HFW is a sector focused global law firm with a focus on construction, shipping, aerospace, commodities, corporate & commercial and insurance. We have over 700 lawyers working across Australia, Asia, Europe, Middle East and the Americas. With a progressive approach to our roles in commercial business, thinking creatively and pragmatically to support our clients, we are dynamic, entrepreneurial and leaders in our specialist areas.
In Australia, we have 4 offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane and around 215 team members. The Sydney office is around 75 team members.
Job Description
The Role (Part-time 0.6FTE/22.5 hours)
In this role, you will support the Sydney and Brisbane offices with a range of generalist HR activities, specifically employee relations, culture building and team integration initiatives, recruitment, and other office based initiatives. There will also be project opportunities such as Graduate Recruitment. As well as cyclical activities and national projects, some of the day-to-day responsibilities may include:
Office Culture and Employee Engagement
Liaise with office administrator and social committee on events ensuring good participation and engagement.
Seek feedback/act as a trusted advisor on employee experience and address any concerns as they arise.
Support legal assistants with process issues including advice on how to approach issues and team cover for leave/busy periods.
Improve connections in the office: present ideas for approval and help drive activities around health and wellbeing; relationship building; and collaboration.
Grad/Trainee programme
Provide support to Grads and Partners to ensure Trainee Lawyers are getting appropriate training and feedback and there is a good balance between development and meeting objectives.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Support national and global initiatives with activities in the Sydney office
Support/guide the social committee with Diversity celebrations
Consider and plan initiatives to enhance our DEI goals and Wellbeing of our team
Employee Relations
Advise and coach staff and Partners in dealing with conflicts and other concerns.
Support individuals with challenges related to the work environment.
Mediate interpersonal issues or work challenges to find win-win solutions.
Recruitment
Manage recruitment of legal and administrative roles in Sydney and Brisbane (typically 1-2 roles as any one time)
Support Campus recruitment and events as required for graduate recruitment
Provide guidance on graduate recruitment activities and work with the HR Administrator to develop our branding and recruitment process.
Administration
Support HR Co-ordinator to ensure on-boarding and offboarding managed well
Conduct and support induction programme for new hires
Policy and award interpretation and advice
Manage changes in terms and conditions, including drafting letters
If you are looking for a role with a chance to make an impact on the office culture and enhance the employee experience, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Working with an experienced HR team, you will be able to develop your skills and experience and really make a difference.
We have an inclusive, open environment where your ideas will be valued as we look to continuously improve. If you love working with a variety of people across roles and teams, we'd love to meet you.
Desired Skills and Experience
What are we looking for?
To be successful in this role, you will have progressive HR experience (around 4 years), ideally from a professional services environment, and an interest in employee experience and engagement initiatives.
Ideally, we are also looking for someone who is/has:
Relevant tertiary qualifications (preferred but not essential)
Ability to build relationships and liaise with people at all levels
Sound knowledge of HR practices
Strong influencing ability and able to inspire others to action
Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
Positive, proactive and enthusiastic approach
This part-time role may suit you if you are returning to work after some time out or looking to find a part-time role which will challenge you and provide a sense of achievement while accommodating other interests/responsibilities. We have hybrid working arrangements (currently 60% in office) and can be flexible around working hours (ie can work whole days, part days or other variations).
What next?
If this sounds like you, apply with your CV and a brief cover-letter outlining why you are interested in this role. If you have any questions, please contact:
Belinda Blackburn, Head of HR Australia - belinda.blackburn@hfw.com