Job Description
Lead HRBP | Bristol / Exeter / Cheltenham | Up to £80,000 + Bonus
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We're partnering with a highly regarded, ambitious UK law firm to find a Lead HR Business Partner, and this one is genuinely urgent.
The outgoing postholder is retiring and has agreed to stay until this is filled. If you're an experienced HRBP from a law firm background and you're ready for your next step up, this needs to move quickly.
The Role
This is a genuine, broad-scope business partnering role elevated from a Senior HRBP position and re-scoped to reflect the seniority and influence required. You'll take full ownership of a defined business group, partnering day-to-day with senior lawyers including Partners across Commercial, Corporate, Financial Services, Employment, and Banking practices.
It's a highly visible, relationship-led role requiring someone who can operate confidently within a partnership model, influence at the most senior levels, and bring genuine commercial and people thinking to complex organisational challenges.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
- Acting as a trusted strategic partner to the Head of Business Group and a network of Partners advising on people strategy, talent, performance, and organisational effectiveness
Navigating complex employee relations matters within a professional services environment, balancing legal risk with commercial pragmatism
Coaching and influencing senior stakeholders who are Partners themselves — requiring credibility, confidence, and a peer-to-peer approach
Leading, developing, and line managing two HRBPs based in Bristol
Driving people initiatives across the business group from succession planning and leadership development through to culture and engagement
Collaborating with the wider HR function, including an HR Ops team largely based in Exeter, to deliver seamless people support
The Package
- Up to £80,000 + discretionary bonus
Bristol, Exeter, or Cheltenham - 3 days per week on-site (some flex to 2 days for the right person)
A collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking xwwtmva firm culture
A business with genuine purpose and a clear sustainability agenda
2-stage interview process
What They're Looking For
- Law firm experience is essential - ideally a top 100 regional or national firm
Proven exposure to a partnership model - you understand how Partners operate and how to influence within that structure
Strong business partnering capability at a senior level, broad generalist, commercially astute, and genuinely trusted by stakeholders
Line management experience, or a strong track record of coaching and developing HR colleagues
Confident navigating complexity, ambiguity, and senior relationships simultaneously