Manager: Human Resources (Lawyers)

About the role

Mayer Brown is seeking a Manager: Human Resources to join our Human Resources department in our New York office.

Responsibilities

• Proactively works with practice leaders to align HR programs and initiatives in support of business plans and objectives
• Establishes the approach for all HR activity in the New York office for lawyers, through coordination with centralized and shared HR services teams
• Maintains knowledge of legal industry trends among peer firms and initiates updates to policies and programs
• Proactively identifies process improvements and enhancements
• Participates in the development and support of the performance management process
• Provides guidance to partners in the techniques for writing and presenting meaningful feedback
• Manages development of templates to support array of attorney HR transactions
• Maintains Attorney Administrative Manual policies and procedures
• Serves as expert working closely with labor and employment counsel and HR teams to review and troubleshoot non-standard attorney HR matters
• Utilizes data to support leaders in making people-related decisions
• Works with Employment Counsel on any necessary legal review exercises
• Creates two-way feedback channels and provides insights on needs of US offices to inform HR on approaches and offerings

Qualifications, Experience and Personal Attributes

• 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, SHRM-SCP or other HR certification preferred
• Knowledge of US federal and state labor and employment laws
• 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
• 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 / Objective Manager - appraisals)
• 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; 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