Description & Requirements
This role can be based in either Austria, Germany or Switzerland.
The HR Business Partner, DACH will support the Practice Group Talent Leads with PG-related Talent services in a given market grouping/cluster, aligned with the regional's strategic direction, vision, and values in a highly matrixed organization.
Main responsibilities:
Strategy:
- Work closely with the Local Practice Group Heads (LPGH) in the market grouping to align HR strategies with Practice Group (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 in the local PGs in the market grouping
Pipeline Management & Promotions:
- Manage Talent pipeline, 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 in the market grouping, working with the PG Talent Lead(s) to compile materials for candidates
- Advise on the annual matriculation process for Associates advancing class years
- Facilitate discussions with Practice Group Leads (PGLs) to support the talent mapping/pipeline process
- Talent Reviews: 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 in the market grouping
- Evaluate performance results with the LPGHs; work with the LPGHs to identify and implement solutions and programs for underperforming and 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 across the market grouping 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 LPGH & 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 Management (KM) to ensure practice-specific training is appropriate and well attended
Reward:
- Partner Reward: Provide input to Principal and LP compensation process
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
Workforce Planning:
- Team planning and management for the PG: partner with LPGHs in the market grouping 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 (on market grouping level) by developing and executing strategies and initiatives for workforce planning, succession planning and talent retention
Integration:
- Serve as a key liaison in the market grouping 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
Onboarding:
- Host PG-orientations for the lawyers in the market grouping and be available as a resource
- Liaise with other functional teams to support new joiners in learning Firm tools, technology, operations, and strategies
Mobility:
- Participate in strategic mobility planning on market grouping level to identify development opportunities, share capacity etc.; 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 LPGHs on employee relations matters liaising closely with Office Talent teams as necessary
Engagement (on PG-level in the market grouping):
- Work closely with LPGHs to understand key themes and areas of focus to develop and implement PG engagement plans across the region/market grouping; Follow-up on BakerPulse engagement surveys across the practice groups in the market grouping, consistent with overall EMEA approach; Partner with LPGHs to facilitate communications and develop medium- and long-term engagement plans
Recruitment:
- Identify gaps, evaluate staffing options, coordinate the onboarding/ induction for the PG (at market grouping level), 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, fluent English is required
- A high level of and attention to detail
- Can demonstrate ability to solve problems and drive results with a sense of urgency in setting strategies and executing against the objectives
- Able 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 values
Location: Austria, Germany or Switzerland
Reports to: PG Talent Lead(s)
Development framework: Manager
Travel requirements: Some travel is required to the Firm's offices across the region.
About us
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.
Additional Information
To Apply
At Baker McKenzie we welcome direct applications.
Please click on the Apply icon to start the online application process for this role. We will then be in touch with you once we have reviewed your application. If you are unable to apply online, please contact Vanessa Renforth in the Recruitment Team on either +44 20 7072 5731 or Vanessa.Renforth@bakermckenzie.com
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.
Requisition ID: 2404
Posting Date: 25-Sep-2026
Location Type: Hybrid
Full Time or Part Time: Full Time