People Operations Manager

Sidley Austin LLP•Chicago, IL

30d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and driven People Operations Manager to help lead our People Operations team in delivering exceptional service in a fast-paced, high-performance environment. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on leader with deep expertise in Workday HR systems, background screening processes, and vendor management, coupled with proven success in case management deployment and Service Level Agreement (SLA) creation. This role requires a strategic thinker with a commitment to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and a strong "can-do" attitude. Under the direction of the Senior Manager - People Operations, the Manager role will assist in implementation and deployment of our new Workday technology and associated service delivery model. Bring your automation ideas and tested experience to drive efficiency to our operations. The ideal candidate will have ability to quickly learn HR procedures and develop knowledge management materials to support the Firm's objectives and ensures that information is kept current and communicated to HR personnel in fast paced high change environment.

Requirements

A minimum of 7 years Human Resources Operations experience
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel & PowerPoint
Knowledge and experience working with Workday, personnel file management and case management systems
Strong attention to detail with high aspiration and agility for growth
Proven ability to maintain high level of confidentiality and manage multiple priorities
Demonstrated ability to multi-task and balance and/or change numerous priorities in a deadline oriented environment
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

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business or related field
Automation experience tied to HR Process Administration

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing People Operations team to ensure consistent delivery of outstanding HR services.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the team.
Partner with HR Centers of Excellence and Business Partners to ensure seamless service delivery.
Aligns strategic direction of the team with firm goals and culture, provides clear direction and priorities to the team.
Assists with HR initiatives and lead projects, as needed.
Works with local HR, partner relations and other departments to research and resolve processing inquiries and issues.
Leads, trains and develops team of Assistants. Conducts annual performance reviews. Communicates and meets with staff regularly to provide clarity about responsibilities and to set clear goals.
Oversee and optimise the use of Workday, ensuring data integrity, process efficiency, and user adoption. Will have Global Process Ownership accountabilities and must have experience with process efficiency, process mapping and process change roll outs.
Drive system enhancements and collaborate with HRIS teams to implement new modules or functionalities.
Manage the end-to-end employee lifecycle processes, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
Contribute to vendor management efforts including contract negotiations, performance reviews, and SLA adherence.
Oversee case management system deployment, ensuring effective tracking, resolution, and reporting of employee queries.
Create and monitor Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to ensure timely and high-quality service delivery.
Develop operational performance dashboards and data insights
Develop and maintain HR operations policies, procedures, and service frameworks aligned with business needs.
Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation within HR operations.
Drive a culture of high service delivery, ensuring that all HR interactions reflect professionalism, empathy, and efficiency.
Recommends and implements new Human Resources services, policies and procedures to effect continual improvements in efficiency in all functions of the human resources department. Drive automation opportunities to audits, process administration and dashboard creation.
Communicates and trains Human Resources staff on newly implemented systems and/or procedures.
Performs other related duties and project leadership as required and assigned