McGuireWoods LLP is seeking an experienced HRIS Manager to join the team in our Chicago, Illinois office. The HRIS Manager serves as the firm’s subject-matter expert and strategic owner of the Human Resources Information System (HRIS), with a primary focus on Ceridian Dayforce and Aderant (viEval, viRTF, viRecruit). This role is responsible for the configuration, optimization, integrity, and governance of all HR systems supporting a large, complex, and highly regulated professional services environment. The HRIS Manager partners closely with HR leadership, Payroll, IT, Finance, and Compliance to ensure systems scalability, data accuracy, security, and alignment with firmwide business objectives.

McGuireWoods, one of the world’s leading law firms, has provided legal solutions to corporate, individual and nonprofit clients since 1834. Along with excellent benefits, McGuireWoods offers most employees a hybrid remote option allowing flexibility and work-life balance. Our Applicant Disclosures describe your rights. Our Privacy Statement describes how we will process and safeguard your personal data.

HRIS Strategy & Governance

• Own the end-to-end administration and optimization of Dayforce, including Core HR, Payroll, Benefits, Time & Attendance, Talent, Reporting, and Security.
• Establish and maintain HRIS governance frameworks, data standards, and system controls.
• Serve as the primary liaison with Ceridian, managing vendor relationships, supporting escalations, upgrades, and roadmap planning.
• Evaluate and lead HR technology enhancements, integrations, and implementations aligned with firm strategy.

System Configuration & Optimization

• Configure, test, and maintain Dayforce to support complex organizational structures, multi-entity payrolls, attorney and business professional populations, and multi-jurisdictional compliance requirements.
• Lead system releases, regression testing, enhancements, and user acceptance testing.
• Ensure configurations align with compensation, benefits, performance management, and talent strategies.
• Ensures system and file room security and compliance by monitoring access and restricting availability to individuals with a legitimate business need, in accordance with company policy and applicable regulations.

Data Integrity, Reporting & Analytics

• Ensure data accuracy, audit readiness, and regulatory compliance, including strong internal controls and security protocols.
• Deliver advanced reporting, dashboards, and workforce analytics for HR leadership and firm management.
• Partner with Finance and Compensation to support workforce planning, headcount modeling, and budgeting initiatives.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Collaborate with Payroll, IT, Benefits, Talent Acquisition, and DEI teams on system workflows and integrations.
• Support firmwide initiatives such as mergers, office openings, compensation changes, and policy updates.
• Act as a trusted advisor to HR leadership on system risks, opportunities, and capabilities.

Leadership & Support

• Lead, mentor, and develop HRIS analysts or administrators (where applicable).
• Provide senior-level support and escalation management for complex HRIS issues.
• Maintain system documentation, SOPs, and training materials.

Supervisory

• Perform full supervisory responsibilities, including interviewing, selecting, and training employees; setting and adjusting compensation and work schedules; preparing and conducting performance evaluations; providing coaching and corrective counseling; and planning, assigning, and apportioning work to ensure operational effectiveness.
• Serve as backup to the Sr. HRIS Specialist and HR Assistant as operational needs require, ensuring continuity of HRIS functions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on Ceridian Dayforce experience, including payroll and core HR modules.
• 7+ years of progressive HRIS experience, preferably within a large law firm or professional services environment.
• Experience supporting multi-national, multi-office, multi-state, exempt and non-exempt populations.
• Strong understanding of HR processes, payroll compliance, data governance, and system controls.
• Advanced reporting and analytics capabilities within Dayforce.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, Internet/Intranet, Microsoft Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an AmLaw 100 or similarly complex professional services organization.
• Dayforce certifications (Payroll, Implementation, or Advanced Configuration).
• Experience supporting attorney compensation structures and incentive programs.
• Project management experience leading major HRIS implementations or system upgrades.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Strong ability to translate business needs into a technical solution.
• Strong planning and execution skills.
• Highly developed trouble shooting and problem-solving skills including identification and execution of key analyses and the ability to synthesize and present compelling recommendations.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing, negotiation, research and time and resource management skills.
• Demonstrated project management skills with proven leadership experience in all phases of the implementation lifecycle in HR Systems projects.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness and desire to work with innovative technology platforms - our employees also have access to Harvey, a legal-specific AI tool that reduces time spent on routine tasks, allowing you to focus on more meaningful, high-impact work.

Have more questions? Connect with a recruiter directly. #LI-ER1