Senior Manager: Human Resources

If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person our client  seeking to join their Human Resources department in their Chicago office, as a Senior Manager: Human Resources.

The Senior Manager: Human Resources, acts as the primary liaison between HR managers and the Director of Human Resources, serving as the go-to expert and leader for the HR Advisory function across the US. 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

Essential Functions:

Team Leadership and Management

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

Strategic HR Partnership

• Acts as a strategic partner to the Finance practice leaders and other key stakeholders, proactively aligning 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 firm
• Serves as a subject matter expert, providing guidance on complex and non-standard HR matters, including employee relations, performance management, compensation, and compliance

Policy and Process Development

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

Complex Problem Solving

• Addresses and resolves difficult and often complex HR issues, including escalated employee relations matters, organizational changes, and sensitive attorney transactions
• Develops innovative solutions to undefined problems, leveraging expertise and collaboration with cross-functional teams

Influence and Communication

• Influences others outside of the immediate HR function regarding policies, practices, and procedures, building consensus and driving change
• Establishes two-way feedback channels with stakeholders, providing insights to inform HR approaches and offerings
• Communicates effectively with all levels of the organization, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment
• Other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm 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 the degree when the experience has been directly related to the functions of the job
• 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 Human Resources
• Demonstrated success partnering with business managers to develop and execute HR initiatives that align to business goals

Technical Skills:

• Knowledge of best practices in HR programs and practices
• Demonstrated ability to coach and influence leaders
• Ability to consult with leaders, drawing out unseen needs and proactively identifying solutions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products
• Familiar with HR software preferred (Peoplesoft, Vi Desktop)
• Strong MS Office Suite capabilities (MS Word, Excel, Power Point)

Performance Traits:

• Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Strong written and verbal communications skills, able to communicate effectively with all levels
• Ability to foster an inclusive team environment
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines with shifting priorities
• High level of initiative
• Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs, highly responsive
• 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.
• Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Must have excellent project management abilities.

Management Accountabilities:

• Demonstrated leadership experience
• Able to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiencies
• Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
• Able to set priorities and delegate in an efficient manner

Our client offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.

Please send your resume to Jill Tomarken, jtomarken@friedmanwilliams.com if you are interested in this role.