Job Title HR Operations Specialist Job Location London Description About Kirkland & Ellis At Kirkland & Ellis, we don't just meet the standard for legal excellence — we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000 people, including 4,000 attorneys, across 22 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers' commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward. Position Overview This position is assigned to the HR Operations department, whose goal is to support the efficient operation of the Firm's Talent function, by effectively managing systems, data, and information processes. The HR Operations department is primarily responsible for updating and maintaining accurate HR, Benefit, Payroll, Timestamp and Absence-related data in the Firm's Core HCM system (PeopleSoft), ensuring that HR data is regularly audited, reliable, and fit for reporting and payroll processing. This position is expected to foster and maintain professional working relationships with internal business partners while providing first-class service and support to the team's internal customers. Job Responsibilities HCM System Data Entry and Support Train all international-office Talent/HR Data Entry staff on completing accurate and timely entries into the Firm's HCM system, PeopleSoft, including re/hires, full life-cycle changes such as job title updates and promotions, office and department transfers, compensation and bonus updates, personal changes such as name, phone, address, email, citizenship, education, a variety of benefit enrolments, setting up and maintaining dependents/beneficiaries and trusts, and terminations. Train, mentor, and coach all international offices on the appropriate use of PeopleSoft modules (HR, Time, Absence, and Benefits), data confidentiality, and data definitions. Provide functional support of the PeopleSoft modules that the international offices utilise, including testing PeopleSoft upgrades and initiatives, and applying project management technics in support of logging, tracking, and working through root cause analysis, bug fixes and system enhancements. Actively participate in the documentation of all International-office HR Operations business processes. Provide cover with data entries as and when needed for all international offices (may be up to 30% of the position at any given point in time). Review data quality audit alerts and ensure follow-up team training. Participate in bug/fix and system-enhancement projects, and deliver solutions intended to improve the employee and manager experience within the Firm's HCM system. Participate in HR optimization and HR data related initiatives such as implementing new applications and tools. Payroll Administration - UK Pr epare the data input and validate monthly payroll information for London and Riyadh offices on behalf of the HR Operations team. Ensure all payroll data is accurate, timely, and documented, with clear records of any amendments. Participate in control views initiated by the Firm's Internal Audit department. Partner with Finance to ensure payroll compliance and integrity of related data. Time and Absence Responsible for UK timekeeping, utilizing the time and absence modules within PeopleSoft, and provide oversight and governance for all other international offices timekeeping practices. Complete regular audits and analysis relating to timekeeping. Partner closely with other HR/talent teams to ensure accurate, up-to-date data. Work closely with US colleagues on escalations, system issues as well as technology or process improvements. Reporting/Management Information Provide timely and meaningful, and accurate query output for requestors based on requirements provided. Run standard audit queries to identify data entry errors. Assist in the development of reporting capabilities on behalf of the international Assist with monthly reporting, absence reporting and reconciliations as well as year-end processes. General Develop and maintain strong, interactive relationships with all members of the Global HR/Talent teams. Maintain and develop the International and London SharePoint pages. Oversee, monitor, and ensure all enquiries via the London HR Operations inbox are answered quickly, professionally and contain correct and reliable information. Act as a change champion by identifying inefficiencies, proposing improvements, and seeking opportunities for synergies across processes and teams, ensuring alignment with the Firm's strategic approach and operational excellence. Other duties as assigned. The HR Operations Specialist role is a broad role that supports the entire team's efforts and will be expected to manage and execute on assigned tasks within any of the disciplines we are responsible for. Qualifications Education, Work Experience, Skills A bachelor's degree is strongly preferred and sound experience of working with HR systems. Highly effective writing and communications skills, and the ability to communicate credibly and diplomatically with all levels. Excellent time management and organizational skills, and the ability to simultaneously manage multiple highly detailed projects. Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate with a diverse group of Attorneys, staff and clients and provide information with ordinary courtesy and tact while safeguarding confidentiality. Excellent attention to detail and follow-through skills. High comfort level with demanding job requirements. Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure. Ability to keep confidential any information, observations or viewpoints regarding Firm personnel or matters. Ability to solve problems on an immediate basis and work using initiative. Ability to demonstrate a flexible and hands-on attitude. Experience in leading projects and knowledge of project management techniques. Technologies/Software Excellent IT skills (Work, Excel, and PowerPoint). Advanced Excel is essential. Experience of HR Systems Experience of PeopleSoft in a functional capacity is essential.