HR Operations Senior Analyst in Chicago, Illinois at Sidley Austin LLP

The HR Operations Senior Analyst supports new and existing Workday HCM system functionality and HR operational process design and administration. This role is a lead in the implementation, testing, and support of Workday and other HR systems, and is accountable for data management, case resolution, process documentation, operational administration, and supporting all aspects of functional reporting from all HR systems. Working within the HR Operations team, the Senior Analyst plays a hands-on role in carrying out HR programs and procedures across the colleague's lifecycle. The Senior Analyst is expected to execute all HR Operations processes owning processes end-to-end, understanding how those processes interconnect with broader HR and firm operations, and maintaining up-to-date process documentation. This individual serves as a senior resource and escalation point within the team, a go-to subject matter expert for complex processes, and a driver of continuous improvement, governance, and knowledge management across HR Operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as a Workday HCM subject matter expert for the HR Operations scope catalog and processes, maintaining a thorough understanding of relevant business processes, system configurations, and downstream impacts across HR and the broader firm ecosystem.

• Administers and maintains Workday Time Tracking and Absence Management modules, including time entry templates, time calculation tags, time off plans, accrual plans, leave of absence types, eligibility rules, and period schedules; partners with Payroll to ensure accurate downstream processing and resolves time entry and absence calculation issues in a timely manner.

• Conducts and leads regular Workday data audits for transactions entered via Employee Self Service, Manager Self Service and by Local HR to maintain overall data integrity, identifying and resolving inconsistencies in accordance with firm procedures.

• Owns end-to-end internal compliance audit program participation for assigned areas including I-9 document retention, background check verification, Workday data accuracy audits, and case management quality reviews; drives resolution, tracks findings, and escalates systemic risk to HR Operations leadership.

• Prepares and inputs people and job data in Workday for employee lifecycle events including new hire, job change, termination, personal data changes, compensation adjustments, position updates, and other required data transactions.

• Reviews and verifies source data to confirm accuracy and completeness prior to entry; follows up with appropriate parties to resolve discrepancies or missing information.

• Owns assigned HR processes end-to-end, including maintaining accurate and current process documentation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Quick Reference Guides (QRGs)/job aids, Knowledge Bank and templates to support consistency and knowledge continuity across the team; trains team members on process updates and serves as subject matter expert for HR Operations knowledge management.

• Manages and resolves Workday Help cases as a Level 5 escalated responder and senior escalation resource within the HR Operations team; owns SLA compliance for assigned cases per SOP-2.1.1; guides junior team members on case documentation standards, priority classification, and escalation judgment; conducts periodic case queue quality audits and contributes to case management performance metrics; triages, tracks, and closes tickets within established service level expectations.

• Serves as a primary technical resource for complex Workday transactions including rescinds, retroactive corrections, duplicate worker resolution, and multi-system corrections; leads downstream impact assessment and coordinates cross-functional alignment (Payroll, Benefits, IAM, Local HR) before executing correction actions; obtains required dual-approval per established protocols.

• Supports oversight of the People Operations downstream notification process for in-scope transactions; participates in UAT for notification enhancements; serves as a reviewer for daily exception reports and escalations; supports the Partner/IP manual notification process as needed.

• Manages contingent worker lifecycle transactions in Workday including hire, extension, termination, and data corrections as a senior resource; ensures all CWR notifications and downstream alerts are transmitted per established protocols.

• Serves as a senior resource for Partner Relations data transactions in Workday including lawyer information updates, admissions tracking, jurisdictions, and bar membership updates.

• Runs, formats, and distributes Workday reports to key stakeholders on a scheduled and ad hoc basis; leads HR Operations performance reporting and contributes to the development of the HR Operations KPI and scorecard framework; proactively identifies process improvement opportunities and proposes automation or standardization solutions.

• Inputs and maintains documents in electronic personnel files via OnBase, ensuring proper organization and retrieval standards are followed.

• Supports Workday system testing, updates, and enhancements, serving as a senior owner and knowledgeable participant in testing and process validation efforts.

• Assists with HR department projects and initiatives as needed.

• Performs other related duties as required and assigned

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree

• Strong data entry skills, both alpha and numeric

• High level of attention to detail must demonstrate use of process and resource materials with keen eye and passion for defect-free process and data accuracy

• Working knowledge of Workday, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Creation, adherence, and continuous improvement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Quick Reference Guides (QRGs)/job aids, and process flow documentation

• Strong service delivery mentality with demonstrated experience working with sensitive HR data and case management platforms

• Demonstrated experience leading or peer-reviewing Workday data processes and SLA-driven case management queues; ability to guide others on documentation standards, priority classification, and escalation judgment

• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the firm, tailoring communication styles to leadership preferences

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with peers, stakeholders, and project team members

• Curious, self-starter who can navigate complex processes and bring a continuous improvement mindset to processing protocols

• A minimum of 2 years of experience administering HR systems and data processes

Preferred:

• Prior HR experience

• Prior experience with cloud-based Human Resources Information Systems, preferably Workday HCM

• Experience with HR reporting tools, data quality analysis, and contribution to continuous improvement or automation initiatives

• Experience with knowledge management, training delivery, or SOP/QRG governance

• Hands-on Workday administration, with a strong emphasis on Time Tracking and Absence Management modules

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills

• Strong attention to detail

• Good judgment

• Strong interpersonal communication skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others

• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion

• Able to work under pressure

• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

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The target salary range for this role is:

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email sidleytalentacquisition@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Sidley is an elite global law firm with a known reputation of deploying innovative strategies to achieve powerful results.