Senior Manager: Human Resources; Lawyers

Overview

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.

We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential, all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm. If you enjoy working with team members who value exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Human Resources department in our 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 translates the firm’s business objectives into actionable HR strategies and partners closely with practice leadership and other key stakeholders to ensure HR programs and initiatives are aligned with organizational goals.

• 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 on complex 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 updates to maintain best-in-class HR practices; utilizes data and analytics to inform decision-making and support leaders in people-related decisions.
• Complex Problem Solving:
  Addresses and resolves difficult HR issues, including escalated employee relations matters, organizational changes, and sensitive attorney transactions; develops innovative solutions through collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Influence and Communication:
  Influences others outside the HR function regarding policies and practices, builds consensus, establishes two-way feedback with stakeholders, and communicates effectively with all levels of the organization to foster an inclusive environment; performs other duties as assigned to meet Firm goals and objectives.

• Education/Training/
  
  Certifications:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in a related field; an equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered; SPHR, SHRM-SCP or other HR certification preferred; knowledge of US federal and state labor and employment laws.
• Professional
  
  Experience:
  
  6-10 years of progressively responsible experience in Human Resources; previous management experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services organization; demonstrated success partnering with business managers to develop and execute HR initiatives aligned with business goals.
• Technical Skills:
  Knowledge of best practices in HR programs; demonstrated ability to coach and influence leaders; ability to consult with leaders to identify…