Human Resources Manager

Sidley Austin LLP • Chicago, IL

1d • $125,000 - $165,000

About The Position

The HR Manager plays a key leadership role in supporting the Chicago office’s lawyers and business professionals. Working in close partnership with the HR Director, the HR Manager delivers a full spectrum of human resources services, including employee relations, talent management, performance processes, onboarding/offboarding, policy interpretation, and HR operations. This role serves as a trusted advisor to office leadership, a resource to employees at all levels, and a driver of initiatives that strengthen culture, engagement, and organizational effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 5–7+ years of progressive HR experience with demonstrated success in employee relations, performance management, and HR operations.
• Strong working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulatory requirements.
• Experience advising and coaching managers on complex and sensitive employee relations issues.
• Demonstrated ability to manage performance cycles, compensation recommendations, and talent management processes.
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms (Workday, Ultipro/UKG or comparable systems) and strong commitment to accurate data management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Experience supervising or mentoring HR team members.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and present insights to leadership.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining professionalism, confidentiality, and a high level of service.
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a law firm, professional services, or partnership-based environment.
• Background collaborating with firmwide or multi-office HR teams and functional areas (e.g., Talent Development, Compensation & Benefits, etc.).
• Experience supporting attorney populations or other exempt-heavy client groups.
• Familiarity with compensation benchmarking and salary administration processes.
• Demonstrated success leading or contributing to organizational change or HR project initiatives.
• Advanced proficiency with HR reporting tools and analytics.
• SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, or SPHR certification.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, coach, and develop junior members of the Chicago HR team to foster a collaborative, high-performing, and service-oriented environment.
• Serve as a key partner to the HR Director and act as backup during absences, ensuring continuity of HR operations and support for the Chicago office.
• Provide guidance to managers and supervisors on employee relations issues, performance concerns, and the interpretation of personnel practices, policies, and employment laws.
• Conduct and document workplace investigations, ensuring fair, consistent, and timely resolution.
• Coach managers on effective feedback, performance conversations, and conflict resolution.
• Oversee performance management processes for business professionals, including goal setting, midyear and annual reviews, and compensation recommendations.
• Serve as an HR advisor and liaison to key lawyer committees, including the Committee on the Evaluation and Compensation of Associates, the Lawyer Mentoring Committee, and the Associate Relations Committee.
• Support talent development and engagement efforts by identifying opportunities for learning, growth, and improved employee experience.
• Manage the onboarding process for lawyers and business professionals, including orientation, integration support, and coordination with relevant departments.
• Oversee the exit process, including documentation, interviews, and analysis of trends to support retention and engagement strategies.
• Oversee personnel data accuracy within the Firm’s HRIS system, including new hires, job changes, salary adjustments, leaves of absence, disability, terminations, and other employment-related actions.
• Partner with firmwide HR functional areas to effectively implement HR initiatives, policies, and programs in the Chicago office.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and ensure HR practices reflect compliance and best practices.
• Anticipate HR-related needs and collaborate with the HR Director to develop integrated solutions aligned with office and Firm objectives.
• Provide insights and recommendations using HR metrics and trends to support leadership decision-making.
• Recommend and implement new approaches, policies, and procedures that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the HR function.
• Support or lead HR-related projects and initiatives across the Chicago office as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program.
• Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees