HR Specialist (6 month contract)

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a HR Specialist to join our HR team, based in the A&O Shearman Belfast office.

HR - Belfast

The Human Resources (HR) department at A&O Shearman provides top-tier support and strategic guidance to the organisation. Operating at a business partner level, the HR team offers expert advice and services across various HR functions, including learning & development, resourcing, reward management, employee relations, payroll, systems, and administration.
The Belfast HR team plays a pivotal role in shaping strategic discussions and initiatives within the office and contributes to global initiatives within the firm. This is a generalist role which involves regular interaction with line managers and staff at all levels. Activities include the local delivery of key processes such as reward management, employee engagement, talent management and resource planning while also addressing day-to-day HR needs like recruitment and employee relations.

Employees in this role support the HR Business Partners (HRBPs) who have decision-making authority within established policies but will refer matters outside of the norm to the Head of HR as well as peers within the team. Given the dynamic nature of the business, change management is a critical aspect of the position, requiring adaptability and commercial thinking.

HR Specialist

We have an opportunity for a Human Resource Specialist to work with the HRBPs to provide a high level of both HR operational and Business Partnering support to the Belfast office. This includes AD&S, Business Development & Marketing, Business Services, Central Management, Finance, HR, IT, Know How & Library.

What you will do

You will play a key role in supporting HR activity across the Belfast office, working closely with HRBPs and managers to deliver a consistent and high-quality employee experience. You’ll act as a trusted point of contact, providing practical guidance while helping to ensure policies and processes are applied fairly and effectively. In this role, you will:

• Support performance and talent activity, using data-driven insights to contribute to talent reviews, probation processes and performance improvement plans. You’ll also work closely with HRBPs on employee relations matters, providing hands-on support with casework and investigations.

• Provide support on recruitment-related compliance requirements, including FEC and Article 55.

• Collaborate with local and global HR teams and contribute to a range of projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Support absence management, including monitoring trends (Bradford Factor), leading return-to-work discussions and liaising with medical professionals.

• Contribute to annual reward processes such as salary review, bonus moderation and promotions.

• Produce and analyse HR data (e.g. employee engagement, performance insights) to inform workforce planning and decision-making, including budgeting and position management.

• Respond to learning and development queries, support inductions and contribute to manager training sessions.

Alongside this, you will support performance and talent activity, using data-driven insights to contribute to talent reviews, probation processes and performance improvement plans. You’ll also work closely with HRBPs on employee relations matters, providing hands-on support with casework and investigations.

What you will have

• The ideal candidate will be a flexible and resilient individual who is confident in their approach, proactive, quick to learn and someone that is able to exercise independent thought as to what needs to be done. Integrity and the ability to deal appropriately with confidential information is paramount.

• Good working knowledge of HR policies is required, alongside knowledge of current employment law particularly in relation to performance management and absence management.

What we can offer you

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, online discounts and lifestyle management services.

We recognise the value of flexible working and embrace hybrid working, allowing our people to work from home up to 40% of their working time. We do, however, remain committed to working together in person for the remaining 60% of time so that we can learn, grow and succeed together.

Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

About A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.

​​​​​​​