Director of Talent Systems

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 24 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.

What You’ll Do

Are you a transformational HR technology leader who can successfully drive large-scale system implementations while building sustainable, high-performing operations?

Kirkland is seeking a Director of Talent Systems to lead the evolution of our Human Capital Management (HCM) ecosystem and oversee a significant enterprise-wide transformation initiative. Reporting to the Director of Benefits, Compensation & Talent Systems, this role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution across HR technology, talent data, process optimization, automation, and operations. You will partner with leaders across Human Resources (HR), Information Technology (IT), Finance, and the business to deliver scalable solutions, strengthen operational excellence, and enhance the employee experience throughout the talent lifecycle.

• Lead HCM Transformation: Serve as a key leader for a large-scale Human Capital Management (HCM) implementation, overseeing planning, design, configuration, testing, deployment, and post-go-live stabilization.
• Develop Talent & Influence Stakeholders: Lead and mentor HRIS and HR operations teams while serving as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on transformation initiatives and ongoing system performance.
• Drive Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with HR, Information Technology (IT), Finance, business leaders, and external vendors to align technology capabilities with organizational priorities.
• Establish Governance & Execution Excellence: Develop implementation roadmaps, governance structures, release management processes, and risk mitigation strategies that support successful delivery and long-term scalability.
• Oversee System Architecture & Performance: Own the HR technology roadmap, prioritize enhancements and upgrades, and ensure system reliability, stability, and compliance.
• Lead Data & Reporting Operations: Guide talent data governance, integrations, reporting, and analytics initiatives while maintaining accurate, secure, and audit-ready data.
• Champion Automation & Artificial Intelligence (AI): Continuously identify opportunities to automate, streamline, or eliminate manual work, including use of AI and automation tools, with the goal of shifting time and focus on higher value, strategic Talent work.
• Optimize HR Operations: Develop skillsets as tools and capabilities evolve; success in this role includes improving how the work is done, not just completing the work as it exists today.

What You’ll Bring

• Relevant Experience: 15+ years of progressive experience in Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), HR technology, HR operations, or related disciplines.
• HCM Implementation Expertise: Proven success leading complex enterprise-wide Human Capital Management (HCM) implementations, including platforms such as Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM, or similar solutions.
• Talent Systems Knowledge: Deep expertise across Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), Learning Management Systems (LMS), performance management platforms, and broader HR technology ecosystems.
• People Leadership: Demonstrated experience building, leading, and developing high-performing teams while fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
• Operational & Process Excellence: Strong understanding of HR processes across the employee lifecycle with expertise in governance, controls, process optimization, and service delivery.
• Change Management & Stakeholder Influence: Ability to navigate complex organizations, manage competing priorities and drive adoption through effective communication and partnership.
• Strategic & Analytical Mindset: Experience leveraging data, technology automation, and business insights to solve problems, improve performance, and support organizational growth.
• Education & Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Information Systems, Business Administration, or a related field preferred; project management, Agile, or HR technology certifications are a plus.

If you're excited to lead transformative HR technology initiatives, modernise talent operations, and make a lasting impact as a Director of Talent Systems , we’d love to hear from you!

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

Chicago: $268,000 - $335,000

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #LI-Hybrid #LI-LC1