Role Purpose

We have an exciting opportunity available for an experienced HR Officer (HRO) within the Johannesburg office. The HRO will work closely with the Johannesburg HR Manager in developing and implementing the Johannesburg HR framework and strategy, as well as delivering an excellent level of client service. Working collaboratively with their EMEA+ Talent team colleagues, the wider People team and business support functions, the HRO will provide a responsive, commercial and solutions-focused approach for all members of the Johannesburg office.

Main Responsibilities

• Working with the Johannesburg HR Manager to establish strong working relationships with Departmental Managers and business managers within assigned client groups as points of contact for people-related issues.
• Providing advice to employees and managers on employee relations matters such as performance and capability, absence, disciplinary and grievance, changes to terms and conditions of employment, probation reviews and flexible working applications.
• Participating in the smooth running of the cyclical HR processes by supporting the Johannesburg HR Manager in preparing for, arranging and running performance and salary and bonus review meetings.
• Working with Practice Groups in EMEA+, relevant HR contacts in other offices and the Global Mobility Advisory Group to arrange and implement Associate
• Training Program (ATP) placements both to and from other Baker McKenzie offices.
• Coordinating the receiving and sending of secondees to and from clients, liaising with key stakeholders as appropriate.
• Managing the new joiner and leaver process, including new qualifiers to Practice For example, conducting new joiner meetings and exit interviews, processing leave of absence requests etc.
• Handling new parent leave cases and their reintegration into the
• Working with the Johannesburg HR Manager to clarify resource requirements for assigned groups and liaising with the Recruitment team to deliver against these needs, including seeking appropriate approvals.
• Working in conjunction with the Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) team to support department- specific D&I initiatives, and playing an active part in one of the Firm’s ‘affinity’ groups/networks.
• Taking ownership for the end-to-end HR operational processes, to ensure their successful implementation and identifying areas for improvement.
• Collaborating and sharing knowledge across the People team (locally and regionally) and coaching, mentoring and motivating more junior members of the Talent team.
• Compiling annual legislative reports – Employment Equity Reports, WSP and ATR, B-BBEE
• Liaising with the Legal Practice Council (LPC) to ensure compliance with the relevant LPC requirements (e.g. enrolments and conversions, payment of fees, registrations)
• Leading or assisting with ad hoc project work.

Function

The Firm’s People function has responsibility for recruiting, supporting and developing all of the Firm’s people, including our Partners, Lawyers and Professional & Business Services, working closely with the Firm’s leadership to design and deliver the Firm’s people strategy, building on the Firm’s core commitments to collaboration, excellence and inclusivity. The function includes:

• Talent Management
• Recruitment & Mobility
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Leadership & Learning
• Careers & Performance
• Partner Services
• Total Rewards

This role will report to the HR Manager, Johannesburg, EMEA.

The key relationships of this role are with the following:

• Local practice group heads
• PBS managers
• Partners and employees in the Practice Groups
• EMEA+ Talent Team

About The Candidate

Technical Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Previous hands-on experience with HR processes, preferably within the legal sector or other professional services firms or within a corporate environment.
• Demonstrable knowledge and awareness of the generalist HR
• Strong client relationship skills with the ability to build rapport, influence and develop relationships at all levels.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal
• Working knowledge and understanding of employment law, policies and
• Ability to identify appropriate actions to resolve issues in line with Firm policies and procedures (with support from the Johannesburg HR Manager on more complex matters).
• Ability to plan, schedule and arrange own activities to accomplish
• Good diagnostic and analytic skills and the ability to exercise sound
• Demonstrates a flexible, pragmatic and commercial approach to meeting business
• Strong client service and delivery
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining data
• Collaborative approach, effectively working with others to achieve team
• Respects and enjoys the diversity of cultural, social and academic backgrounds found in the Firm

Personal qualities

These personal qualities represent the shared characteristics of high performers across Baker McKenzie, regardless of job level and location.

Know how

• Keeps across key developments in all relevant areas and demonstrates the ability to develop substantive authority in relation to the Firm’s specialist fields
• Demonstrates the ability to identify the real issue, and to anticipate requirements and potential consequences; distils a range of possibilities by thinking in a considered, prudent manner
• Able to move through a variety of tasks requiring different approaches, knowledge, and expertise, with agility of mind and capacity for analysis and synthesis

Dedication

• Driven by a strong personal sense of integrity and upholds exemplary quality standards
• Prepares thoroughly, takes responsibility, uses initiative and is self reliant to ensure work progresses to the fullest extent possible
• Hardworking and diligent with a keen understanding of client demands
• Demonstrates composure when dealing with difficult situations

Personal Impact

• Creates a positive impression at all times; develops relationships through collaboration and reciprocity
• Negotiates to achieve outcomes that are mutually satisfactory; shows good judgement on when to stand strong and when to compromise
• Invests in, nurtures and builds a network of productive relationships

Humanity

• Respectful to others, regardless of their position, and earns the respect of others by being transparent
• Has care and concern for others and a genuine interest in others as people
• Treats delicate or confidential issues with grace and discretion.

Why Join Us?
Baker McKenzie is a truly global law firm. Founded in 1949, we advise many of the world’s most dynamic and successful business organisations through our 13,200 people in 78 offices in 46 countries. Yet big does not mean impersonal. We work hard to ensure that everyone knows their role and has the support they need to perform it to the highest standard. Our culture encourages this – how we work, think and behave in a collaborative and fulfilling way.

In Johannesburg you will be part of an office with over 100 people. Originally opened in 2012, Baker McKenzie South Africa is well established in South Africa as a leading international law firm and is regularly involved in some of the country’s most high-profile legal matters. We can offer you the work, pride and experience of being part of a leading law firm but in a local office environment that is hardworking, yet friendly and supportive.

Have a look at our YouTube channel to find out more about us!

To Apply
At Baker McKenzie, we welcome direct applications.

Please click on the Apply button on this advertisement to complete the application form.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE
Please note Baker McKenzie does not accept unsolicited CVs.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
Baker McKenzie has a culture of diversity and inclusion in its DNA – since our beginning, the differences of our people have helped us to work fluently across borders, cultures and practices. This is intrinsic to everything we do and underpins Baker McKenzie’s vision to be the global law firm of choice. We understand that organisations work best when people with different backgrounds and points of view are brought together. We also know people perform at their best when they can be themselves at work. Baker McKenzie is committed to serving our clients with innovative solutions brought about by a diverse talent pool and an inclusive community.

The Johannesburg office mirrors the wider firm in encouraging the best people, regardless of race, culture, religion or belief (if any), gender, gender identity and expression, disability, sexual orientation or age, to fulfil their professional aspirations with us so as to create an exciting and diverse legal environment.