Associate Director, Global HR Shared Services

We invite you to review our current business services professionals openings to learn about the opportunities available across the firm.

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients’ legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world’s major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an Associate Director, Global HR Shared Services to join our Firm. This position will be based in our New York office (hybrid). In this role, you will lead the Firm’s HR department in strategically transforming its current operating model from a localized, HR generalist–driven structure to a centralized, technology-enabled global shared services model. You will be responsible for designing, building, and operationalizing a scalable shared services organization that delivers consistent, efficient, and high-quality HR services across regions. You will balance of strategic vision, operational rigor, and change management expertise, ideally gained within a professional services environment where stakeholder engagement, client focus, and organizational agility are paramount. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Transformation & Strategy

• Leads the transition from a decentralized, country-based HR generalist model to a centralized global shared services structure, establishing clear governance, processes, and service delivery standards.
• Defines and executes the multi-phase roadmap for shared services implementation, including operating model design, service catalog definition, organizational structure, and technology enablement.
• Partners with HR leadership and business stakeholders to secure alignment and sponsorship for the transformation, ensuring the new model supports both local business needs and global scalability.
• Establishes and communicates a compelling change management and communication strategy to build buy-in across regions and functions.

Operational Leadership

• Builds and leads the global HR shared services team responsible for delivering core HR processes including employee data management, onboarding/offboarding, leave management, executing audits, managing employee inquiries and executing other administrative and transactional tasks.
• Defines and manages service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and continuously improve service delivery quality, efficiency, and employee experience.
• Balances the need for global consistency with local compliance and business flexibility, ensuring a pragmatic, fit-for-purpose approach in each market.
• Oversees vendor and partner relationships supporting HR operations and ensures adherence to performance and compliance standards.

Technology & Process Optimization

• Collaborates with People Technology and IT teams to design and deploy enabling technologies such as case management and knowledge management tools that support the shared services model.
• Drives automation, digitization, and self-service capabilities to streamline processes and empower employees and managers.
• Utilizes data analytics and process metrics to identify performance gaps and opportunities for continuous improvement.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruits, develops, and mentors a global team of HR shared services professionals capable of delivering high-impact, customer-focused support.
• Fosters a culture of service excellence, accountability, and innovation, emphasizing collaboration across regions and functions.
• Builds internal capability through training, performance management, and career development programs to sustain the new operating model.

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Establishes robust governance frameworks, process documentation, and controls to ensure operational consistency and audit readiness.
• Partners with Legal, Compliance, and Risk functions to ensure all HR processes comply with data privacy (e.g., GDPR), employment laws, and Firm policies.
• Ensures continuous alignment of shared services with evolving business, regulatory, and workforce needs. 

Qualifications

• Strategic thinker with exceptional operational and project management skills
• Skilled in organizational transformation and change leadership within complex, matrixed environments
• Exceptional communication, influence, and stakeholder engagement skills
• Analytical and data-driven, with the ability to translate insights into measurable improvements
• Demonstrates ability to balance standardization with local needs in a global context
• Demonstrates high level of resilience, agility, and business acumen
• Proven success leading large-scale HR operating model transformations, specifically transitions from decentralized or HR generalist models to centralized shared services
• Experience expanding HR shared services organizations, including process design, governance, and technology implementation
• Proven record of managing geographically dispersed teams and stakeholders across multiple time zones and cultures
• Strong familiarity with HR technologies such as Workday, SuccessFactors, or ServiceNow
• Understands and is able to successfully perform in a matrix environment
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of the various functions performed by the department and the impact of those functions on other departments and offices
• Flexibility to travel and to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field
• Minimum of twelve years of progressive HR or HR operations experience, including at least five years in a leadership role within a global professional services organization (e.g., consulting, accounting, legal, or financial advisory)
• Manages or directly coordinates and evaluates the work of ten (10) or more people and/or has functions with global reach

Culture & Life at Skadden
What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

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

$280,000 – $310,000

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Lara Bell at (212) 735-2794.

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

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