Senior Manager, Human Resources Business Partner

Morrison Foerster LLP, an Am Law 50 law firm with 18 offices worldwide, has an opening for a Senior Manager, Human Resources Business Partner within our Human Resources Department in our London office.

The Opportunity

It's an exciting time to join MoFo's fast-paced HR team!

The Human Resources Business Partner "HRBP" provides strategic Human Resources direction and coaching to client groups of attorneys, functional departments and offices, including all local client groups.

• HR Leadership - Proactively develop strong, value-add, and trusted advisor relationships with all members of client groups. Regularly meet with Office Managing Partners and director level clients to develop strategic plans for their areas
• Organizational Development and Training – Assess needs of client groups (business services) and collaborate with global Talent Development team to create solutions. Facilitate and deliver learning solutions; measure the success and effectiveness of these programs.
• Organizational Design - Provide guidance and expertise on organizational design and efficiency, including work processes, staffing, and reporting relationships.
• Performance Management – Manage the business professionals evaluation process in client groups and provide support to the Attorney Talent Team as a core tool to promote a high-performing workplace.
• Talent Management – In conjunction with the global Talent Development team (business services), facilitate the development of the approach, strategy and tactical plan for engaging managers and staff in skill and career development. Employ workplace assessments such as DiSC and GROW to develop management skills, team cohesion, self-awareness, etc.
• Employee Relations - Collaborate with Employee Relations team, the Firm’s General Counsel and external employment counsel (as needed) to advise on complex ER issues from a local and firmwide perspective.
• Local and Global Benefits Programs - Collaborate with Associate Director of Benefits, the global Benefits team and London Finance team to manage London benefit offerings.
• Compliance - Ensure compliance with relevant employment laws and regulations. Keep abreast of laws, regulations and emerging trends.
• Recruiting - Manage and delegate, as appropriate, recruiting processes for assigned business services client groups and offices to ensure high quality candidates are sourced and motivated to join the Firm. Lead all tactical aspects of hire processes, including developing job description and postings, sourcing and interviewing candidates, coordinating candidate appraisals, recommending and coordinating offer details, etc.
• Immigration - Manage UK inbound immigration processes for the London office, providing guidance to employees and liaising with legal counsel to ensure compliance with UK immigration laws.
• European Footprint – coach and counsel on HR matters within Berlin and Brussels, as needed. Act as advisor and mentor for all firm European HR professionals.

Ideal Candidate

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in business, Human Resources, organizational development or related field. Equivalent high-level extensive experience may be considered in place of a degree.
• Minimum of 6+ years of solid work experience in Human Resources at management level within London required, including employee relations, talent development, performance management, exempt status compliance, reporting, benefits budgeting, broker management, workforce planning and pension management. Experience with European Union desired.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience recruiting at all organizational levels including mid to senior level managerial roles and possess the strong ability and judgment to assess individuals’ backgrounds and qualifications and recognize top talent.
• Proficiency in the use of HR and applicant tracking systems. Workday experience a plus.
• Experience with various job boards and social networks sites.
• Demonstrated success in linking solutions to business needs and implementing core people management processes.
• Strong functional HR knowledge particularly in performance management, organizational development, training, recruitment, employee relations and metrics. Up-to-date knowledge of HR related laws such as discrimination, leave of absence, etc.
• Business acumen and ability to work effectively as a trusted advisor and coach to Senior Managers, partners and business leaders.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to gain credibility, build relationships and influence people. Business acumen and professional common sense.
• Passion for problem solving, executing flawlessly and delivering high quality results for clients.
• Ability to think and act strategically and to be proactive and creative.
• Solid project management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to be objective, discrete, and ethical.

Who We Are

At Morrison Foerster, our culture is defined by our deeds. We’re passionate about what we do. We’re equally passionate about how we do it. We resist hierarchies and operate within a model of respect — for our colleagues, their ideas, and the differences that make us stronger. We encourage you to learn more about who we are , and what we do .

Should you find you’re ready to do the best work of your life, we encourage you to let us know!