Winston & Strawn LLP Hiring for Director of Human Resources at Chicago, IL  Full Time

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Human Resources leads the Firm’s HR function. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: leading and providing strategic oversight for all Human Resources programs and policies for the Firm, employee relations, HR operations, benefits and engagement initiatives. This role will work closely with the Chief Talent Officer, Talent Directors, Office Managing Partners, Managing Directors of Administration, and professional staff leadership on firmwide HR strategy. This role will also collaborate with the office of the Firm’s General Counsel to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local labor and employment laws. The individual in this position will provide strategic leadership and manage a team of HR professionals, defining team goals, objectives, and priorities. This role reports to the Firm’s Chief Talent Officer.

The Director of Human Resources is a highly visible role that is charged with developing and implementing an engaging work environment and minimizing risk for the Firm. This position requires strategic thinking, excellent judgment and strong communication and interpersonal skills. This role interfaces on sensitive and complex matters and must function with discretion and maintain confidentiality. This position requires incredible attention to detail, initiative, and an innovative mindset. Employee relations expertise and client service skills are essential.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Business Partnership
  • Build strong relationships with leaders across the Firm to understand their needs and priorities and provide strategic HR support and guidance.
• HR Policy and Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with relevant HR laws and regulations and develop and implement HR policies that align with the Firm’s values and goals.
• Employee Engagement
  • Partner with CTO and Talent Directors to identify and implement key initiatives that strengthen the employee value proposition and support a culture of excellent internal client service.
  • Administer all aspects of the Firm’s engagement survey, including analysis of data and identifying and communicating trends.
• Employee Relations
  • Provide guidance and support to HR Business Partners and key stakeholders, including Firm partners and Chiefs, on employee relations matters, such as performance management, employee engagement and conflict resolution.
  • Provide guidance and support to HR team and Firm leadership to ensure employment policies and procedures are consistently applied throughout the Firm.
  • Responsible for the development, communication, and implementation of the Firm’s employment policies and procedures for attorneys and professional staff.
  • Partner with the Talent Team to develop, manage and execute a comprehensive and consistent onboarding and integration program for new associate and professional staff hires.
  • Provide guidance and leadership on employee relations issues and procedures to local HR teams and Managing Directors of Administration.
  • Collaborate with Talent Management to resolve any issues related to associate and practice attorney life-cycle events, including leaves, office and department transfers, reduced hour arrangements, and status changes.
  • Advise and execute on employment actions as necessary.Seek Labor & Employment Counsel advice and guidance to reduce risk of liability to the Firm.
  • Investigate and/or supervise investigations of workplace concerns with objectivity and prepare appropriate recommendations.
• Human Resources Management
  • Work closely with Talent Management and local HR teams regarding the annual professional staff performance review process.
  • Drive continuous process improvement in the application of HR process and technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with Professional Development to create training programs for professional staff.
  • Collaborate with Talent Management to ensure FLSA classification compliance for professional staff positions across locations.
  • Prepare and manage annual HR budget.
  • Maintain current knowledge and understanding of state and federal regulations, legal industry trends, current practices, new developments, and applicable laws regarding human resources; ensure compliance of same.
• Human Resources Operations
  • Oversee HRIS and benefits operations including implementation and administration of benefit plans, policies, process, and procedures to ensure compliance with firm plans and federal, state, and local laws.
  • Responsible for oversight of leave administration.
  • Work with international offices to ensure consistency with Firm best practices.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Fifteen plus years of human resources experience required.
• Demonstrated career progression with increasing responsibilities within the HR field required.

• Law firm experience highly desired.
• Advanced degree, PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP certification a plus.
• In-depth knowledge of state and federal employment law.

COMPETENCIES:

• Highly organized and thoughtful in approach.
• Superior communication skills, both written and oral; ability to communicate professionally at all levels of the Firm.
• Ability to build trust and credibility to develop strong relationships with attorneys and professional staff.
• Strong influencing, coaching, consensus building and conflict resolution skills to come to the very best proposals and solutions.
• High level of integrity with ability to oversee highly confidential information.
• Open-mindedness to ideas and exhibits willingness to try new things.
• High level of attention to detail with demonstrated accuracy and thoroughness.
• Ability to collaborate with others in the HR function, as well as cross-functional teams, to develop and implement HR programs and initiatives. Ability to adapt to change and pivot HR strategies and initiatives accordingly.
• Strong leadership skills that are effective in inspiring and motivating with the ability to provide constructive feedback in a way that gives individuals the opportunity to learn and develop.
• Strong knowledge of HR policies, procedures, and best practices, as well as extensive experience in employee relations.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, MS Word, and Outlook. UltiPro experience ideal.