Human Resources Manager

Mayer Brown LLP; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 123,000 - 164,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Human Resources Manager to join its vibrant Charlotte office. This role is pivotal in executing HR activities for lawyers and business staff, aligning HR initiatives with business objectives, and fostering a collaborative environment. You will manage diverse HR functions, from recruitment to employee relations, ensuring an inclusive workplace culture. The firm offers a supportive atmosphere for professional growth, competitive compensation, and comprehensive benefits. If you are a proactive HR professional with a passion for excellence and inclusivity, this opportunity could be your next career milestone.

Benefits

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) savings plan

Generous paid time off (PTO)

Professional development opportunities

Back-up childcare and eldercare

Qualifications

• 6-8 years of HR experience in a law or professional services firm.
• Strong ability to partner with business managers on HR initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Manage HR activities for lawyers and staff in the Charlotte office.
• Develop and implement HR programs and policies locally.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Customer service

Coaching

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-SCP)

Tools

Microsoft Office

HR software (Peoplesoft, iCims)

Job description

Overview

Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.

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 while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.

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

The Human Resources Manager is responsible for the execution of HR activities for lawyers and business services staff in the Charlotte office, serving as a strategic partner to office, practice, and administrative (DOA) leadership. Consults with a variety of stakeholders to translate the Firm’s business objectives into actionable, integrated HR solutions. This role will use a collaborative approach to seek out hidden opportunities and make proactive solutions to help advance our business.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Proactively works with office and practice leaders and department heads to align and execute HR programs and initiatives in support of business plans and objectives.
• Manages execution for all HR activity in Charlotte for lawyers and business services staff, through direct management for localized HR activities and coordination with centralized recruiting, learning & development, and shared HR support services.
• Works closely with HR central functions (Recruiting, Learning & Development, Compensation, Benefits & Wellbeing, etc.) to develop HR programs and policies and then 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.
  • Coordinates annual insurance open enrollment meetings.
  • Responds to inquiries regarding policies, procedures, and firm programs.
  • Coordinates with the recruitment team to identify hiring needs, develop hiring strategies, and support the interview and selection process.
  • Coordinates with centralized teams to administer orientation activities and ensure successful transfer to the firm, including technology training, benefits, introduction to the local office, etc.
  • Manages all HR transactions for the life cycle of employees, e.g., onboarding, US work authorization/visas, alternative work schedules/remote work arrangements, inbound and outbound client/office secondments, office/practice transfers, leaves, separations, etc.
  • Proactively initiates diversity ideas to ensure we attract a diverse candidate pool and that we retain diverse lawyers who are hired; works with local office Women’s Forum and Associate Diversity Council members.
• Working with the Charlotte Human Resources Specialist, oversees the management of the Summer Associate programs in Charlotte including orientation, work assignments, evaluations, events, mentors, training, diversity initiatives, budget, and offer process in coordination with program leaders.
• Manages locally escalated Employee Relations or other complex situations.
  • Coordinates with Employment Counsel as appropriate.
  • Advises other managers on appropriate resolution of employee relations issues.
  • Documents performance issues, handles all necessary counseling sessions, and submits written documentation to maintain files.
• Manage Charlotte attorney mentorship program and coordinate quarterly mentorship events in partnership with Office Managing Partner.
• Works with the Director of Administration on office events and special projects.
  • Supports office social functions, such as the Holiday Party, office outing, and new partner reception.
  • Coordinates the United Way Fund Drive, Angel Tree, and any other charitable or community service programs for the Charlotte office. Other duties as assigned by the Director of Human Resources in partnership with the Director of Administration.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives.

Qualifications

Education/Training/Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred. 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.
• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-SCP) preferred.

Professional Experience:

• A minimum of 6-8 years of human resources experience in a law firm or professional services firm required.
• Demonstrated success partnering with business managers to develop and execute HR initiatives that align to business goals.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products required.
• 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.
• Familiar with HR software preferred (Peoplesoft, Vi Desktop, Objective Manager, iCims, LawCruit).
• Familiar with federal, state, and local laws affecting benefits, hiring, wage and hour issues, and conduct.

Performance Traits:

• Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively with all levels.
• Ability to foster an inclusive team environment.
• Ability to coach and develop a team.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines with shifting priorities.
• High level of initiative.
• Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs.
• 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.

Management Accountabilities:

• Manages processes for direct reports in regards to performance appraisals, compensation, goal setting, coaching, and feedback.
• Influences overall HR processes, programs, and priorities.
• Proactively identifies opportunities for continuous improvements to processes, policies, and procedures.

The typical pay scale for this position is between $123,500 and $163,300, although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate’s education, experience, skills, and internal pay alignment are different from those specified.

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.

Thank you for your interest in Mayer Brown. We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request a reasonable accommodation related to the application process and/or job interview, please email us at [e-mail]. 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.