Take ownership of the operational management and delivery of HR services across Ellacotts, ensuring alignment with our vision, values and business strategy. You’ll play a key role in shaping a positive employee experience, maintaining compliance with UK legislation, and acting as a trusted advisor to leaders, employees, and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy, Planning & Operations
* Partner with the Head of People & Innovation and management team to shape and deliver the firm’s people strategy
* Align HR initiatives with business goals to drive measurable outcomes
* Use data and insights to identify trends, risks and opportunities, recommending solutions where needed
* Oversee HR systems and employee records, ensuring accuracy and efficiency
* Support workforce planning and budgeting across salaries, training and HR activities
* Monitor trainee and apprentice progress, ensuring development, performance and study objectives are met
* Effectively manage a varied workload, balancing competing priorities while maintaining an excellent quality service
Employee Relations & HR Expertise
* Provide expert, pragmatic advice on UK employment law and HR best practice
* Lead and manage a full range of employee relations matters, including absence, performance, disciplinary and grievance processes
* Review and enhance policies, procedures and working practices to support the evolving needs of the business
* Ensure HR processes are consistently followed and continually improved
Talent Attraction
* Lead and develop the firm’s recruitment approach, working with agencies and internal stakeholders
* Drive a proactive, multi‑channel attraction strategy (direct sourcing, social media, events, referrals and more)
* Ensure an efficient and high‑quality candidate experience
Talent Development
* Oversee onboarding and induction, ensuring a strong start for new joiners
* Identify and deliver learning and development initiatives that support individual and business growth
Engagement & Retention
* Lead the employee engagement survey process, analysing results and supporting action planning
* Support reward and recognition approaches that drive retention and performance
* Create opportunities for employee voice and meaningful consultation
Performance & Payroll
* Manage and evolve the firm’s appraisal process and cycle
* Coach managers on effective performance management
* Oversee payroll inputs for the external provider, ensuring accuracy and compliance
External Insight & Partnerships
* Build and manage relationships with external providers (e.g. recruiters, training partners)
* Stay informed on legislative changes and market trends, driving appropriate organisational responses
Internal Culture & Communication
* Support internal communications and key people initiatives
* Contribute to CSR activity, including social and charitable events across the firm
Health, Safety & Compliance
* Support health and safety compliance, including risk assessments and first aid provision
Leadership & Team Management
* Lead, coach and develop the HR team
* Delegate effectively and support continuous development within the team
* Contribute to wider firm initiatives and support partners as required
Skills & Experience
* CIPD qualified (or degree or equivalent experience)
* Minimum 5 years’ HR experience within a commercial environment, including at least 2 years at HR Manager level
* Strong, up to date knowledge of UK employment law
* Experience working in a commercial or professional services environment
* Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
* Confident using HR systems and data to inform decisions
Personal Qualities
* Credible, approachable and able to build trust quickly
* Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
* Proactive, solutions‑focused and commercially aware
* Resilient, driven and self‑motivated
* Discreet and professional when handling sensitive matters
Additional Requirements
* Based within commuting distance of Banbury
* Willingness to travel to other offices as required
* Flexibility to work outside normal hours when needed
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