summary

Mayer Brown is an international law firm qualified to represent the world’s largest corporations, funds and financial institutions in their most significant and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep business instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do. We are a collegiate and collaborative company where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence get the opportunity, support and development they need to grow, prosper and realize their greatest potential, all while supporting the company’s customer service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct and complementary strengths, innovation and collaboration across our international company. If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our team as a Senior Manager overseeing the Human Resources function for our attorneys in our Chicago office.

The Senior Director of Attorneys serves as the primary liaison between HR Directors and the HR Director, serving as an expert and leader of the HR consulting function throughout the United States. This role is responsible for translating the firm’s business objectives into actionable HR strategies, partnering closely with practice leadership and other key stakeholders to ensure HR programs and initiatives are aligned with organizational goals.

Responsibilities

Basic functions:

Team leadership and management

• Manages and develops a team of HR professionals and managers, providing training, performance reviews, and work delegation to ensure high-quality service delivery
• Sets clear goals for the team, aligning their efforts with broader business and operational goals
• Oversees large projects and complex HR processes, ensuring successful implementation with limited oversight from senior management

Strategic partnership for human resources

• Serves as a strategic partner to finance practice leaders and other key stakeholders, and proactively aligns HR programs and initiatives with business plans and objectives.
• Influences and shapes HR policies, practices and procedures across the office and, where appropriate, the wider company
• Acts as a subject matter expert, providing guidance on complex, non-standard HR matters, including employee relations, performance management, compensation, and compliance.

Develop policies and processes

• Leads the development, implementation and continuous improvement of human resources policies and programs, ensuring compliance with federal, state and local laws.
• Monitors legal and industry trends, recommends and implements updates to maintain best-in-class HR practices
• Uses data and analytics to inform decision-making and support leaders in making people decisions

Solve complex problems

• Addresses and resolves difficult and often complex human resources issues, including escalating employee relations matters, organizational changes, and sensitive attorney transactions.
• Develops innovative solutions to ill-defined problems, leveraging experience and collaboration with cross-functional teams

Influence and communication

• Influences others outside the direct HR function regarding policies, practices and procedures, building consensus and driving change
• Establishes two-way feedback channels with stakeholders, providing insights to guide HR approaches and offerings
• Communicates effectively with all levels of the organization, and fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment
• Other duties assigned or required to achieve company goals and objectives

Qualifications

Education/Training/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of a degree when the experience is directly related to the job functions
• SPHR, SHRCM-SCP, or other HR certification preferred
• Knowledge of US federal and state labor and employment laws

Professional Experience:

• Previous management experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services organization.
• 6-10 years of progressively responsible experience in HR
• Proven successful partnership with business managers to develop and implement HR initiatives that align with business objectives

Technical skills:

• – Knowledge of best practices in human resources programs and practices
• – Demonstrate the ability to train and influence leaders
• Ability to consult with leaders, tease out unseen needs, and proactively identify solutions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
• Familiar with preferred HR software (Peoplesoft, Vi Desktop)
• Powerful MS Office suite capabilities (MS Word, Excel, Power Point)

Performance attributes:

• Practices strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively with all levels
• Ability to foster an inclusive team environment
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines while changing priorities
• High level of initiative
• Strong customer service skills, ability to anticipate needs, and high responsiveness
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
• Process orientation, able to identify opportunities and solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Practices strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Must have excellent project management abilities.

Administrative responsibilities:

• Demonstrated driving experience
• – Ability to identify and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiency
• Operations and service oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
• Ability to prioritize and delegate in an effective manner

Physical requirements:

• May require occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds.

The typical pay scale for this position is between $156,000 and $207,000, although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate’s education, experience, skills, and internal pay alignment differ from those specified.

The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent a comprehensive or exhaustive list of all duties.

The Company may amend and modify this job description at any time in its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates an employment contract or modifies the nature of employment at will.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/AD&D insurance, a 401(k) savings plan, back-up child and elder care, and generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application and/or interview process, please email (email protected). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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