Manager, Human Resources – EMEA

Job Summary

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

Based in London, the Manager, Human Resources will serve as the primary contact for additional support and guidance on human resources issues, operations and queries across Gibson Dunn’s European, Middle East and Asian offices. The Manager, Human Resources, will work directly with other Global Human Resources team members, and will liaise and interact directly with local office Directors of Administration, firm management, a broad cross-section of the firm’s partners, department Chiefs and Directors and other key members of the Information Systems, Finance, Legal Recruiting, Business Development & Marketing and other firm departments and their staff.

This role reports directly to the Associate Director, Human Resources and works closely with the Directors of Administration.

Responsibilities:

• Driving effective performance management practices by reviewing existing procedures and making improvement recommendations for associates, of counsel, staff attorneys, paralegals, and staff reviews in partnership with the appropriate Global Human Resources team.
  • Ensuring staff and associates’ compensation and bonus details are communicated on time for local payroll.
  • Capturing special compensation and bonus arrangements for new hires and ensuring information is processed accordingly at year-end.
  • Communicating proactively with Directors of Administration regarding associate promotions, staff attorney bonus and compensation details in a user-friendly format in local currency.
• Providing as-needed guidance and support to effectively resolve complex employee relations issues and conducting effective, thorough, and objective investigations.
• Maintaining working knowledge of legal labor and employment requirements and partnering with appropriate individuals to reduce legal risks and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Providing day-to-day performance management guidance to leaders across the firm (e.g., coaching, counseling, career development, disciplinary actions).
• Serving as a primary HR resource to firm management, department Chiefs, Directors of Administration, and firm personnel, responding to questions and inquiries related to firm policies and procedures, and ensuring consistent application and compliance with firm policies according to applicable local employment laws and regulations.
• Assisting with the year-end performance review processes for associates and staff outside the U.S., working closely with the Directors of Administration to identify opportunities for improvement, and collaborating directly with the appropriate Global Human Resources team to determine the best approach, ensuring an effective balance between consistency and nuance.
• Assisting with recruiting efforts for all Global Services staff positions resident in offices outside the U.S.
• Reviewing onboarding documentation and processes to ensure accuracy and completeness and partnering with the Global Human Resources team to implement changes as needed.
• Coordinating with the Global Human Resources team on leave administration and tracking to ensure compliance with firm policies and local employment laws and regulations.
• Conducting staff exit interviews and providing feedback to management.
• Engaging OGC, local Labor and Employment partners, and/or local Labor and Employment Counsel on an as-needed basis.
• Providing support to other areas within the Human Resources department during peak seasons and on an as-needed basis, and performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Capable of maintaining confidence of personal and highly sensitive information.
• Excellent critical and strategic thinking skills.
• Sound judgment with ability to analyze and resolve problems.
• Effective communication and presentation skills (written and verbal) with the ability to interact with individuals at all levels of the firm, along with managing productive working relationships.
• High degree of emotional intelligence, empathy, and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with employees, partners, and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage complex projects and initiatives and prioritize multiple tasks, while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability to manage change in a fast-paced, ever-evolving global environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of general Human Resources practices and principles in more than one of the countries to whom position will provide support.
• Proficiency in English is mandatory. Additional language skills in major regions where the firm operates (such as French, or German) are advantageous.

Experience

• University degree in Human Resources or related field or equivalent relevant work experience required.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of work experience in Human Resources department as manager or generalist.
• Experience at a law firm or other professional services organization strongly desired.
• Significant experience managing complex global employee relations matters required.
• Demonstrated high level of proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Human Resources, Payroll and Benefits practices and principles, as well as general knowledge of employment laws and regulations and data privacy laws.

 

Gibson Dunn will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of local law.

Location:

London

EEO Statement

Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all partners, employees and applicants and, in accordance with the applicable federal and state laws, does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color, religion, matriculation or political affiliation, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, ancestry, age, marital status or partnership status, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, personal appearance, genetic information, predisposing genetic characteristics, sexual orientation, military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, arrest or conviction record, or on any other basis prohibited by law.