Baker McKenzie

The Tax Practice Group Talent Lead, EMEA - 6-Month Fixed-Term Contract will support the Tax Practice Group in EMEA working collaboratively with the Practice Group Leader (PGL) and the PG Business Manager (BM). This role aims to provide the practice group with Talent services (in the broad sense of the word), aligned with the regional’s strategic direction, vision, and values in a highly matrixed organization.

The role-holder will operate as a Talent Management business professional for the PGL and BM, understanding the strategic needs of their people and coordinating with the appropriate business professionals to execute.

Main responsibilities: 

Strategy:

• Build a deep understanding of the business model and strategic goals and work closely with business leaders to align HR strategies with PG organizational goals, ensuring that workforce initiatives directly support business priorities and financial targets (incl. total cost to company and cost effectiveness contributions etc.)
• Develop and implement the PG Talent Strategy

Pipeline Management & Promotions:

• Talent pipeline management, succession planning and management of the promotion process on PG-level (in partnership with the Partner Matters Talent Director/Team)
• Support and coordinate the promotion process from Associate to Local Partner/Counsel, working with the Business Manager for the practice group to compile materials for candidates
• Advise on the annual matriculation process for Associates advancing class years
• Facilitate discussions with PGLs to support the talent mapping/pipeline process
• Support & coordinate the EMEA Talent Review process for the PG

Performance Management (Fee Earners):

• Run/lead/support/coordinate the Associate, Counsel and Local Partner performance management processes (e.g., annual evaluation and promotion processes, incl. moderation and calibration meetings) for the assigned practice group
• Evaluate performance results with the PGLs; work with the PGLs to identify and implement solutions and programs for underperforming and high potential talent as well as high-potential talent
• Coach Partners on Associate performance issues
• Sit in on performance review meetings when needed
• Escalate high-risk or employee relations situations to Office Talent Leads

Career Development (Fee Earners):

• Coordinate nomination for EMEA programs, assess and identify lawyer training needs and address in partnership with EMEA Leadership and Learning Lead, provide individual career development coaching sessions on an as-needed basis
• Coordinate nomination for internal and external programs, assess and identify lawyer training needs, and address them in partnership with PGL & Leadership and Learning team
• Lead regional career conversations program focusing on high-level conversations between attorneys and Firm leaders to support desired career path
• Work with Knowledge to ensure practice-specific training is appropriate and well attended

Coaching & Counselling:

• Provide individual career development coaching and counselling sessions and work with individuals on their development plans and business plans
• Coach attorneys through performance issues

Reward:

• Provide input to Principal and LP compensation process. Co-approve LP compensation

Workforce Planning:

• Team planning and management for the PG: partnering with PG BMs on team shape, capacity review and utilization. Special attention to be drawn to ID&E-aspects
• Headcount right-sizing programs: Collaborate and seek advice with Office Talent Leads in case of Headcount right-sizing programs and individual redundancies
• Engage in PG workforce planning by developing and executing strategies and initiatives for workforce planning, succession planning and talent retention

Integration:

• Serve as a key liaison to support and facilitate integration of lateral Partners, Associates, and incoming first-year Associates
• Develop and coordinate a one-year integration plan for lateral Partners
• Oversee ramping up and down of attorneys from temporary departures/leaves of absence

On-boarding:

• Host PG-orientations for the lawyers and be available as a resource
• Liaise with other functional teams to support new joiners in learning Firm tools, technology, operations, and strategies

Mobility:

• Strategic mobility planning alongside PGL to identify development opportunities, share capacity etc. and liaise with Global Mobility Advisory Group and office-based Talent Management on mobility issues throughout the PG in EMEA

Employee Relations:

• Provide commercial advice and guidance to EMEA PG leadership on employee relations matters liaising closely with Office talent teams as necessary

Engagement (on PG-level):

• Work closely with EMEA PGLs and BM's to understand key themes and areas of focus to develop and implement PG engagement plans across EMEA
• Follow-up on BakerPulse engagement surveys across the practice group, consistent with overall EMEA approach
• Partner with PGL to facilitate communications and develop medium and long term engagement plans

Recruitment:

• Identify gaps, evaluate staffing options, coordinate the on-boarding/ induction for the PG, including lateral hire integration (serve as key liaison to support and facilitate integration of lateral Partners in EMEA)

Partner with other People Teams:

• Partner closely with People Centres of Excellence to drive for results and innovative people solutions
• Close coordination with office-based Talent Management in relation to operational items/employee relations, provide HR advisory support to the PGLs on people-related issues
• Partnership with the People and EMEA leadership teams to help develop optimal People strategy, infrastructure and resources for EMEA

Talent Projects:

• Collaborate in the design & implementation of Global/Regional Talent strategy and initiatives

Skills and experience:

• A bachelor’s degree focusing on Talent, Professional Development, Organizational Development, Management, or other related areas; JD or law firm experience preferred
• Extensive experience in Talent Management, preferably in a professional services environment
• Experience working across multiple locations and jurisdictions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail; fluent written and spoken English is required
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and drive results with a sense of urgency in setting strategies and executing against the objectives
• Proven ability to influence, interact, and consult with senior leaders, strong collaboration skills, and effective stakeholder management
• Strong coaching, counselling, business acumen, and overall communication skills
• Knowledge of and involvement in the larger professional development/talent management community a plus
• Prioritizes collaboration and teamwork value

Location: Amsterdam, London, Madrid

Reports to: PG Senior Business Manager & People Director - EMEA

Direct reports: HRBPs allocated to this PG

Travel requirements: Some travel is required to the Firm's offices across the region

Position type: In Market

Development framework: Senior Manager

Baker McKenzie empowers clients to compete in the global economy. We provide comprehensive and practical legal advice that cuts through complexity with clear, actionable guidance. Our people represent diverse cultures and jurisdictions, combining local know-how with international expertise to ensure your business thrives across borders.

Baker McKenzie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion for all. Our unique international culture is reflected in the drawing together of a worldwide family of individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds in all of our offices. We encourage the best people - regardless of race, religion or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or age - to fulfill their professional aspirations with us. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.