Director of Human Resources

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

Director of Human Resources

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 Director of Human Resources provides strategic and operational leadership for the firms People and Talent Operations function. This role is responsible for overseeing core HR disciplines including talent management employee relations performance management HR operations compliance and organizational effectiveness.

Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer the Director partners closely with firm leadership practice group leaders and administrative departments to ensure the firm attracts develops and retains exceptional talent while maintaining compliance with employment laws and reinforcing the firms culture and values.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic HR Leadership

• Partner with the Chief Human Resources Officer and firm leadership to develop and execute HR strategies aligned with the firms business objectives and long-term growth.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to department leaders and practice group leadership on workforce planning organizational design performance management and employee engagement.
• Monitor industry legal and employment trends to proactively assess risks and opportunities impacting the firms talent strategy.

People & Talent Operations

• Oversee day-to-day HR operations ensuring consistent compliant and efficient delivery of HR services across all offices.
• Lead performance management processes including goal setting evaluations calibration and performance improvement planning.
• Partner with recruiting attorney development and leadership to support onboarding integration and retention initiatives.

Employee Relations & Compliance

• Provide guidance and oversight on employee relations matters including performance concerns workplace investigations disciplinary actions and policy interpretation.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal state and local employment laws including those specific to the legal industry.
• Maintain and update HR policies and procedures to support best practices and firm standards.

Talent Development & Engagement

• Support leadership development initiatives and succession planning efforts across attorney and professional staff populations.
• Partner with firm leadership to enhance employee engagement culture initiatives and firm-wide programs that support inclusion professional growth and retention.
• Analyze workforce metrics and employee feedback to inform talent strategies and continuous improvement efforts.

HR Operations & Analytics

• Oversee HR systems data integrity reporting and analytics to support informed decision-making.
• Develop dashboards and reporting to track key HR metrics such as turnover engagement performance outcomes and workforce trends.
• Collaborate with Finance and other departments on compensation workforce budgeting and headcount planning.

Team Leadership

• Lead mentor and develop a high-performing HR team fostering collaboration accountability and professional growth.
• Standardize HR processes and best practices across offices to ensure consistency and scalability.
• Promote a service-oriented HR function that balances business needs with employee experience

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in Human Resources Business Administration Management or a related field required.
• Masters degree in Human Resources Organizational Development Business Administration or a related discipline preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive Human Resources experience including leadership responsibility.
• Prior experience supporting a large law firm or professional services organization strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading people operations employee relations performance management and HR compliance.
• PHR SPHR or SHRM-SCP Certification preferred; additional certifications in employment law organizational development or change management a plus.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices within a professional services environment.
• Proven ability to partner with senior leaders and influence outcomes at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent judgment discretion and ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters.
• Strong analytical communication and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to develop and motivate teams.

WORK CONDITIONS:

The Director of Human Resources works in a professional office environment and is expected to maintain regular business hours with flexibility to meet the needs of the firm. This role may require extended hours during peak periods including firm-wide initiatives employee relations matters or time-sensitive business needs. Occasional travel may be required to support firm offices leadership meetings or firm events. The position involves frequent interaction with firm leadership attorneys and professional staff and requires the ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

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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