Lead HR Business Partner – Law Firm (Bristol/Exeter)

About the role

The Lead HR Business Partner will join a high‑performing HR team within a well‑regarded law firm operating in Bristol and Exeter. Reporting to senior leadership, you will act as a trusted adviser to partners across multiple practice areas, influencing people decisions that drive performance, culture and long‑term success.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic HR advice to partners and senior managers on talent, performance and change initiatives.
• Shape and implement people decisions that support the firm’s growth and strategic aims.
• Line‑manage, coach and mentor two HR Business Partners, fostering capability and confidence.
• Serve as the senior escalation point for complex employee‑relations matters.
• Lead HR projects and contribute to continuous improvement of HR processes.

Required profile

• Proven HR management experience within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong knowledge of the full employee life‑cycle, including employee relations, change, talent and performance management.
• Commercially aware, pragmatic and effective at stakeholder management.
• Ability to lead, coach and develop junior HR colleagues.

Required skills