Fried Frank group

We are currently searching for a 12-15 month fixed term contract for maternity cover, to be based in London. The HR Operations Specialist / Manager will deliver expert, client focused support across payroll, compensation, and benefits. Reporting to the Director of Human Resources (Europe), this role is responsible for maintaining accurate, compliant and efficient HR processes for the firm's London office. The successful candidate will oversee all areas of payroll administration, benefits management and HR operations ensuring a high standard of service delivery. JOB RELATIONSHIPS: The HR Operations Specialist / Manager will communicate and interact with the Director of HR - Europe, plus the wider global HR teams. The role will involve working closely with COO - Europe, London Partners, Associates, Management and Business Services. There will also be liaison with third-party vendors and brokers, such as payroll and benefits providers. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Payroll & Compensation Support the monthly payroll process for the UK office ensuring accurate and timely data submission, approvals, and compliance with local regulations. Coordinate with external payroll providers and internal stakeholders to ensure error-free payroll delivery. Support annual salary and bonus review processes, providing accurate data and insight to HR and leadership. Respond to ad-hoc reward and compensation data requests. Liaise with Director of HR - Europe and Finance to ensure payroll GL reconciliation and assist in resolving any discrepancies or queries. Benefits Administration Manage the monthly pension administration process, including but not limited to assessment files, contribution files and maintenance of the pension portal. Lead the review, renewal, and ongoing management of employee benefits programs (e.g. pensions, health insurance, life assurance). Manage benefit schemes and liaise with third-party vendors and brokers as needed. Provide employee communications and guidance on benefit offerings. Manage all day to day benefits administration alongside HR Assistant in line with monthly payroll deadline Work with the communications manager and US Benefits team to organise and advertise upcoming benefits events. HR Operations Maintain and ensure the accuracy of employee data in the HRIS (UKG), enabling reliable HR reporting and analytics. Ensure HR operational processes are compliant with local employment legislation and best practices. Support the onboarding and offboarding lifecycle for employees from an operational and data perspective. Support with providing the relevant data for all staff across the Firm to ensure that year-end reward processes such as P11D, benefits renewals etc operate in a timely and efficient manner. Respond to ad-hoc requests for reward data. Respond to ad-hoc reporting requests. Undertake reward projects as required. Process vendor invoices as required. Responsible for SRA related activities such as annual SRA renewal, compliance of roles and positions and maintenance of the SRA entities. Maintain Practising Certificate renewals for other jurisdictions including processing the Law Society of Scotland renewal and ensuring compliance of other practising certificates as relevant. Manage the roll out of annual and biannual refresher compliance training to all London and Brussels employees and ensure full completeness SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES: Solid experience and understanding on running payroll, compensation and benefits and uploading to payroll systems. Excellent Pensions knowledge and processing experience (Aviva preferred). High level of Excel skills and general proficiency with Microsoft Office tools. Experience working in a law firm or professional services environment. Experience working with third-party payroll and benefits vendors / brokers. Exceptional attention to detail and data accuracy, including strong administration and organisation skills. Proficient in HRIS platforms, preferably UKG. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Proactive, a self-starter who works well without close supervision.