Manager, People Strategy

The Opportunity

We are seeking a People Strategy Managerto join our Firm. This position is based in our New York office and is considered a hybrid role. The People Strategy Manager (PSM) serves as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to Practice Groups, driving efficiency and effectiveness in practice group operations. Manages career development, staffing, and operational processes while fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for attorneys. Works closely with partners, practice leaders, and other Centers of Excellence (including Talent Acquisition, People Development and People Operations) and other Firm Departments (including Marketing and Business Development, Knowledge Management, Office Administration and Client Administration) to ensure the seamless execution of departmental goals and initiatives.

Strategic Operations:

• Acts as a primary point of connect for Practice Leaders, Attorney Development Partners, Partners and all Attorneys for all People Strategy initiatives.
• Facilitates coordination of cyclical events such as performance management processes, counsel and partner selection, and pipeline meetings.
• Oversees department communications and ensures alignment with firmwide objectives.
• Collaborates with the centralized Knowledge Management (KM) team to organize and optimize practice area resources.
• Liaises with BD/Marketing teams to align departmental/pipeline goals with broader firm strategies and understands the department's business plan.
• Tracks alumni liaisons and facilitates secondments.
• Coordinates with Centers of Excellence (COEs) to implement strategic, practice-specific goals, including talent acquisition strategy, training and development needs and operational efficiencies.
• Supports staffing partners and practice leaders in planning, including considering global mobility resourcing.

Career Development:

• Supports career development program that is customized to the department and individual attorneys.
• Manages all aspects of associate and counsel evaluation processes to ensure constructive feedback is provided and actionable plans are implemented.
• Ensures feedback is being received and understood.
• Provides "in the moment coaching" to attorneys.
• Holds attorneys accountable to department-specific competencies.
• Identifies gaps in associate/counsel knowledge and experience, consults with the COE to recommend targeted training and resources.
• Supports the staffing process to align attorney experiences with practice group needs.
• Facilitates integration of new attorneys into the department and fosters a sense of community.

Staffing and Planning:

• Supports Associate Development Partners (ADPs), staffing partners, and practice leaders in planning and resource allocation.
• Briefs practice leaders regularly on utilization, upcoming events, employee relations, and refined processes.
• Strategically recommend resources to support partners and ensure optimal staffing.
• Acts as a vehicle for communication between associates/counsel and leadership.

Administrative Coordination:

• Facilitates administrative coordination of the performance management process.
• Oversees communications within the practice area.
• Forecasts financial and budget requirements for the department, prepares related reports, and monitors the budget.
• Regular and reliable physical presence to work as part of a team and meet with internal clients.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of labor laws and regulations to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks
• Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and build relationships across teams

• Expertise in leading organizational change and driving cultural transformation
• Ability to manage resistance and build buy-in for change initiatives
• Proficiency in HR analytics and reporting to inform strategy and measure success
• Ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights
• Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and credibility with stakeholders

• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and planning skills
• Ability to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgment
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of six years of related experience, with at least two years of Practice Management or other related experience in a law firm

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
$175,000 - $210,000