Job Description

Allen & Overy is a leading global law firm operating in over thirty countries. Embracing new trends and harnessing decades of experience, we’ve earned our place at the forefront of the legal industry. Our partners are recognised as leaders in their field and our deals and cases often make headline business news. As a result, we’ve developed a reputation for delivering exceptional legal solutions that not only solve our clients’ challenges but exceed their expectations. By embracing new ways of thinking, integrating technology into our everyday work and putting our people first, we’ve become known for leading by example.

Join our team and you’ll be part of a flexible, inclusive culture underpinned by openness and consistent support for one another. Our culture enables people to define their own career path based on their strengths, while our ambitious outlook ensures we continue to provide each person with opportunities to thrive. We’re also committed to supporting a culture that drives diversity and inclusion. Every day, we’re working hard to create an environment where you feel you can bring your authentic self to work. To be comfortable and confident to be who you are in the workplace. To feel like you belong. If you’re ready to play your part in defining the future of law: It’s Time.

Role purpose

This role manages the overall HR function in the Singapore office. This includes, but is not limited to, talent management, compensation and benefits, performance management, diversity and other global projects as and when required.

Key relationships

• Associate Director
• Partners
• Department Heads
• HR team

Role and responsibilities

The core components of this role include but are not limited to:

Talent Management

• Business partner with the Heads of Departments and the wider departmental partner group to forecast and identify resourcing requirements for the practice group(s). This includes analysing headcount data, busyness metrics and importantly, understanding the specific needs, opportunities and challenges for the practice group and the lawyers within the group.
• Ensure new starters (lateral, NQs and trainees) are adequately introduced and integrated into dedicated practice groups.
• Manage the performance review process for the dedicated practice groups. Facilitate regular talent discussions with the partner group.

Compensation & Benefits

• In conjunction with the HR team, support the annual salary review process in terms of salary forecasting, bonuses and the preparation of staff communications.

Generalist activities

• Management of all HR issues for the dedicated practice groups (e.g. performance management, managing conflict, difficult conversations, managing absenteeism, etc).
• Provide staff with general HR policy advice, supporting employees with career development, planning, managing any workplace issues or concerns and provide counselling and advice where required.
• Identify and develop policy and procedure updates/amendments in conjunction with best practice, local legislation and global policy.
• Escalate partner and/or other complex HR issues to Associate Director on an as-needs basis.
• At all times, consider HR best practice, developments in the industry and other non-specific opportunities to ensure the firm’s core competencies and values are upheld across all staff.
• Manage cyclical events for dedicated practice groups, including: Promotions, Agility programs, Engagement Survey and Health & Wellbeing initiatives.

Training

• Oversee the Singapore office induction process ensuring, with the support of the HR Officers, that the general firm welcome presentation and welcome ‘packs’ are relevant for lateral partners' induction/on-boarding schedule as well as for all new joiners.

Diversity

• Identify and bring to the table opportunities that will involve/educate our staff with regard to acceptance, inclusion and awareness of diversity within the workplace.
• Actively participate in the Singapore Talent & Diversity (T&D) Committee and, in conjunction with committee members, act as primary coordinator on sponsorship opportunities, events and the like.
• Disseminate relevant information and attend relevant events on behalf of A&O.
• Reach out and create networks to maximise understanding of challenges, initiatives and best practice.

Project/Other

• Develop strong and meaningful relationships with colleagues and peers across the A&O network.
• Participate in global / regional HR projects as and when required.
• Act as HR representative in local office initiatives such as pro bono & community, diversity, social committees where relevant/interested.

Key requirements

• A full understanding and appreciation of maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality.
• Highly professional and proactive.
• Strong interpersonal skills and confidence in dealing with people at all levels in the firm.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.