HR Compliance Manager

Please note that Jackson Walker is not currently accepting search firm submissions in connection with this opening.

Compliance Manager

Department: Human Resources

Reports To: Chief Human Resources Officer

Location: This role can sit in any of Jackson Walkers office locations. (Dallas / Austin / Houston / San Antonio / Fort Worth)

FLSA: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Compliance Manager is responsible for overseeing Jackson Walkers firmwide leave of absence programs and ensuring compliance with applicable federal state and local employment laws and Firm policies. This role serves as the subject-matter expert for leave administration working closely with employees managers and HR leadership to deliver a consistent compliant and employee-centered leave experience.

Reporting directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer this position plays a critical role in managing regulatory compliance mitigating risk and supporting the Firms commitment to operational excellence and employee well-being.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leave Administration & Program Management

• Administer all firmwide leave programs including but not limited to FMLA ADA accommodations short-term disability parental leave secondary leaves military leave and applicable state and local leave programs.
• Partner with the Benefits Department on long-term disability administration.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employees and managers regarding leave eligibility processes timelines and documentation requirements.
• Review and assess leave requests determine eligibility and ensure appropriate documentation is obtained and maintained.
• Track leave usage manage return-to-work processes and coordinate transitional or accommodation needs as applicable.
• Ensure compliance with federal state and local employment laws related to leave accommodations and wage and hour considerations as they intersect with leave administration.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes impacting leave administration and recommend policy or process updates as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support compliance audits and internal reviews.
• Partner with HR leadership to address complex leave situations and mitigate potential exposure.

Background Checks

• Coordinate and manage pre-employment background checks through RAI (vendor).
• Work with PG Leaders to run client-driven background checks.
• Ensure compliance with federal state and local laws (e.g. FCRA) governing background screening.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of all background check processes.
• Communicate results to HR; escalate to HR leadership if needed.

Compliance Management

• Develop implement and maintain HR compliance policies and procedures aligned with federal state and local regulations.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes; advise leadership on necessary updates.
• Conduct regular audits of HR processes (e.g. onboarding payroll benefits employee relations) to ensure compliance.
• Oversee compliance with EEOC ADA FMLA wage and hour laws and other employment regulations.
• Provide training and guidance to HR staff and managers on compliance topics and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with federal state and local employment laws related to leave accommodations and wage and hour consideration as they intersect with leave administration.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes impacting leave administration and recommend policy or process updates as needed.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support compliance audits and internal reviews.
• Partner with HR leadership to address complex leave situations and mitigate potential exposure.
• Answer questionnaires and survey questions related to HR policies.

Policy Development & Process Improvement

• Develop review and maintain leave-related policies procedures and employee communications.
• Create standardized tools templates and workflows to ensure consistent application of leave practices across the Firm.
• Identify opportunities to streamline leave administration processes and improve the employee experience through automation or system enhancements.
• Support HRIS system configuration related to leave tracking and reporting.

Advisory Support & Collaboration

• Advise managers and HR business partners on leave-related matters accommodations and compliance considerations.
• Provide guidance on sensitive or complex employee situations requiring discretion and sound judgment.
• Deliver training and education to managers and employees on leave policies compliance requirements and best practices.

Reporting & Data Management

• Prepare reports and metrics related to leave utilization trends and compliance for HR leadership.
• Analyze data to identify patterns risks or opportunities for improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in Human Resources Business Administration or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience administering employee leave programs and ensuring compliance with employment laws.
• Demonstrated experience managing FMLA and multi-state leave programs required; law firm or professional services experience preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of federal state and local leave laws and employment regulations.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and sensitive matters.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with sound judgment and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex policies clearly and professionally.
• High degree of discretion and professionalism when handling confidential information.
• Proficiency in HRIS platforms leave administration systems and Microsoft Office 365.

WORK CONDITIONS:

This position operates in a typical professional office environment with standard equipment. The role requires professionalism discretion and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail. Occasional extended hours may be required during peak periods or complex leave situations.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions responsibilities or requirements.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age veteran status sexual orientation gender identity pregnancy genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunity and that employment decisions be based on job-related factors.

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