Senior Manager: Human Resources bei Mayer Brown LLP

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 whose defining characteristics are 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 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.

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

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

Physical Requirements:

• May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.

The typical pay scale for this position 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 are different from those specified. 

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

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

We offer 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.

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 process and/or job interview, 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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