This role can be based in either Amsterdam, Brussels or Stockholm.
The HR Business Partner, North West and Nordics (NWN) will support the Practice Group (PG) Talent Leads with PG-related Talent services in a given market grouping/cluster, aligned with the regional's strategic direction, vision, and values in a highly matrixed organization.
Main responsibilities:
Strategy:
1. Work closely with the Local Practice Group Heads (LPGH) in the market grouping to align HR strategies with PG organizational goals, ensuring that workforce initiatives directly support business priorities and financial targets (incl. total cost to company and cost effectiveness contributions etc.)
2. Develop and implement the PG Talent Strategy in the local PGs in the market grouping
Pipeline Management & Promotions:
3. Talent pipeline management, succession planning and management of the promotion process on PG-level (in partnership with the Partner Matters Talent Director/Team)
4. Support and coordinate the promotion process from Associate to Local Partner/Counsel in the market grouping, working with the PG Talent Lead(s) to compile materials for candidates
5. Advise on the annual matriculation process for Associates advancing class years
6. Facilitate discussions with Practice Group Leads (PGLs) to support the talent mapping/pipeline process
7. Talent Reviews: support & coordinate the EMEA Talent Review process for the PG
Performance Management (Fee Earners):
8. Run/lead/support/coordinate the Associate, Counsel and Local Partner performance management processes annual evaluation and promotion processes, incl. moderation and calibration meetings) for the assigned practice group in the market grouping
9. Evaluate performance results with the LPGHs; work with the LPGHs to identify and implement solutions and programs for underperforming and high potential talent as well as high-potential talent
10. Coach partners on associate performance issues
11. Sit in on performance review meetings when needed
12. Escalate high-risk or employee relations situations to Office Talent Leads
Career Development (Fee Earners):
13. Coordinate across the market grouping nomination for EMEA programs, assess and identify lawyer training needs and address in partnership with EMEA Leadership and Learning Lead, provide individual career development coaching sessions on an as-needed basis
14. Coordinate nomination for internal and external programs, assess and identify lawyer training needs, and address them in partnership with LPGH & Leadership and Learning team
15. Lead regional career conversations program focusing on high-level conversations between attorneys and Firm leaders to support desired career path
16. Work with knowledge management to ensure practice-specific training is appropriate and well attended
Reward:
17. Partner Reward: Provide input to Principal and LP compensation process
Coaching & Counselling:
18. Provide individual career development coaching and counselling sessions and work with individuals on their development plans and business plans
19. Coach attorneys through performance issues
Workforce Planning:
20. Team planning and management for the PG: partnering with LPGHs in the market grouping on team shape, capacity review and utilization; Special attention to be drawn to ID&E-aspects;
21. Headcount right-sizing programs: Collaborate and seek advice with Office Talent Leads in case of Headcount Right-sizing programs and individual redundancies
22. Engage in PG workforce planning (on market grouping level) by developing and executing strategies and initiatives for workforce planning, succession planning and talent retention
Integration:
23. Serve as a key liaison in the market grouping to support and facilitate integration of lateral partners, associates, and incoming first-year associates
24. Develop and coordinate a one-year integration plan for lateral partners
25. Oversee ramping up and down of attorneys from temporary departures/leaves of absence
On-boarding:
26. Host PG-orientations for the lawyers in the market grouping and be available as a resource
27. Liaise with other functional teams to support new joiners in learning firm tools, technology, operations, and strategies
Mobility:
28. Participate in strategic mobility planning on market grouping level to identify development opportunities, share capacity etc. and liaise with Global Mobility Advisory Group and office-based Talent Management on mobility issues throughout the PG in EMEA
Employee Relations:
29. Provide commercial advice and guidance to LPGHs on employee relations matters liaising closely with Office talent teams as necessary
Engagement (on PG-level in the market grouping):
30. Work closely with LPGHs to understand key themes and areas of focus to develop and implement PG engagement plans across the region/market grouping; Follow-up on BakerPulse engagement surveys across the practice groups in the market grouping, consistent with overall EMEA approach; partner with LPGHs to facilitate communications and develop medium and long term engagement plans
Recruitment:
31. Identify gaps, evaluate staffing options, coordinate the on-boarding/ induction for the PG (at market grouping level), including lateral hire Integration (serve as key liaison to support and facilitate integration of lateral partners in EMEA)
Partner with other People Teams:
32. Partner closely with People Centres of Excellence to drive for results and innovative people solutions
33. Close coordination with office-based Talent Management in relation to operational items/employee relations, provide HR advisory support to the PGLs on people-related issues
34. Partnership with the People and EMEA leadership teams to help develop optimal People strategy, infrastructure and resources for EMEA
Talent Projects:
35. Collaborate in the design & implementation of Global/Regional Talent strategy and initiatives
Skills and experience:
36. A bachelor’s degree focusing on Talent, Professional Development, Organizational Development, Management, or other related areas; JD or law firm experience preferred
37. Extensive experience in Talent Management, preferably in a professional services environment
38. Experience working across multiple locations and jurisdictions
39. Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail; fluent written and spoken English is required
40. Demonstrated ability to solve problems and drive results with a sense of urgency in setting strategies and executing against the objectives
41. Proven ability to influence, interact, and consult with senior leaders, strong collaboration skills, and effective stakeholder management
42. Strong coaching, counselling, business acumen, and overall communication skills
43. Knowledge of and involvement in the larger professional development/talent management community a plus
44. Prioritizes collaboration and teamwork values
Location: Amsterdam, Brussels or Stockholm
Reports to: PG Talent Lead(s)
Development framework: Manager
Travel requirements: Some travel is required to the Firm's offices across the region.
About us
At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. With our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 locally admitted lawyers, in over 70 offices worldwide, we have a passionately collaborative community of 60 nationalities and are committed to world-class career development to everyone in every job at every level. Baker McKenzie can offer you both the uncompromising commitment to excellence expected of a top firm paired with a passionately global and genuinely collaborative working environment.
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