HR Operations Specialist

Kirkland & Ellis; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Paid time off

Retirement benefits

Learning & development

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Kirkland & Ellis is seeking an HR Operations Specialist in Chicago to enter and maintain employee and partner benefit enrollment information in the Firm's HR system. The role requires high accuracy and the ability to meet payroll and benefits deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities include auditing data, generating benefits reports, and collaborating with HR, Benefits, and Payroll to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience entering complex HR and/or benefits-related transactions into HR systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of HR practices and benefits terminology.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Enter employee and partner benefit enrollment information accurately into the Firm's HR system in a timely manner.
• Verify accuracy of benefit elections, dependent information, deduction details, and coverage dates.
• Perform audits and quality checks to maintain data integrity and identify discrepancies for resolution.
• Generate reports related to benefits enrollments and change activity.
• Respond to employee inquiries using templates and maintain documentation and records.
• Support termination processes, including benefit deductions and communications with Payroll.

Skills

Data entry accuracy

Analytical skills

Multitasking

HR knowledge

Written and verbal communication

Excel proficiency

Experience in law/firms

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence — we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers’ commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You’ll Do

The HR Operations Specialist is responsible for entering and maintaining employee and partner benefit enrollment information within the Firm's Human Capital Management system. This role requires a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while meeting critical payroll and benefits deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Accurately enter employee and partner benefit enrollment information into the Firm's HR system in a timely manner.
• Verify the accuracy and completeness of benefit elections, dependent information, deduction details, and coverage dates.
• Perform audits and quality checks to maintain data integrity and identify discrepancies for resolution.
• Generate reports related to benefits enrollments and change activity.
• Respond to employee inquiries using established communication templates and maintain accurate documentation and records.
• Support employee and partner termination processes, including benefit deduction calculations and communication with Payroll and local offices.
• Ensure compliance with Firm policies and applicable federal and state regulations governing employee benefits and data privacy.
• Collaborate with HR Operations, Benefits, Local HR, Payroll, and other stakeholders to provide exceptional service and support.
• Perform other duties as assigned, including supporting high-volume data entry needs and large-scale onboarding initiatives during peak periods.

What You’ll Bring

• 4+ years of experience entering complex HR and/or benefits-related transactions into HR systems.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Working knowledge of Human Resources practices and benefits terminology.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and customer service skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, preferred.
• Experience within a law firm or professional services environment is preferred.

What Will Make You Successful

• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach and commitment to excellent client service.
• The ability to anticipate issues, think critically, and resolve challenges efficiently.

Join a team dedicated to delivering high-quality HR operations support while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, service, and professionalism.

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

Chicago: $88,000 - $109,000

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #LI-Hybrid #LI-MK1