Senior Business Partner, People Strategy

We invite you to review our current business services professionals openings to learn about the opportunities available across the firm.

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients' legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world's major financial centers.

The Opportunity

Skadden is seeking a Senior Business Partner, People Strategy. The Senior Business Partner serves as a strategic advisor and partner to business services departments, aligning HR best practices and processes with Firm goals and objectives. The Senior Business Partner plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the People Teams and business services departments, ensuring that HR initiatives are seamlessly integrated into the Firm's overall strategy. This role requires a proactive, consultative approach to deliver value-added services that drive organizational success. The Senior Business Partner collaborates closely with People Team centers of excellence, including People Development, Talent Acquisition, and People Operations, to support the Firm's talent strategy and business objectives. This position will be based in our New York office and has a hybrid in-office/remote working schedule. Please note that the Firm will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

• Collaborates with senior management to develop and implement HR strategies that align with department and Firm goals.
• Serves as a trusted advisor to leadership, providing guidance on workforce planning, organizational design, and talent strategies.
• Proactively engages with senior management to identify opportunities for HR to drive business outcomes.
• Maintains in-depth knowledge of employment laws and regulations to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks.
• Partners with People Strategy Managers, Employee Relations team, Labor and Employment practice, and the Office of General Counsel to address complex employee matters.
• Provides guidance on sensitive issues such as investigations, disciplinary actions, and terminations.
• Collaborates with the Talent Acquisition team to attract, hire, and onboard top talent.
• Develops and implements integration and retention strategies to ensure the organization retains high-performing employees.
• Partners with leadership to identify critical roles and succession planning needs.
• Oversees the performance management process to ensure compliance and alignment with organizational goals and employee development.
• Provides coaching and guidance to managers on performance feedback, career development, goal setting, and managing underperformance.
• Drives a culture of continuous feedback and accountability.
• Identifies learning and development needs and collaborates with the People Development team to design and deliver impactful programs.
• Supports leadership development initiatives to build a pipeline of future leaders.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of training programs and recommends improvements.
• Leads and supports organizational change initiatives, providing expertise in change management processes.
• Partners with leadership to drive cultural transformation and improve employee engagement.
• Advises on organizational design and restructuring efforts to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
• Utilizes HR metrics, analytics, and reporting to inform decision-making and improve processes.
• Provides data-driven insights to leadership on workforce trends, turnover, and engagement.
• Partners with the HR Operations team to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Leads and participates in business services projects, ensuring alignment with Firm priorities.
• Manages resources, timelines, and communication to ensure successful project delivery.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement and innovation.
• Stays informed of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in HR.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of relevant software programs and HR systems with ability to learn and adapt to new technologies
• Ability to align HR strategies with business objectives and anticipate future workforce needs
• Insight into business operations and industry-specific challenges
• Comprehensive understanding of HR practices, techniques and business trends
• Knowledge of labor laws and regulations to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks
• Expertise in leading organizational change and driving cultural transformation
• Proficiency in HR analytics and reporting to inform strategy and measure success
• Ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights
• Strong consultation and interpersonal skills to build trust and credibility with stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey complex ideas clearly
• Ability to facilitate difficult conversations and resolve conflicts effectively
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs
• Flexibility to travel as needed
• Regular and reliable physical presence

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree
• Minimum of six years of related Human Resources experience in a professional services environment

Culture & Life at Skadden
What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us. We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life.

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k), and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit: https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details. Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Salary Details

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Lara Bell at (212) 735-2794.

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

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