleagues to deliver firmwide HR programmes, processes, and initiatives.
- Utilise HR data and metrics to support strategic decision‑making and continuous improvement.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing HR team, fostering a collaborative and service‑focused culture.
About You
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or relevant HR qualification preferred.
- Significant progressive Human Resources leadership experience, preferably within a professional services or law firm environment.
- Demonstrated expertise in UK employment law.
- Proven experience managing complex employee relations matters and advising senior executives.
- Experience leading multi‑jurisdictional HR operations across Europe.
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