HR Generalist - Hong Kong

The HR Generalist plays an important role in providing comprehensive HR support to our Asia and Middle East Offices, ensuring smooth operations and adherence to HR policies and procedures. This position encompasses various aspects of HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, payroll support, query resolution, and employee offboarding.

About CMS

CMS is a Future Facing firm with more than 70 offices in over 40 countries and 5,000+ lawyers worldwide. We combine deep local market understanding with a global perspective. We are passionate about building strong relationships with our clients, our people, and the communities we work in.

We take a bold, dynamic, and agile approach to ensure our clients are able to face the future with confidence. We are driven by technology and readily embrace the possibilities it opens up for developing new and better ways of working.  Our aim is to inspire, impact and support our clients and our people, helping them to maximize their potential and thrive.

About the Role

Talent Acquisition / Emerging Talent:

·        Collaborate with the Talent Team to facilitate the hiring process by assisting in CV screening, conducting pre-screening calls, and coordinating interviews efficiently.

·        Ensure timely completion of pre-hiring background checks and escalate any discrepancies or issues as necessary.

·        Contribute to the development and execution of effective new hire onboarding plans to ensure a seamless transition for new employees.

·        Facilitate local trainee seat / swaps / rotation. Ensuring logistics are handled and regular feedback given.

·        Attend local career fairs representing the CMS brand.

Learning & Development:

·        Conduct localised induction sessions for new hires, providing them with essential information about the company culture, policies, and procedures.

·        Monitor and track the completion of mandatory training programs by all employees within specified timelines.

·        Coordinate participation in firmwide training initiatives, managing nominations, and arranging logistics to facilitate employee development opportunities.

General HR:

·        Prepare employment offer letter, contracts and associated new starter paperwork.  

·        Maintain the accuracy and integrity of HR systems by updating employee records, including starters, leavers, and any changes in employment status.

·        Administer local benefit programs, ensuring employees are informed about available benefits and assisting with enrolment processes.

·        Serve as a primary point of contact for HR-related inquiries, including leave management, parental leave, policy clarification, and procedural guidance.

·        Operate as local on the ground HR support, feeding back on a regular basis to the HR Business Partner team to enhance the overall employee experience.

·        Escalated query resolution through Workday (HRS) working closely with UK teams.

·        Support the HR Business Partner team with cyclical activities including:

o   Annual appraisal processes

o   Pay review processes

o   Local salary benchmarking preparations

o   Promotions

·        Collaborate with Office Managers to prepare and submit monthly payroll files to outsourced payroll providers, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing.

·        Stay informed about changes in employment laws and regulations relevant to the region, ensuring compliance and advising management accordingly.

·        Keep the global HR team informed of any significant employee-related issues or changes within the office.

·        Give on hand support to Line Managers on best practices to manage employees.

·        Provide assistance with Global Mobility initiatives, including visa application support and relocation logistics for international assignments.

·        Work closely with the HR Business Partner team to contribute to HR projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing the overall employee experience.

·        Identify and escalate any complex HR issues or concerns to the HR Business Partner team for resolution, guidance or full handover.

·        Conduct regular exit interviews providing feedback to the HR Business Partner team and Line Managers as appropriate.

·        Support with regional D&I plans, providing on the ground facilitation and feedback.

·        Create a suite of standard operating procedures relating HR tasks.

About You

Required Experience:

·                    Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and local language.

·        Proven experience in HR coordination or generalist roles, preferably in multinational organisations.

·        Sound knowledge of HR principles, practices, and employment laws applicable to the region.

·        Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.

·        Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact confidently with employees at all levels.

·        Proficiency in HRIS systems (Workday preferred) and MS Office Suite.

·        Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.

·        Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and business needs in a fast-paced environment.

·        Collaborative mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Equal Opportunities

At CMS, a next-generation mindset is woven into all we do. We're diverse, supportive and inclusive, embracing our corporate social responsibility and creating a culture of sustainability in which every one of our people, whatever their background, can maximise their potential and thrive. For further information about CMS' diversity initiatives and programmes, please view the Diversity & Inclusion pages on our website.

Please apply online or contact a member of the Talent Acquisition team if you have any questions. For information regarding our competitive range of benefits please visit our Rewards & Benefits page on our website.

Please note that CMS have a preferred agency panel in place. Only applications submitted via the portal at the point of instruction will be accepted.

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