Associate Director, People Technology & Analytics

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, People Technology & Analytics to join our Firm. This position will be based in our New York office (hybrid). The Associate Director, People Technology & Analytics will be responsible for evolving and optimizing our people technology ecosystem and turning data into actionable insight and driving informed decisions. Responsible for oversight of the Firm’s Workday HCM platform and other HR applications, to elevate the employee experience, improve business outcomes, build and shape a modern people technology and analytics function. Leads the development and execution of the people technology and analytics function roadmap, partnering closely the people teams, finance, IT, and business leaders to improve hiring, growing, rewarding, and retaining talent across the attorney and business services populations. Plays a critical role in supporting the Firm’s transition from a localized HR generalist model to an HR shared services model and guiding the design of scalable processes and tools, and ensuring employee data is accurate and well governed.

People Technology (HRIS) Leadership

• Serves as the primary business owner for Workday and other HR systems, including roadmap, design decisions, release management, and issue escalation.
• Oversees end-to-end change management for Workday, including requirements, impact assessment, testing, communications, and training.
• Drives process standardization and optimization where appropriate in partnership with HR operations/shared services, compensation, talent management, learning and development and HR business partners.
• Leads a team of HRIS and analytics professionals, ensuring employees are skilled, knowledgeable and engaged.

People Analytics and Reporting

• Builds and maintains a robust reporting and analytics framework across HR, including recurring dashboards, ad hoc analyses, and executive-ready insights.
• Translates business questions into clear requirements, then deliver data-driven stories that inform decisions at leadership and functional levels.
• Develops KPIs and metrics for key people processes, such as hiring, internal mobility, performance, retention, and diversity.
• Oversees data visualization tools and standard reporting templates to support self-service analytics where appropriate.
• Ensures consistent definitions and methodologies are used in reporting across the organization.

Data Governance and Quality

• Establishes and maintains strong data governance practices for people data, including ownership, definitions, and controls.
• Monitors and improves data quality in Workday and related systems, including audits, root cause analysis, and corrective action plans.
• Partners with Legal, Compliance, Security, and IT to manage data privacy, security, and access controls in line with global regulations.

Stakeholder Management and Partnership

• Acts as a trusted advisor to HR and business leaders on people technology capabilities and people analytics.
• Facilitates cross-functional discussions to prioritize enhancements and projects based on impact, feasibility, and risk.
• Works with HR teams to ensure technology and analytics solutions are practical, user-friendly, and aligned with service delivery goals.

Team Leadership and Development

• Builds and leads a high-performing people technology and analytics team.
• Sets clear objectives and ways of working, encouraging a culture of continuous improvement, accountability creativity, and service excellence.
• Champions the effective use of people technology and data across HR through training, office hours, and documentation.

AI & Digital Innovation

• Evaluates where and how to leverage AI, automation, and machine learning responsibly across HR processes (e.g., recruiting, engagement analytics, talent management, reporting).
• Pilots and scales AI-enabled tools that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision quality.
• Ensures adherence to data privacy and ethical standards in all AI and technology applications.

Vendor & Budget Management

• Manages relationships with HR technology vendors; oversee contracts, renewals, SLAs, and performance.
• Leads vendor evaluations and RFPs for new systems or enhancements, ensuring ROI and alignment with enterprise strategy.
• Partners with IT and Procurement to maintain cost efficiency and compliance with company standards.

• Develops and executes department strategies to shape topics including policy, culture, initiatives and other areas of strategic importance as directed by Firm leadership.
• Supports best practices, including leveraging current ones, to support enhanced communications, policies, practices, etc. at all Firm attorney and business services professional levels. Evaluates current efforts to identify  opportunities for enhanced development and delivery strategies.
• Understands business needs and identifies alternatives on a quantitative and qualitative basis.
• Drives innovative approaches to effectively deliver department services in more efficient and effective ways.
• Has significant independence in the role and may independently manage certain aspects of the department's functions.
• Formalizes collaborative partnerships across departments to strengthen mutual interests that drives action and productivity, to reduce operational redundancies, and to engage our business services professionals in work that supports Skadden’s business priorities.
• Convenes groups in formal and informal dialogue to support strong relationships across the Firm and fluid sharing of priorities, knowledge and best practices. 
• Leads department learning initiatives.
• Leads collaborative and high-level projects as needed. Prepares and presents internal programs as applicable. 
• Participates in external forums to identify relevant trends and share with internal stakeholders to engage in strategic conversations around them.
• Leads strategic projects that create added value and efficiencies to the work of the department.
• Engages in strategic (i.e., long-range) planning by developing departmental goals and supporting objectives for assigned department(s).
• Coordinates and oversees department projects, day-to-day operations and long-range plans.
• Ensures accurate and timely responses to requests for departmental services.
• Forecasts financial and budget requirements for the department, prepares related reports, and monitors the budget.
• Oversees employees' work performance and provides guidance in the resolution of problems. Effectively utilizes the Firm's performance management process to communicate performance expectations, monitor performance, coach employees, and manage unsatisfactory performance.
• Monitors time, attendance, overtime, and expense reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with Firm policies.
• Participates in the interviewing, selection and training process.
• Initiates disciplinary procedures in collaboration with the Human Resources Department.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
• Complies with and understands Firm operation, policies and procedures.
• Manages Firm resources responsibly.
• Performs other projects as directed.

Qualifications

• Strong skills in HR data analysis and reporting, including comfort with HR metrics and workforce analytics
• Solid understanding of core HR processes, such as employee lifecycle, organizational management, compensation, and performance
• Demonstrates knowledge of applying AI and digital automation to improve HR efficiency, insight, and employee experience
• Utilizes data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Workday Prism
• Ability to translate complex technical and data topics into clear language for non-technical stakeholders
• Strong relationship-building skills and comfort working with senior leaders
• Curious and solutions oriented, with a bias for action
• Comfortable balancing strategic planning with hands-on configuration and analysis
• Strong attention to detail, with a focus on data quality and control
• Collaborative partner who can influence without relying on formal authority
• 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
• Consistently demonstrates thought leadership, and the creation and implementation of best practices aligned with the Firm's goals and objectives
• Professional demeanor, high emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity and ability to interact effectively with all levels
• Demonstrates effective decision making
• Demonstrates fiscal responsibility
• Demonstrates collegiality, creativity, and strategic thinking and planning when dealing with Firm leadership, departments and offices
• Strong technological skills and knowledge of relevant Firm computer software programs (e.g., Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), project management and database applications, with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
• Emulates, through leadership, the Firm's core values
• Strong communicator capable of developing and leading communications efforts across multiple platforms
• Proven success developing relationships and collaborating with stakeholders
• Strong writing abilities across multiple platforms and excellent verbal communication skills
• Strong ability to engage and collaborate with Firm leadership and senior professional personnel
• Ability to handle/manage multiple projects simultaneously with high degree of quality, speed and flexibility for change
• Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize multiple processes and projects and delegate effectively
• Proven skills in creative ideation and engagement
• Strong experience and track record on leading successful projects and transformations to support Firm-wide initiatives and priorities
• Excellent planning, organization and time management skills
• Team player able to collaborate effectively with internal people teams
• A creative problem solver focused on continuous improvement with an innovative mindset
• Ability to handle difficult situations with poise and diplomacy and to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgement
• Current knowledge of industry best practices, trend and techniques
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational and planning skills
• Knowledge of and ability to administer Firm operations, policies and procedures
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
• Experience with Microsoft Office, with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
• 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, Information Systems, Data Analytics, or related field
• Minimum of 15 years of related experience, including HCM systems management and working in a global or multi-country organization with complex organizational structures.
• Minimum of 5 years experience building and leading technology teams with varying levels of experience.
• Minimum of 8 years experience with Workday HCM in a configuration or product owner role including multiple modules, such as Recruiting, Talent, Performance, Advanced Compensation, or Time and Absence.

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

$270,000 - $300,000

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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