People Systems Manager

What we will offer

If you require this document in an accessible format (e.g. large print), please contact hr.recruitment@shlegal.com or call 020 7809 2711.

We will offer you a place where you can be yourself and where there are no limits on what you can achieve. With us, you can take ownership of your career and have honest conversations throughout. You would join an ambitious firm with a clear strategy for profitable growth where you can get early responsibility. Here you can expect a competitive and fair reward as well as recognition based on all round performance. This forms part of our internal promise to you, The Deal, between the firm and its employees.

You can expect:

• A competitive salary and a host of family friendly policies
• Life assurance, private health and dental care for you and your family
• A range of flexible benefits including gym discounts and retail vouchers
• Tech, cycle and electric car schemes
• The opportunity to support the firm's charity through volunteering leave
• A wellbeing strategy that focuses on preventative measures to maintain overall health, and tools and support for when we experience physical or mental difficulties. The strategy focuses on four pillars: physical, emotional, financial and social aspects.

Team Structure

The People Systems team is part of the overall Application Systems team based in IT Services, with around 11 people working on a global scale ensuring the smooth operations of all application systems based on the internal client's needs and specifications. The People Systems Manager will report to the Senior Application Systems Manager. This role involves close collaboration with the Global HR & Talent Development team as well as other Application System Managers to ensure that People Data is effectively integrated into non-HR systems, such as Finance and Knowledge Management Systems, to support the organization's operational efficiency.

The HR & Talent Development function comprises of 40 people globally and is responsible for the management of all matters concerning the employment and development of our people. This involves guiding and supporting partners, managers, and all employees alike, as well as supporting the creation of an inclusive and diverse environment, enabling our people to thrive. This includes:

• Implementing our people and talent strategy in line with business objectives
• Resourcing, talent and career management
• Reward (financial and non-financial) strategy, salary reviews, payroll and benefits
• Policy, procedures setting and the practical application of these across the business.

Main Responsibilities

• Overall responsibility for the firm's people systems which includes the HRIS, applicant tracking system and talent development platform.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the HR & Talent and Development teams and collaborate closely with the IT and Application Development teams.
• Act as a super user and point of escalations.
• Manage the HR & Talent Development suppliers including any external consultants.
• Manage the HRIS team as a "reports to" manager including annual performance reviews and career development plans for the team.
• Work closely with external vendors to troubleshoot any issues and ensure seamless system performance.
• Take part in the weekly Change Approval Board (CAB).
• Lead on the bi-weekly HR systems' meetings with the global HR & Talent Development teams.
• Project manage any system implementation, upgrades, minor & feature releases and integrations and provide instructions as necessary to the team/s ensuring people data continues to integrate into other non-HR applications.
• Provide the annual scheduler/roadmap for any potential systems' enhancements and improvements.
• Apply and enhance the platforms on an "on-going" basis and identify gaps for further improvement.
• Liaise with the global teams to identify any business requirements and translate them to effective solutions.
• Implement global HRIS processes to ensure smooth management of the systems across the board.
• Assist with the Technical support of Talent Development systems.
• Act as technical lead and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the firm's Core system Workday.
• Ensure the confidentiality of the data and ensure the firm maintains its compliance with relevant legislation, including the Data Protection Act, GDPR and other regulatory requirements/certifications (e.g. ISO27001) along with Infosec.
• Ensure and oversee the data integrity in the systems and initiate/oversee any data auditing processes and data cleansing.
• Annual budget forecasting and management.
• Develop and improve the HRIS & Talent Development processes and provide any relevant documentation.
• Develop and oversee the delivery of the people systems' training across all levels of users.
• Support/advise on any MI queries from the teams and support/oversee the creation/configuration of any reports.

Most of our roles are hybrid, meaning that colleagues benefit from working in our office and remotely. We are happy to discuss this and other flexible working arrangements with you as part of the application and interview process.

Attributes/Skills Required

• BA/MSc or an equivalent degree in HR or IT, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in a similar role and/or adequate exposure to HR/LMS systems in general.
• Desirable knowledge of any of the following platforms; Workday, Icims, Saba, Darwin and POD Pirical.
• Previous experience working within a law firm is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of the overall MS package, mainly Excel & PowerPoint.
• Project and change management and enhancements (full lifecycle from concept to business as usual).
• Tailoring systems so they are adopted and used effectively in practice.
• Effective management of third-party providers and SLAs.
• Integration of People systems with other business applications.
• Line management or supervisory skills.
• Identifying and delivering continual process and service improvements.
• Fluent in English in both oral and written.

This job description is indicative only and does not represent an exhaustive list of responsibilities. The firm reserves the right to alter or change the responsibilities at any time, in line with the firm's strategy and business needs. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to having a diverse workforce. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, culture or any other protected characteristics. We aim to create a culture where everyone can be themselves and is valued for their strengths and unique perspectives.

About the Firm

With 8 offices worldwide and with our headquarters based in London, Stephenson Harwood is a law firm where our people are committed to achieving the goals of our clients - listed and private companies, institutions, and individuals across the globe. Our mix of expertise and culture results in a combination of deep local insight and the capability to provide a seamless international service.

Our experience encompasses corporate, commercial litigation and arbitration, employment, pensions and private wealth, finance, marine and international trade, and real estate and projects.

We assemble teams of bright thinkers to match our clients' needs and give the right advice from the right person at the right time. Dedicating the highest calibre of legal talent to overcome the most complex issues, we deliver pragmatic, expert advice that is set squarely in the real world.

We understand the power of diversity in delivering that high calibre advice to our clients. We want to attract diverse talent and we particularly encourage applications from underrepresented demographics.

Our values:

Individuality - We encourage creativity and develop talent

Commitment - To be the best and deliver the highest standard

Teamwork - We work together to build close, long-term relationships

Straight talking - We say what we mean and do what we say

These values express the personality of the individuals within our firm. They are the behaviours we encourage in our people and the standards which inform our decisions and actions.

Our vision into 2026

To be a successful firm where talented people work together in an entrepreneurial environment, building long term client relationships.

This vision is about who we want to be, as well as who we are. It is as much about our values as about our character – the attributes we want to see from all of our people. It also reflects the importance of remaining independent - a clear sign that we are confident in our own future. That's how we unlock our entrepreneurial spirit, advising our clients with top performing teams.

A key part of the 2026 strategy is to focus on five core sectors: decarbonisation, life sciences, private capital & funds, technology, and transportation & trade. These have been identified as crucial in the drive for accelerated profitable growth.