Human Resources Manager
ABOUT GOWLING WLG
At Gowling WLG, our dedication to excellence and quality service begins with our people. As a global law firm with offices across Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we pride ourselves on sourcing and retaining top talent who bring energy, passion and commitment to the delivery of outstanding client service.
When it comes to diversity, we not only accept it — we celebrate it, support it and thrive on it. To create an engaging and rewarding place to work, we seek to attract talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures. Our aim is to help everyone reach their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals.
Employee satisfaction is important to us. We work hard to ensure that our people are motivated, engaged and empowered. Our diverse group of legal professionals, law students, law clerks/paralegals, legal administrative assistants and business support staff work together as a team, and are respected and valued for their individual contributions.
PROFILE
We are currently seeking a Toronto office Manager, Human Resources to join our dynamic People and Culture Department. This position reports to the Toronto office’s Senior HR Manager and will be responsible for providing senior level support to our Law Clerk and Legal Administrative Assistant programs, within specific practice groups, working alongside the Department Heads and Partners to ensure that the goals and objectives of the department/programs are met to support the growth of the Firm.
RESPONSIBILITIES
General:
- Builds relationships with stakeholders, monitors work levels, and liaises with Department Heads, Lawyers-in-Charge, work providers and mentors on matters.
- Recommends and implements engagement initiatives and assists with proactive career management, planning and goal setting with stakeholders.
- Engages with our work providers (incl Law Clerks) and Legal Administrative Assistants daily, working collectively as a team to ensure a healthy, positive work environment. This includes the development of action plans, progressive disciplinary strategies and termination recommendations.
- Working closely with the Snr HR Manager, leads HR processes and projects within specified timelines and budgets, resulting in identifying best practices and operational process improvements.
- Leads recruitment initiatives by implementing effective recruiting and hiring practices to attract top talent and meet resourcing needs, including preparing business cases for new hires and working with the Talent Acquisition team on key hires, as needed.
- Conducts annual performance management for the Law Clerks and Legal Administrative Assistants, actioning action items from this performance cycle, as required.
- Working with the GM, Snr HR Manager and Department Heads to successfully roll out new firm systems and processes and other transformational projects.
- Prepares and analyzes reports to identify trends, upon request, creating and implementing innovative solutions, as a result of this qualitative and quantitative analysis.
- Applies knowledge and experience in interpreting HR policies, procedures, benefits and payroll, and provides counsel to firm members on application of firm policies in accordance with employment legislation.
- Assists in the management of the full cycle of various employee programs such as new employee orientation, wellness clinics, training, etc.
- Participates in national and/or office committees (i.e. EDI, Health & Safety, Social, LAA).
- Works together as a team and backs-up to other Toronto office HR team members, as required.
Law Clerk Program:
- Implements and administers the Firm’s mentorship program for Law Clerks and ensures their learning programs are met annually.
- Works with the Department Heads, Toronto office’s GM and Snr HR Manager to ensure that Law Clerks are on track for success – success measures include a positive client experience, high work quality and strong practice management, which includes meeting or exceeding annual billable targets.
- Ensures that the Law Clerks work collaboratively as a team among the departments or as a client team, as required.
- Organizes and delivers comprehensive social event programs for law clerks, as appropriate.
- Other duties, as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- College Diploma or University Degree in Human Resources Management.
- A minimum of eight years’ experience in a Human Resources position, including leadership experience, preferably in a law firm and/or professional services environment.
- Having one’s CHRL or CHRP is an asset.
- Having a law clerk designation is an asset.
- Strong understanding and knowledge of Human Resources Management policies, best practices and employment legislation.
- Solid track record of building relationships at all levels, gaining deep industry knowledge and providing proactive and responsive solutions to business needs.
- Aptitude to take care of clients’ needs in a professional and courteous manner.
- Possesses strong communication skills, presentation skills and a proven ability to coach individuals.
- Experience working closely with internal clients on complex/sensitive issues and demonstrates discretion and ability to handle confidential and private information appropriately.
- Strong technical skills, with proficiency with MS Word, Outlook, iManage, Excel.
- Experience with Payroll and an HRIS is an asset.
To apply for this position, please go to our Careers Page at www.gowlingwlg.com
Gowling WLG employees benefit from a hybrid work environment.
Not sure if you meet all the requirements? If you are excited about this opportunity but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Gowling WLG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.
While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
No agencies or recruiters please.