Firmwide Human Resources Compliance Manager

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.
 
As one of the world’s leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and management; restructurings; high-stakes litigation and trials; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don’t just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,000+ lawyers) operating from 18 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

The Firmwide HR Compliance Manager (“Manager”) operates within the Employee Relations Center of Expertise (“ER COE”) and plays a key role in the overall department strategy. The Manager develops and delivers value-added HR compliance reports, data analysis and acts as HR point of contact for HR compliance related topics. The role will actively participate in providing support for all questions pertaining to compliance of HR employee data and HR processes. In coordination with the FW Director of ER the Manager recommends, develops and implements the Firm’s approach to complying with federal, state, and local employment-related regulatory requirements.  The Manager has a lead role in delivering, maintaining, communicating and updating Human Resources policies and procedures on a firmwide basis. The Manager must work collaboratively and provide support and operational guidance to key stakeholders such as other COEs, General Counsel, FW HR Operations, and HR Leadership to develop HR compliance solutions aimed at reducing risk and supporting evolving business needs. This role requires a high level of integrity and a proactive approach while demonstrating a deep understanding of HR practices and business operations. The manager must demonstrate excellent judgment and an ability to build strong relationships  

Essential Functions: (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

The following is in partnership with the FW Director of Employee Relations, CHRO, and/ or General Counsel, as appropriate:

• Establishing and overseeing global HR compliance practices to minimize operational and organizational risk
• Maintaining knowledge of trends and best practices related to regulatory changes
• Identifying, analyzing, and communicating new employment-related legal requirements and updates to existing requirements
• Participates on the firm’s Policy Council to recommend and review changes to FW policies and strategize appropriately
• Managing the creation of and updates to global HR policies/programs in accordance with applicable law and regulations, including ADA, ADEA, FMLA, OSHA, FLSA, EEOC, Privacy Regulations, and comparable regulations outside of the U.S.
• Identifying areas of opportunity for compliance education and training for managers and business leaders and partner with COEs to develop and deliver training, as needed
• Organizing, communicating and tracking documentation related to key departures, and ensuring proper organization and records management processes are maintained
• Leading the audit of HR policies, employment agreements, proprietary and confidentiality agreements, and employee handbooks across global sites to ensure compliance with applicable local laws
• Supporting compliance needs for Attorney and Staff annual performance review processes including preparing and disseminating materials, reporting, and tracking
• Identifying areas of risk for global compliance and identify strategies and plans to mitigate Partnering closely with international HR leads on strategizing and implementing resolutions for territories outside of the U.S. and responding to their local compliance needs appropriately
• Providing a consistent method for maintaining, communicating and updating HR policies and procedures on a firmwide basis
• Supporting Human Resource leadership globally and counsel in responding to and resolving compliance related complaints
• Collaborating across functions to support various HR-related projects and initiatives
• Managing the content of the web-based employee policy manual and work with relevant subject matter experts for policy revisions
• Preparing/submitting filings for all government reporting and internal monitoring purposes, including EEO reports
• Identifying, reporting and analyzing HR compliance related metrics
• Supporting sensitive employee relations matters, advising on compliance and policy implications and assisting implementing outcomes in coordination with FW Director of Employee Relations
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements

Education, Work Experience, Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or related field
• Minimum 5+ years of HR Generalist and/or Business Partner experience
• Minimum 5+ years’ experience managing compliance programs and/or projects in companies with a global workforce
• Experience conducting research, analyzing information and data, and presenting findings
• PHR certification preferred
• Familiarity with Department of Labor, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and state and local regulations a must 
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and statutes related to employment, benefits, and HR compliance globally (e.g. GDPR, Data Privacy, FLSA, EPA, FMLA)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work with other HR, legal and finance stakeholders
• Ability to contribute to development or modification of HR compliance policies and procedures
• Excellent organizational, oral/written communication, and research skills
• A proven track record of maintaining confidentiality, meeting strict deadlines and maintaining a professional demeanor required
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure and possess strong analytical and interpretive skills

Technologies/Software:

• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required
• Experience with an HRIS database a plus.

Work Environment:

• For most positions, the below description will suffice. Please discuss with HR if you think you have a position where the below will not be applicable.
• “This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets."

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP.  To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

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