People operations manager

Summary

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 ability to quickly learn HR procedures and develop knowledge management materials to support the Firm’s objectives and ensures that information is kept current and communicated to HR personnel in 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.
• Aligns strategic direction of the team with firm goals and culture, provides clear direction and priorities to the team.
• Assists with HR initiatives and lead projects, as needed.
• Works with local HR, partner relations and other departments to research and resolve processing inquiries and issues.
• Leads, trains and develops team of Assistants. Conducts annual performance reviews. Communicates and meets 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.
• Recommends and implements 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.
• Communicates and trains Human Resources staff on newly implemented systems and/or procedures.
• Performs other related duties and project leadership as required and assigned
  
  

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits .

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 (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability 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 [email protected] (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Required

Education and/or Experience:

• 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 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

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• 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.