Talent Acquisition and Diversity Manager (12-month FTC)

About Withersworldwide

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

What are we looking for?

We have an exciting opportunity for a talented Talent Acquisition and Diversity Manager to join our innovative Human Resources department on a 12-month fixed term contract.

Areas of focus and responsibilities

You will be responsible for graduate and fee earner recruitment, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for our London office.

Recruitment

• Manage the full recruitment process through to offer stage and acceptance.
• Produce detailed job specifications and working with partners to structure appropriate screening practises and interviews in line with specific role requirements.
• Screening applications in line with specific role requirements.
• Conduct both technical and competency-based interviews with partners.
• Assist with recruitment approval requests.
• Assist with business services recruitment when required. 
• Complete annual benchmarking assessments.
• Produce reports for Senior Management and Divisional Operating Officers.
• Assist with the annual budgeting process and keep a track of expenditure.
• Manage partner expectations, giving constructive best practice advice.
• Utilising LinkedIn to increase direct hires.
• Liaising with preferred recruitment agencies and briefing them on current requirements.
• Develop close working relationships with the HR team (globally).
• Establish and build on internal networks.

Graduate Recruitment

• Manage the graduate recruitment process which includes screening and interviewing candidates for vacation scheme and direct training contract, attending assessment centres, managing training contract offers and attend Open Days and Law Fairs where possible.
• Work closely with the Training Partner and Graduate Talent Acquisition Assistant on graduate recruitment processes, applications and assessments etc.
• Overseeing directory entries.
• Manage the US Summer Associate programme with support from colleagues in the US. This includes screening and interviewing applicants with the London US Tax team, assisting with offer, and working with the Immigration team on visa applications.
• Manage the Italian Stagiaire programme which includes screening and interviewing applicants, assisting with offers, and working with the Immigration team on visa applications (if applicable).
• Manage the Syracuse work experience programme.

DEI

• Manage social mobility initiatives including Aspiring Solicitors Mentoring Programme, PRIME work experience, 10,000 Black Interns Programme and The Law Society Diversity Access Scheme.
• Raise awareness and promoting DEI internally.
• Attend DEI events where possible.
• Manage relationships with external membership organisations (e.g., Stonewall, Rare Recruitment and Aspiring Solicitors).

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for the performance of this job, and as such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Experience required

• The successful applicant will have extensive law firm, or professional services, recruitment experience at a manager level.
• You will have experience in fee earning and graduate recruitment and conducting competency-based interviews.
• Have a good understanding of how partnerships work.
• Have an understanding of the visa an immigration process and general HR practices.
• Should be educated to graduate level, or equivalent.
• Technically competent, but more importantly can adapt, think laterally to produce the desired documents/outcomes.

Interpersonal skills required

• Flexible approach and a strong desire to provide an outstanding service to clients both internally and externally.
• Good interpersonal skills and good oral and written communication skills and ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Smart, calm and professional manner. 
• Ability to effectively prioritise and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Have the ability to prioritise effectively and manage conflicting deadlines.
• Have an aptitude for learning new processes and procedures.
• Be able to quickly establish credibility with partners and key stakeholders and to support the achievement of business needs.
• Ability to deal with a high volume of work.

The Essentials

• Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm, but flexibility is a must.
• This role is a 12-month fixed term contract.
• Flexible benefits package.

For further information, please contact the recruitment team.

Information for Recruitment Agencies

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal Opportunities Employment Statement 

It is the policy of Withersworldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.      

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