Baker McKenzie

The Associate Director, Business Management – Employment and Compensation will lead and coordinate business operations for the Employment and Compensation Practice Group within the Americas with the aim of driving and enhancing practice performance in line with the global practice strategy and the overall strategy of the Firm.  

Main responsibilities:

• Advise and support the Practice Group Leader on strategic, business, and operational matters across the Americas region
• Develop, update and monitor the business plan of the practice and help set and manage the budget proactively to ensure effective implementation of the Firm strategy
• Drive improvements in operational and financial performance by monitoring and analysing key performance indicators at practice and service line level, ensuring alignment with planned targets (including cost management, working capital, staffing, and margin contribution)
• Collaborate and align with all Alliance E&C PGLs and BMs on cohesive Global E&C Plan and execution of such
• Ensure cross-practice and cross-functional initiatives implementation at the Practice Group level and coordinate resources from other Business Professional functions supporting the same Practice Group to ensure proper coverage and effective strategy execution
• Formulate and operationalize strategic initiatives leveraging our geographic, industry, and client reach, with a clear view to building market presence and generating revenue
• Capture efficiency and innovation opportunities for the main service lines by leading and participating in initiatives, aligned within the global practice and with other Practice Groups
• Ensure appropriate resourcing model, headcount planning, staffing, and talent pipeline (including training and performance management) leveraging support from, and in coordination with, other Business Professional functions
• Coordinate interactions with Industry Groups making sure that go-to-market and service delivery is appropriate for clients in those sectors
• Monitor and ensure effective implementation of client and business development plans leveraging support from other Business Professional functions
• Coordinate internal Practice Group engagement activities and meetings fostering positive and open communication
• Leverage services provided by shared service centres and specialist functions within the organization to drive excellence and efficiency
• Lead and participate in projects for the practice

Skills and experience:

• A relevant undergraduate degree required, an MBA is preferred
• Good professional management experience in a global setting, ideally in a professional services environment
• Proficient in law firm operations, legal accounting, and finance
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint and advanced functions of Excel
• An understanding of the elements of law firm profitability at practice group, service line, client, matter, and attorney level
• Strong business sense and good judgment in problem-solving
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Effective communication at all organizational levels
• Experience with business management, including an understanding of the challenges of operating in different markets regionally
• Able to manage multiple complex operations with continual attention to detail (including accuracy with numbers)
• Experience conducting complex qualitative and quantitative analysis, interpreting results, and suggesting action plans
• Experience coordinating people in different locations and cultures
• Able to work effectively in informal teams and collaborate cross-practice and cross-function in a global organization

Location: Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Washington, or Toronto,

Reports to: North America Regional Operating Officer

Travel requirements: Regional travel is required to join in-person Practice Group meetings, Steering Committee meetings, some of the regional and annual meetings and other internal and external events related to the Practice Group as requested

Position type: Regional North America

Development framework: Associate Director

At Baker McKenzie we are different in the way we think, work and behave. With our team of 13,000 people, including over 6,500 locally admitted lawyers, in over 70 offices worldwide, we have a passionately collaborative community of 60 nationalities and are committed to world-class career development to everyone in every job at every level. Baker McKenzie can offer you both the uncompromising commitment to excellence expected of a top firm paired with a passionately global and genuinely collaborative working environment.

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. Should candidates require any reasonable adjustments and/or accommodations when applying to or interviewing with our Firm, please notify recruitmentservices@bakermckenzie.com 

Pay Transparency 

• This position is bonus eligible and includes benefits such as medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) based on number of hours worked. 
• California notice: Background checks for applicants will be administered in accordance with applicable law, and qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment consistent with those laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, for US-based candidates.

If located in an office in one of the states below, the US base compensation for this position is expected to be in the range listed. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.