People Advisor Asia – (12 months FTC)

The Department The People Team play a key role in enabling the firm to attract, develop and retain great people, and giving them the tools and support needed to develop and fulfil their potential, and that of the firm. The team is welcoming, inclusive, driven by providing a 'high touch' level of service, and collaborative in terms of how we work. The team consists of c.40 people in business-facing generalist roles (People Advisory) alongside specialist teams (Early Careers; Reward; Engagement EDI & Wellbeing; Talent Acquisition and the Academy). The Role As a critical member of the team, the People Advisor Asia will lead on providing the full employee life cycle support to the local offices in conjunction with the wider People Team.The essence of the role is to work collaboratively and as the trusted advisor on all people-related matters, with responsibility for the implementation on a range of people-related priorities.This role will act as a central point of contact for liaising with and interacting with each of the specialist areas across the People team, as well as collaborating with colleagues who support both fee-earning and business operational areas.Duties And ResponsibilitiesThe role will include the following:Resource and Talent PlanningWorking with hiring partners to identify the best way to fill resourcing gaps, e.g. secondments, internal moves, before securing approvals to recruit externally.Using market benchmarking and local knowledge to recruit high calibre candidates, and deliver a positive new joiner experience.Ensuring new starters have regular feedback check-ins during their probation period, dealing promptly with any issues arising during this time.Ensure that all people are aware of what development looks like and that high performers are identified and supported accordingly.Collaborating with the Academy to deliver internal training, sharing information and feeding back suggestions for new sessions.Conducting exit interviews and ensure all offboarding process are completePerformance and Employee RelationsTo ensure leaders are taking an active role in upholding high standards of conduct (including adherence to the firm's Core Values) and performance across their teams.Through our approach to managing performance and development, ensuring that open, honest and constructive conversations are taking place regularly, feedback provided, and objectives are set and progress reflected upon.Where conduct or performance falls below the required level, support managers in addressing these issues.To support employees in resolving concerns informally where possible, but to ensure any grievances are managed in line with firm policy, seeking specialist internal advice where needed.Reward and Compensation PlanningWork closely with the People Advisory and the Reward teams on the annual reward processes including reviewing and analysing data etc.Be a key link between the business and the Reward team in sharing information and insights (e.g. competitor activity, market trends, exit interview themes etc.) that could impact retention or inform the Reward strategy.To work with the People Advisory Team to ensure timely and accurate processing of the monthly payroll.People Data and ReportingTo utilise data and reporting (e.g. headcount, sickness, turnover, etc.) from the People system and associated sources (e.g. financial data) to help departments make better 'people' decisions.To ensure leaders receive regular and ad-hoc reporting that helps address both short and longer-term issues (e.g. resource gaps).WellbeingEnsuring leaders hold regular informal conversations with their people that focus on wellbeing as well as job performance, and that any issues are quickly identified and addressed.Providing more detailed advice (including input from other People teams, as needed) on situations that may benefit from coaching, and/or support from our benefits providers (e.g. long term sickness absence).Ensuring those departing for, or returning from, leaves of absence (e.g. family leave, sabbaticals, etc.) are fully supported before, during and after their time away from work.To work with colleagues from across the business, and within the People team, to continue to shape the firm's approach to the evolving work environment (e.g. hybrid)Liaising with the insurance broker for the renewal / maintenance of the SG and HK office insurance plan in conjunction with the central Reward team.RegulatoryHighlighting local regulatory and compliance aspects - working with the compliance team to ensure that employment, payroll and immigration meet statutory requirements in Hong Kong and Singapore, and to avoid compliance risks.Attending to regulatory compliance specifically (e.g. employee pass applications, practising certificate renewals etc.) and liaising with external governing bodies (e.g. Ministry of Manpower, Law Society, IRAS etc.) Candidate Profile Recognised as an experienced practitioner and possesses broad knowledge of other specialisms across the People Team.Experienced in resolving a range of employee relations issues utilising both formal and informal approaches in order to generate timely and pragmatic solutions.Experience in running annual reward/talent processes in conjunction with business leaders, with a focus on equity, parity and consistency.Strong ambassador for the People Team within the MDR Group and externally.Professional, warm, accessible and able to work effectively with a wide range of people and stakeholders.Ability to communicate clearly and effectively (including sensitive or frank messages) using the most appropriate medium and avoiding the use of jargon.Self-aware, with good emotional intelligence and the ability to give and receive feedback, as well as influencing people of all levels.Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage time, expectations, and input needed from others to make things happen in a fast-moving and fluid environment.Strong IT skills, with confidence using People systems and analysing/presenting data.Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.About About The Mishcon de Reya Group The Mishcon de Reya Group is an independent, international professional services business with law at its heart, employing over 1400 people with over 650 lawyers. It includes the law firm Mishcon de Reya LLP and a collection of leading consultancy businesses that complement the firm's legal services.Mishcon de Reya LLP is based in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore and Hong Kong (through its association with Karas So LLP ). The firm services an international community of clients and provides advice in situations where the constraints of geography often do not apply. Its work is cross-border, multi-jurisdictional and complex, spanning six core practice areas: Corporate ; Dispute Resolution ; Employment ; Innovation ; Private ; and Real Estate .The Mishcon de Reya Group includes consultancy businesses MDR Discover , MDR Mayfair (in London, Singapore and Dubai), MDR ONE , and MDRi (in Hong Kong). The Group also includes MDR Lab , which invests in the most promising early stage legaltech companies as well as the Mishcon Academy, its in-house place of learning and platform for thought leadership.In 2024, the Group announced its first strategic acquisition in the alternative legal services market, flexible legal resourcing business Flex Legal. It also acquired a majority stake in Somos, a global group actions management business.We strive to create a fully diverse and inclusive workplace where all our people are empowered to fulfil their potential. We are proud of our agile working culture and are always happy to talk flexible working.