Chief Human Resources Officer

barnes; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Barnes & Thornburg in Indianapolis, IN seeks a CHRO to lead all HR functions, align strategy with firm goals, and partner with C‑suite on enterprise initiatives. The role oversees compensation, benefits, recruiting, employee relations, HRIS, policy development, and compliance.

You will drive a total rewards program, manage a multi-state or global HR team, and ensure legal compliance while fostering a high-performing culture in a major law firm.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Human Resources Management, Business, or related field. MBA or MA/MS preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive HR experience, with at least five years in executive HR leadership.
• SHRM-SCP or SHRM-CP certification preferred.
• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Firm’s HR strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Lead and manage the HR department and budget.
• Oversee performance management, offers of employment, and separations.
• Develop and implement total rewards strategy, including compensation and benefits.
• Provide strategic oversight of HRIS and data analytics capabilities.
• Update workforce policies and job descriptions in collaboration with GC and C‑Suite.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws; manage regulatory reporting and training.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Executive HR leadership

HR strategy

Budget management

Talent development

Policy compliance

Employee relations

HRIS

Data analytics

Communication skills

Regulatory knowledge

Vendor management

Education

BS/BA in HRM or related field

MBA or MA/MS in HR or related field

Tools

HRIS

MS Office

Applicant tracking systems

Job description

Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Operating Officer, and in accordance with established Firm policies and procedures, the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) provides strategic oversight and leadership for all functions of Human Resources, including business professional recruiting, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, HRIS, policy development and compliance. The CHRO leads and manages the HR department team and works in close partnership with the Chief of Staff and other C‑suite leaders on strategic initiatives that advance the Firm’s goals.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the Firm’s HR strategy in alignment with the overall strategic direction of the organization, serving as a strategic HR business advisor to the Chief of Staff, Chief Operating Officer and other C‑suite leaders on enterprise‑wide initiatives, workforce planning, and organizational matters.

• Lead, develop, and manage the HR department team; foster a high‑performing, collaborative team culture; and manage the department’s annual operating budget to ensure effective allocation of resources.

• Oversee business professional performance management, including the annual review processes, offers of employment, and separations in partnership with appropriate managers, C‑suite leaders and legal counsel as needed. Oversee the separation process for non‑partner legal talent in coordination with the CLPO.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive total rewards strategy for business professionals, including compensation and benefits plan design, administration, vendor management, benchmarking, internal equity analysis, merit increases, wellness initiatives, and leave‑of‑absence programs.

• Provide strategic oversight of the Firm’s HR information systems, including system selection, vendor relationship management, security, integrations, upgrades, data reporting and analytics capabilities.

• Develop and update Firm workforce policies and business professional job descriptions in partnership with the Firm’s General Counsel, Chief of Staff and appropriate C‑Suite leaders, recommending revisions as needed to align with business needs, market standards, best practices, and legal requirements.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations; oversee required regulatory reporting, HR data analytics, and annual training requirements; respond to EEOC, ADA, workers’ compensation, and unemployment claims; and partner with the Firm’s General Counsel and Labor Counsel on employment matters as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.

Reasonable Accommodation:

• The Firm will make reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Accommodations may be requested by contacting Human Resources.

Qualifications:

• A BS/BA degree in Human Resources Management, Business, or a related field of study. MBA or MA/MS in human resources or a related field preferred.

• 15 + years of progressive HR experience, with at least five years of executive HR leadership experience in a multi‑state or global organization.

• SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM‑SCP) or SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM‑CP) certification preferred.

• Experience working in a law firm or professional services organization preferred.

• Experience across multiple functional areas of Human Resources (recruiting, compensation, benefits, employee relations, training and development, performance management) sufficient to effectively lead and develop a team of functional leaders.

• Strong experience leading and managing a multi‑layer team with demonstrated ability to develop talent and build organizational capability.

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills.

• Strong conflict resolution, change management, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local labor and employment laws and regulations.

• Knowledge of and experience with varied human resource information systems, human capital management systems, applicant tracking systems, and performance management systems.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams).

• Ability to organize and prioritize key performance objectives and daily leadership duties.

• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with attorneys, business professionals, and clients, providing information with courtesy and tact while safeguarding confidentiality.

Working Conditions:

• Work occasionally requires more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.

• Onsite office work required; position preferably sits in Indianapolis, Indiana with travel to other Firm locations as needed.

• Normal law office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature, and the like.

Equal Employment and Opportunity Statement:

Barnes & Thornburg is committed to equal employment opportunity in both principle and as a matter of policy. We will recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate and provide benefits to all applicants and employees without regard to ancestry, sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, religious creed, mental and/or physical disability, medical condition, military and/or veteran’s status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all recruiting, hiring, promotions, upgrades, layoffs, compensation, benefits, terminations and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. The firm complies fully with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws.