Human Resources Manager - Chicago

Mayer Brown LLP is a leading global law firm with offices in 27 key business centers across the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. We are a collegial, collaborative, and diverse 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.

If you enjoy working with team members whose defining characteristics are achievement, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, you may be the person we are seeking to join our Human Resources department in our Chicago office as the Human Resources Manager - Chicago. 

The Human Resources Manager - Chicago is responsible for the workflow, development and performance management of the H.R. Recruiting function and system processes.  Human Resources Manager - Chicago provides support to all U.S. offices as needed. Human Resources Manager - Chicago will provide employee relations counseling to Chicago staff members and management team.

Essential Functions:

• Manage the HR function and the HR Staff in the Chicago Office.
• Develop and maintain HR processes which facilitate and enhance support staff operations.
• Proactively works with office and practice leaders (e.g. Office Managing Partner and Director of Administration) and department heads to align and execute HR programs and initiatives in support of business plans and objectives; including overseeing office activities and programs, including Annual Health Fair, Staff Appreciation Day activities and Staff Recognition Program.
• Works closely with HR central functions (recruiting, learning & development, compensation, benefits and well-being, etc.) to develop HR programs and policies and implement them locally.
• Local administration of processes such as short and long term disability claims, worker’s compensation claims, leaves of absence and payroll questions.
  • Support administration of benefits and well-being programs.
  • Respond to inquiries regarding policies, procedures and firm programs.
  • Coordinate with recruitment team to identify hiring needs, develop hiring strategies and support interview and selection process; maintain Chicago office job description folder.
  • Administer orientation activities and ensure successful transfer to the firm, including technology training, benefits, introduction to the local office, etc.
  • Manage the execution of HR transactions for life cycle of employee (e.g. onboarding, US work authorization/ visas, alternative work schedules / remote work arrangements, secondments, transfers, leaves and separations) either in local office or in partnership with national teams.
  • Administer Performance Appraisal process for business services staff.
  • Partner with Compensation team to participate in salary surveys; review and analyze market data and internal information to maintain internal equity and maintain market competitiveness.

• Oversee payroll and benefit administration; oversee processes for claims filed with third-party agencies such as disability, unemployment and workers compensation, and all other FMLA related leaves of absence.
• Supervise, manage and develop Chicago HR team members in order to provide quality service to support business services staff operations and attorneys.
• Manage and resolve employee relations issues.
• Advise and work with managers on all disciplinary matters. Coach managers through the corrective action process and separations.
• Assist with year-end headcount budgeting process and make hiring projections based on changing office needs and attorney hiring projections. Oversee monthly headcount reporting to Accounting.
• Develop and manage local HR operating expense budget.
• Oversee the delivery and development of new employee, general orientations for staff and attorneys to ensure smooth transition into the Firm
• Identify management training needs and develop programs accordingly.
• Handle changes of status, title, promotions, etc. and associated processing to Chicago HR.
• Maintain Chicago office compliance with federal and state labor laws.
• Provides assistance to U.S. operational departments as needed.
• Works with H.R. Management and Labor Counsel in evaluating data in regards to staff reductions in force.
• Oversees supervisory training for newly placed supervisors in the Chicago office.
• Partners with the U.S. Human Resources Managers in the communication and execution of human resoures projects that have U.S. and in some instances, global implications. Including, but not limited to:  compensation management, performance management (viDesktop), technology upgrades (PeopleSoft, Icims, etc.), and policy revisions.
• Reviews, submits and monitors requests for firm temporary staff and consultants.
• Serves as a subject matter expert to all U.S. offices on HR process and technology as needed.
• Serves as back-up for recruiting efforts, HRIS input/audit, new hire orientation, etc.
• Submits recruitment justifications for Chicago based positions.
• Provides support to the DOA-Chicago/CAO - U.S. in the execution of projects and events as needed.
• Performs 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 degree when the experience has been directly related to the duties of the job.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of five years of relevant Human Resources experience, required.
• Previous supervisory experience, preferred.
• Prior experience working in a professional services or law firm setting, preferred.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, required.
• Knowledge of HRIS database packages, required.
• Experience with applicant tracking and performance management systems, required.
• PeopleSoft experience, preferred.

Performance Traits:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of the Firm and outside vendors.
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities.
• Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative.
• Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion.
• Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Management Accountabilities:

• Manages processes for direct reports in regards to performance appraisals, annual compensation, goal setting and performance counselling.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Operational budget analysis and recommendations.
• Conducts analysis of staffing levels and participation in the recruitment process.
• 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.
• May require travel to other offices as needed.

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. 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.