Firm Overview

Vinson & Elkins LLP (V&E) is one of the largest and most successful law firms with approximately 750 attorneys and 550 Business Professionals. With 11 offices worldwide, the firm is renowned for delivering exceptional client service. Its lawyers and professionals are committed to excellence, providing clients with expertise in transactions, investments, projects, and disputes globally. Since its founding in 1917, V&E has been a trusted advisor to many of the world’s leading businesses and investors.

Diversity and inclusion are core values at the firm, championed by top leadership and focused on creating meaningful solutions to attract, retain, and develop top talent. In 2023, V&E achieved Mansfield Rule 6.0 Certification, recognizing its commitment to considering at least 30% women, underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ lawyers, and lawyers with disabilities for leadership roles, equity partner promotions, client opportunities, and senior lateral positions.

Vinson & Elkins also is noted for its strong community involvement, pro bono work, and support for the arts and non-profit organizations. On average, V&E lawyers contribute 30,000 hours per year to those in need, demonstrating a deep commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

Position Overview

The Senior Director of Human Resources will provide leadership to the firm’s human resources function and will serve as a strategic business partner to firm leadership on human resources issues in the areas of recruitment and retention, compensation and reward, employee relations and engagement, HRIS, DEI, performance management, coaching and professional development, legal/regulatory compliance, and organizational design, all in a manner that is consistently reflective of our cultural and organizational values. This individual will lead global strategic human resources planning, and drive implementation and execution to ensure that overall business goals and objectives are achieved. The Senior Director of Human Resources will report to the firm’s Chief Talent Officer and oversee a team of approximately 20 professionals: reporting structure will be decided with the team and could include our benefits team.

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

Provide strong leadership to and cultivate strong relationships with the human resources team, ensuring highly effective execution with respect to employee relations and engagement, performance management, HRIS, business professional recruitment, and professional development, policies and compliance.
Lead the design, development, and administration of the firm’s business professional incentive compensation programs and policies; identify and monitor competitive market surveys and related intelligence, benchmarking, and other market, economic, industry, and geographic trends.
Establish robust employee relations programs, cultivating strong and clear lines of communication throughout the firm, and providing consultation, coaching, and employee relations assistance in a fair and consistent manner.
Develop and implement innovative talent management strategies to attract top-tier business professionals worldwide, in alignment with the firm’s business objectives and growth strategies; develop reporting tools and analytics to measure and ensure maximum impact and efficiency of hiring practices.
Function as a strategic business advisor to the Chief Talent Officer and other senior leaders.
Foster a culture of excellence and commitment to client service at all levels of the firm.
Establish and utilize human resources reporting tools, metrics, and analytics; recommend organizational and operational improvements based on data analysis.
Manage compliance with government/national regulations, statutes, and other requirements across the firm’s international offices and operations; maintain knowledge and understanding of local laws, guidelines, best practices, and other applicable areas; ensure up to date employee handbooks for all locations.

Qualifications

Education

A bachelor’s degree in Management or a related field with a focus on Human Resource Management is required.

Experience

A minimum of 15 years of broad-based global human resources leadership experience in a legal, professional services, or other highly sophisticated environment.
Extensive experience leading all aspects of the strategic human resources function, including employee relations, recruiting, performance management, organizational development, and HRIS.
Proven success recruiting, mentoring, managing, and developing top-tier professionals, and building and leading high-performance teams.

Special Knowledge

Outstanding presentation, writing, verbal, and relationship-building skills; poise, gravitas, and the ability to lead through influence rather than direct control—creating consensus-based support for business strategies and decisions.
A strong background in human resources information systems and associated technology.

Attributes

Strong business acumen and analytical skills; the ability to develop comprehensive short- and long-term strategic plans from broadly stated objectives.
Dynamic energy level and impeccable work ethic; willingness to “roll up your sleeves” and work closely with colleagues and team members.
A consultative, collaborative, and highly client-service oriented approach.
Proven experience driving innovation and continuous improvement in strategic human resources functions.

Vinson & Elkins

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Senior Director of Human Resources