Manager, Human Resources

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (including its associated entities) is an elite global law firm with world-class practices across the board. Clients know they can rely on Davis Polk for their most challenging legal and business matters. From offices in the world's key financial centers and political capitals, our more than 1,000 lawyers collaborate seamlessly to deliver exceptional service, sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions. Visit davispolk.com.

Position Summary

The Manager, Human Resources - California HR Manager is a key member of the Firm’s HR team, overseeing all day-to-day HR operations in the Firm’s California offices.  The HR Manager collaborates closely with office leadership, the CHRO, the Firm’s HR centers of excellence, and the Directors of Office Administration (i) to establish HR priorities for the region, (ii) to ensure consistent, high quality service delivery across HR functions and (iii) to promote the Firm’s culture of excellence sand collaboration. 
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serve as a trusted resource to office leadership with respect to HR matters and support the alignment of talent strategies to office leadership’s priorities

• Collaborate closely with the CHRO, the Directors of Office Administration for the California offices, and the centers of excellence to establish HR priorities for the region

• Oversee and ensure the high quality execution of all day-to-day HR operations in the region

• In collaboration with the Firm’s HR centers of excellence:

  • support all stages of the employee experience for the Firm’s business professionals, from talent acquisition through development, performance, and offboarding

  • provide coaching and support to the firm’s business services managers on people matters

  • maintain a strong working knowledge of local employment laws and regulations and support the Firm’s compliance initiatives

  • develop a slate of wellness and employee engagement programming that promotes a culture of excellence, team orientation, and collaboration

• Serve as a primary point of contact on employee relations matters to all California-based personnel

• Promote the consistent adoption and application of Firm policies

• Monitor and identify key trends in HR to support the development of HR initiatives, policy and practices

• Lead or assist with special projects and other responsibilities as requested

Qualifications/Position Requirements

• Highly motivated, responsive, and conscientious, with a commitment to delivering excellent client service

• Strong working knowledge of HR best practices and of applicable employment laws and regulations

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to work confidently and collaboratively with individuals at all levels of the organization, to build consensus in the face of competing priorities and perspectives, and to drive results

• Ability to maintain professional composure in a fast-paced, multi-authority environment

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Keen attention to detail with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to set priorities, multi-task while meeting strict deadlines and maintain flexibility as priorities change

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and to exercise discretion and sound judgment, including as to the need for consultation with senior stakeholders

• Experience advising internal stakeholders on HR matters in a practical, solutions-oriented manner while appropriately accounting for risk

Education and/or Experience

• 5+ years’ experience in HR management positions

• Experience across a wide variety of HR discipline

Compensation

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $175,000 - $225,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, anticipated assignment, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Davis Polk offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.