Job Description

Term: Permanent


Working hours: Full-time


Department: Human Resources


Location: London


The firm

Watson Farley & Williams is an international law firm advising on complex disputes and transactions through local knowledge and an integrated international network. We have a strong sector focus, combining our technical excellence with deep industry knowledge across Energy, Transport and associated Infrastructure.


The firm has achieved rapid expansion and year-on-year growth owed almost entirely to a focused strategy, strong leadership and the quality of its people. The next stage in the firm's growth plan is to achieve full-service strength within core sectors across the global platform.


We strive for excellence in all that we do and view investment in our people as key to achieving our business goals and values, which rest on developing deep and long-lasting relationships externally and internally through respect, sharing, communication and integrity.


Our global practice is integrated across our offices in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and North America delivering consistently high levels of service across borders and locally through a deep understanding of local business customs and culture.


We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace to attract and retain the most talented people from all backgrounds and cultures. We believe in celebrating difference and that people from any background can rise to the top, ensuring opportunities to develop and progress are available for all.





The department

The Global HR team includes HR Advisory, Reward, Early Careers, Resourcing, Responsible Business, Culture, and Learning & Development. Internationally, we work with local Office Managers and our Global HR colleagues. This role sits across the sub teams that provide subject matter expertise across benefits, rewards, culture, and engagement, and will report through a matrix structure.





Role overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Benefits and Wellbeing Advisor to join our HR team. This role plays a key part in delivering our People and Culture strategy and focuses on managing employee and partner benefits and driving wellbeing initiatives across the firm. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in benefits administration along with a passion for enhancing employee wellbeing.





Key activities/responsibilities

Benefits:

Manage the firm's insurance and benefits programs for employees and partners, including Group Income Protection, Group Life Assurance, Critical Illness, Private Medical Insurance and more. Oversee end-to-end policy renewals, including membership lists and enrolments. Complete medical underwriting paperwork and manage risk policy claims. Build and maintain strong relationships with benefit providers, brokers, and vendors. Analyse and report on key metrics from benefits enrolment data and employee surveys. Provide guidance and support to employees and partners on benefits offerings. Stay informed on industry trends and best practices in benefits administration. Research and enhance the global benefits offering, including identifying new vendors. Lead communications on benefit changes and updates. Maintain and update the Benefits and Wellbeing intranet pages. Liaise with global Office Managers on local and global benefits. Manage the firm's employee recognition scheme.

Wellbeing:

Design and deliver global wellbeing initiatives that support mental, physical, and financial health. Collaborate with the Firm's Mental Health Allies to promote internal support services. Organise and coordinate wellbeing events and campaigns throughout the year. Actively promote benefits and wellbeing initiatives to new joiners, vacation scheme students, and other cohorts. Participate in the Culture Taskforce group, contributing ideas and supporting cross-team projects. Support the integration of wellbeing into the broader People and Culture strategy.


Skills and experience - essential


Strong numerical literacy and good proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., using formulae, etc). Ability to manage and prioritise workload independently, with strong project management skills. Proven track record of meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality work. Collaborative approach with a willingness to contribute to knowledge-sharing around benefits and wellbeing practices. Experience identifying and implementing process improvements. Self-disciplined, with strong organisational skills and a high level of attention to detail Excellent communication skills. Positive attitude and a proactive mindset. A hands-on, solutions-focused approach--someone who is adaptable, dependable, and a true team player.



Skills and experience - desired


Previous experience working in a legal or professional services environment. Benefits management experience, including annual policy renewals. Understanding of benefits management and claims. Demonstrated experience in planning and delivering wellbeing initiatives. Familiarity with HR systems and experience generating reports.



Benefits

We offer a competitive benefits and wellbeing package for all employees.





Additional information

The Firm promotes a culture of agility and flexibility and is fully supportive of flexible working arrangements where these can be accommodated.





Equal opportunities

Respect for different backgrounds and perspectives is at the heart of our firm's core values and we recognise the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that allows everyone to reach their full potential. This is a key feature of our Global Code of Conduct, which places diversity and inclusion at the centre of our firm's ways of working.


We believe that exceptional client service can only be delivered by exceptional people. For this reason, we aim to attract, retain and develop the best talent from a wide range of backgrounds. All decisions relating to employment will be objective and based on merit and ability.


We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment processes are as inclusive and barrier-free as possible. This includes making adjustments for candidates with a disability or long-term health condition. If you require adjustments to be made at any stage of the recruitment process, we'd encourage you to get in touch with a member of our team who would be happy to discuss options with you.