HR Operations Senior Coordinator

Sidley Austin•Chicago, IL

8d•$53,000 - $68,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The HR Operations Senior Coordinator is a key member of the HR Operations team, responsible for the accurate input, maintenance, audit, and reporting of HR data within Workday HCM Cloud and electronic personnel files (OnBase). This role is accountable for data accuracy, processing efficiency, and the secure retrieval of sensitive employee information, ensuring all required protocols and compliance standards are consistently upheld. Working within the HR Operations team, the Senior Coordinator plays a hands-on role in carrying out HR programs and procedures across the colleague’s lifecycle. At this level, the Senior Coordinator is expected to develop expertise in all HR Operations processes — owning processes end-to-end, understanding how those processes interconnect with broader HR and firm operations, and maintaining up-to-date process documentation. This individual will serve as a go-to resource for their specific workflows and will proactively identify opportunities to improve accuracy, consistency, and efficiency.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Strong data entry skills, both alpha and numeric
High level of attention to detail– must demonstrate use of process and resource materials with keen eye and passion for defect free process and data accuracy.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel and PowerPoint
Creation, adherence, and continuous improvement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Quick Reference Guides (QRGs)/job aids, and process flow documentation in Visio
Strong service delivery mentality with demonstrated experience working with sensitive HR data and case management platforms
Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the firm, tailoring communication styles to leadership preferences
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with peers, stakeholders and project team members
Curious, self-starter who can navigate complex processes and bring continuous improvement mindset to processing protocols
Demonstrated experience with case management tool for task assignment and completion, comfortable prioritizing work based on service level agreements
Strong organizational skills
Strong attention to detail
Good judgment
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
Able to work under pressure
Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Nice To Haves

A minimum of 2 years experience administering HR system and data processes; 3+ years preferred.
Bachelor’s degree
Prior HR experience
Prior experience with cloud based Human Resources Information Systems, preferably Workday HCM

Responsibilities

Prepares and inputs people and job data in Workday for employee lifecycle events including new hire, job change, termination, personal data changes, compensation adjustments, position updates, and other required data transactions
Reviews and verifies source data to confirm accuracy and completeness prior to entry; follows up with appropriate parties to resolve discrepancies or missing information
Conducts regular Workday data audits for transactions entered via Employee Self Service, Manager Self Service and by Local HR to maintain overall data integrity, identifying and resolving inconsistencies in accordance with firm procedures
Serves as a Workday HCM subject matter expert for the HR Operations scope catalog and processes, maintaining a thorough understanding of relevant business processes, system configurations, and downstream impacts across HR and the broader firm ecosystem
Owns assigned HR processes end-to-end, including maintaining accurate and current process documentation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Quick Reference Guides (QRGs)/job aids, Knowledge Bank and templates to support consistency and knowledge continuity across the team
Manages and resolves Workday Help cases submitted by employees and managers, serving as a first-line responder for HR Operations-related inquiries; triages, tracks, and closes tickets within established service level expectations, escalating or redirecting misaligned, complex or sensitive cases as appropriate
Reviews data discrepancies, requests clarification as needed, and escalates issues to the appropriate supervisor or HR Operations lead
Runs, formats, and distributes Workday reports to key stakeholders on a scheduled and ad hoc basis
Inputs and maintains documents in electronic personnel files via OnBase, ensuring proper organization and retrieval standards are followed
Processes background checks for new hires in partnership with third-party vendors, tracking status and escalating issues as needed
Responds to employment verification requests accurately and in a timely manner
Processes completed Form I-9 and E-Verify submissions to determine and document employment eligibility
Reviews new hire data for accuracy and completeness via the firm's recruiting system prior to Workday onboarding entry
Supports Workday system testing, updates, and enhancements, serving as an owner and a knowledgeable participant in testing and process validation efforts
Assists with HR department projects and initiatives as needed
Performs other related duties as required and assigned