Job Description

The Firm

Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals based in Bristol, Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: Real Estate, Corporate Services, Dispute Resolution and Private Client.

We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face.

Purpose of job

We are currently recruiting for a HR Officer to come and join our friendly team on a full time, permanent basis at our centrally located Ipswich office. You will provide expert HR guidance and support to managers and employees and support the effective delivery of HR processes across the firm.

Accountabilities

The successful HR Officer will support the HR team as required in relation to day to day running of the HR function, including:

Act as a first point of contact within allocated business areas for HR related queries, providing advice and guidance on employee relations, performance management, absence management, and employment law. Coach and support line managers in handling complex HR issues, ensuring consistency and compliance with firm policies/procedures and best practices. Manage own employee relations caseload (with support from HR Manager), including investigations, disciplinary, grievance, and capability matters. Contribute to the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures, ensuring they are up to date and aligned with legal requirements and business needs. Assist with producing monthly HR data and trends to provide insights and recommendations to the firm. Support the delivery of HR projects and initiatives and contribute towards the improvement of processes and procedures as directed by the HR Managers, Head of HR and HR Director. Collaborate with the wider HR team to ensure a seamless and high-quality HR service across the firm. Work closely with the Payroll Officers, HR Officers and Administrators to ensure the smooth and timely running of monthly payroll. Along with all other members of staff, the postholder will also be responsible for ensuring they are aware of and comply with all information security policies of the organisation relevant to their business role; report any actual or potential security breaches; and contribute to risk assessment where required.

Qualifications/Experience

CIPD Level 5 (or working towards) or equivalent experience Proven experience in a generalist HR role, ideally within a professional services environment Strong knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices Demonstrated ability to manage complex employee relations cases independently

Skills

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders Strong analytical and problem-solving skills High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities Proficient in HR systems and confident in producing and interpreting HR metrics

Equal opportunities

At Birketts, our culture is driven by ambition and a commitment to positively impact all the communities we serve. We are dedicated to the success, development, and wellbeing of our colleagues, helping them achieve their goals and seize the opportunities that come with our growth. Alongside a flexible and inclusive work environment, we offer the following core benefits:

25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays Long Service holiday award - 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service Private Healthcare with BUPA (offered after probation is passed) Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee) Staff Profit Share and Individual Performance Bonus Scheme Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share) Life Assurance - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance Paid CSR Day Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave Subsidised gym membership Electric car scheme Agile/Hybrid Working Policy Dress for your Day Policy
Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 31/07/2025