Sidley Austin LLP
People Operations Manager
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 the ability to quickly learn HR procedures and develop knowledge management materials to support the Firm’s objectives and ensure that information is kept current and communicated to HR personnel in a fast‑paced, high‑change environment.
Duties and Responsibilities Leadership & People Management
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.
Align strategic direction of the team with firm goals and culture, provide clear direction and priorities to the team.
Assist with HR initiatives and lead projects, as needed.
Work with local HR, partner relations and other departments to research and resolve processing inquiries and issues.
Lead, train and develop team of Assistants. Conduct annual performance reviews. Communicate and meet with staff regularly to provide clarity about responsibilities and to set clear goals.
HR Systems & Process Excellence
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.
Vendor & Case Management
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.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
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.
Recommend and implement 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.
Communicate and train Human Resources staff on newly implemented systems and/or procedures.
Perform other related duties and project leadership as required and assigned.
Target Salary Range $127,000 - $147,000 if located in Illinois
Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and upon state required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).
Education and/or Experience
Required:
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 a 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
Preferred:
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business or related field
Automation experience tied to HR Process Administration
Other Skills and Abilities:
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
Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Duties and Responsibilities Leadership & People Management
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.
Align strategic direction of the team with firm goals and culture, provide clear direction and priorities to the team.
Assist with HR initiatives and lead projects, as needed.
Work with local HR, partner relations and other departments to research and resolve processing inquiries and issues.
Lead, train and develop team of Assistants. Conduct annual performance reviews. Communicate and meet with staff regularly to provide clarity about responsibilities and to set clear goals.
HR Systems & Process Excellence
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.
Vendor & Case Management
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.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
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.
Recommend and implement 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.
Communicate and train Human Resources staff on newly implemented systems and/or procedures.
Perform other related duties and project leadership as required and assigned.
Target Salary Range $127,000 - $147,000 if located in Illinois
Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and upon state required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).
Education and/or Experience
Required:
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 a 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
Preferred:
Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business or related field
Automation experience tied to HR Process Administration
Other Skills and Abilities:
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
Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr