Office Manager / HR Generalist

Chun Kerr Llp; Honolulu (HI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan Contributions

Paid Time Off

Remote Work

All-inclusive Paid Parental Leave

Community Impact

Dress Code

Transportation Stipend

Mobile Allowance

Job summary

Chun Kerr LLP, a Hawaii-based law firm in downtown Honolulu, seeks an experienced HR/Office Manager Generalist to lead payroll, benefits, onboarding, and compliance.

Reporting to the COO, you'll manage HR, vendor relationships, IT coordination, policy maintenance, and staff development, while promoting a collaborative, business-casual culture.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional experience, including at least 5 years in HR generalist, payroll, or related functions.
• Law firm experience preferred but not required.
• Exceptional organization and time management in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem solving and judgment for complex issues.
• Internal client service mindset with Partners and employees.
• People leadership with coaching and accountability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS365 and standard office software; IT vendor coordination.

Responsibilities

• Own HR function end-to-end including payroll, benefits, HR compliance, recruiting, onboarding, offboarding, performance evaluations, and employee engagement.
• Create content for Firm meetings, newsletters, emails, intranet/website, social media and press announcements.
• Supervise Administrative Assistant, Messenger, and Clerk(s) and foster teamwork.
• Coordinate technology projects and improvements; troubleshoot escalated IT issues; oversee outside IT vendors.
• Maintain Firm policies, procedures, and reference materials; administer onboarding and systems training; coordinate CLE for attorneys.
• Direct the full vendor lifecycle for office, facilities, and IT service providers including contract negotiation and performance management.
• Oversee records retention, legal library, and licensing renewal requirements to stay compliant and cost-effective.
• Support the COO and Firm leadership on operational initiatives and special projects.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Skills

HR leadership

Payroll administration

Benefits administration

Employee relations

Time management

Communication

Vendor management

Team leadership

Tools

MS365

Job description

Interested in working for one of Hawaii's Best Places to Work?

Chun Kerr LLP (the “Firm”) is a Hawaii-based law firm located in downtown Honolulu that is committed to a clear and simple purpose: to help people succeed – our clients, our employees, and our community. Since 1970, we've delivered award-winning legal services while building a culture rooted in respect, accountability, and collaboration. We were recognized by Hawaii Business Magazine as one of Hawaii's Best Places to Work in 2023, 2024, and 2025 and as one of the Best Places to Work for Women. Our people-centered, progressive work environment reflects our commitment to long-term growth and offers competitive pay, Firm-paid health benefits, flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a relaxed, business-casual atmosphere.

Compensation

• Pay Range: $70,000 - $85,000 annually, based on experience and skills; benchmarked annually to ensure ongoing competitiveness
• Annual Bonus: Budgeted target of 10% of salary (up to $8,500), based on Firm and individual performance.
• Transportation/Parking Stipend: $140/mo. ($1,680 per year)
• Mobile Allowance: $75/mo. ($900 per year)

Key Benefits, subject to terms, eligibility, and change

• Health Insurance: Firm-paid medical, dental, vision, and drug for employees (average annual value of $7,800); family and domestic partner coverage available
• Retirement Plan Contributions: Firm contributes up to 7% of employees' eligible annual compensation ($5,000-$6,000), based on Firm performance
• Paid Time Off: 12 paid holidays + 15 days PTO (prorated in employee's first year)
• Remote Work: Ability to work from home one scheduled day per week, or as needed for illness, deliveries, or personal circumstances
• All-inclusive Paid Parental Leave: Paid maternity, paternity, and bonding leave
• Community Impact: Paid time for Firm-sponsored community service events
• Dress Code: Business-casual every day, including jeans

Key Office Manager/HR Generalist Responsibilities (what you'll do)

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this is a high-trust, hands-on leadership role supporting the Firm's attorneys and employees, and independently managing key HR, vendor, technology, and operational functions.

• HR and Payroll: Own the Firm's HR function end-to-end, including payroll, benefits, HR compliance, recruiting, onboarding, offboarding, performance evaluations, and employee engagement.
• Firm Communications: Create, coordinate, and deliver clear, compelling content for Firm meetings, presentations, newsletters, and emails; the Firm's intranet and website; and social media and press announcements.
• Team Management: Supervise the Administrative Assistant, Messenger, and Clerk(s), setting expectations, coaching performance, and fostering accountability and teamwork.
• IT Oversight: Coordinate technology projects and improvements; troubleshoot escalated issues; and oversee and quality-check outside IT vendors.
• Policy and Program Maintenance: Maintain Firm policies, procedures, and reference materials to keep pace with the Firm's operations, the regulatory environment, and the market; administer or coordinate onboarding and systems training; and coordinate CLE programming for attorneys.
• Vendor and Procurement Strategy: Direct the full vendor lifecycle for office, facilities, and IT service providers, including strategy, business case development, vendor selection, contract negotiation, service delivery, and performance management.
• Records and Library Stewardship: Oversee the Firm's records retention and destruction, legal library, professional subscriptions, and attorney licensing and renewal requirements to keep resources current, accessible, compliant, and cost-effective (if applicable).
• Firm Operations: Support the COO and Firm leadership on operational initiatives, special projects, and other matters affecting the Firm's day-to-day operations.
• General: Other duties, as assigned.

Minimum Requirements (what we're looking for)

• Experience: 8+ years of professional experience, including at least 5 years in HR generalist, benefits, payroll, or related functions, with demonstrated knowledge of HR practices and compliance requirements; law firm experience preferred but not required.
• Organization: Exceptional organization and time management skills with the ability to independently manage competing priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem Solving and Judgment: Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to assess and structure complex issues, exercise sound judgment, and develop practical solutions.
• Internal Client Service: Ability to treat Partners and employees as the Firm's clients, anticipating needs and building trusted relationships through responsive, collaborative support.
• People Leadership: Ability to lead with respect and empathy, setting clear expectations, coaching performance, holding people accountable, and empowering the team to work independently.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills that are professional, clear, and adaptable to different audiences and situations.
• Technical Aptitude: Proficiency in MS365 and standard office software with the resourcefulness to troubleshoot IT issues and the judgment to assess IT vendor support.
• Confidentiality and Discretion: Experience handling confidential employee, client, financial, and Firm information with sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion.