People Operations Specialist

Job Description: The People Operations Specialist supports the firm's employee lifecycle and HR programs, with responsibility for HRIS data maintenance, administration, and troubleshooting, as well as subject matter expertise on new and existing system functionality. This role supports the maintenance and compliance of the firm’s compensation programs and assists with the analysis and execution of performance management initiatives. The People Operations Specialist also contributes to People Operations and cross‑functional team projects and initiatives. A remote work arrangement is available for candidates within a commutable distance to our Chicago or Rochester offices. Location Chicago, IL; Rochester, NY Process employee lifecycle and organizational data in HRIS and other tools with high accuracy while adhering to deadlines; this includes but is not limited to tracking and entering all new hires, job and pay changes, and terminations. Assist with implementing updates to the HRIS and maintaining current content in the system. Generate and distribute ad hoc reports in response to client data requests in collaboration with cross‑functional departments and leadership. Own the configuration and maintenance of personnel communication tool and tracker (i.e., SmartSheet); collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure up‑to‑date, high‑quality information. Assist with training employees on using the HRIS and other people operations tools. Support integration with other enterprise and external systems that utilize people data; identify root causes of errors and promptly resolve with the appropriate parties. Ensure new hire I‑9 forms are completed in compliance with the USCIS requirements; process E‑Verify cases within established deadlines; and maintain accurate and complete I‑9 files. Monitor People Operations mailbox and assist internal clients with inquiries; liaise with subject matter experts to resolve more complex inquiries or those outside of scope. Monitor and analyze trends in People Ops inquiries and recommend responsive changes accordingly. Liaise with other HR teams to identify opportunities for people data process and workflow improvements. Own and maintain People Operations intranet content; assist with creating and maintaining training and instruction guides for HRIS and other systems/processes to improve employee experience. Maintain job description library and support the Compensation Manager in reviewing job descriptions for completion and adherence to firm standards. Provide support to the Compensation Manager in conducting job audits as necessary. Assist the Compensation Manager with salary survey submissions. Provide administrative support for the firm’s performance management processes, including Year‑Round feedback, 90‑day reviews, and annual evaluations by communicating with managers, tracking and analyzing data, using relevant tools, and recommending process improvements. Support the Compensation Manager with the administration and tracking of the annual compensation (merit and bonus) cycle. Support the administration of the firm’s employee recognition program. Assist with regulatory filings, such as EEO‑1, VETS, etc by pulling necessary data from HRIS and organizing into format required for submission. Serve as back up for People Analytics site maintenance and reporting updates. Support the People Operations department with developing and distributing internal communications. Perform other duties as assigned, including participation in cross‑functional team projects and initiatives. To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential job responsibility listed above, satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. Nixon Peabody retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. The requirements listed below are representative of the skills and abilities required. 3-5 years of HRIS or related experience in a professional environment. Experience with compensation program administration preferred. Some college required; bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred. Work experience in lieu of a degree will be considered. Working knowledge of HR system administration; experience with Dayforce or another mid‑market to enterprise HCM platform preferred. Working knowledge of federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations as they relate to HR data, record‑keeping, and compensation practices, with a commitment to maintaining compliance in day‑to‑day work. Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel including sorting/filtering data and basic calculation formulas; experience with pivot tables and/or intermediate formulas a plus. Experience with artificial intelligence tools (such as Copilot) or other AI technologies, along with an open‑minded and capable approach to learning. Strong technical aptitude with the ability to learn new systems and tools quickly, and a collaborative approach to sharing knowledge and supporting team members in adopting new technology and processes. Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills; ability to audit data for accuracy and completion. Ability to exercise professional discretion with access to data and maintain a high degree of confidentiality and security. Critical thinking: able to identify, research, and resolve issues using sound judgment aligned with team objectives and policies. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to interact with stakeholders and respond to their questions and concerns in a professional, efficient, and constructive manner. Strong project management and problem‑solving skills with ability to work cross‑functionally and meet deadlines. Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment while managing changing priorities and interruptions. Ability to work independently as part of a geographically dispersed team to complete assigned tasks and achieve goals. In accordance with applicable Federal and State laws, the anticipated annual salary range for this position, depending on location, is as follows: Chicago, IL: $70,000 - $100,100 Rochester, NY: $63,500 - $90,750 In addition to a standard benefits package, this role may be eligible for additional contingent compensation based on an array of factors, including but not limited to: work performance, geographic location, work experience, education, and qualifications. Because such contingent compensation is not yet calculable or may be zero ($0) in some circumstances, the above‑listed salary range(s) are Nixon Peabody’s good faith estimate of the annual salary(ies) it reasonably expects to pay for the position at the time of this posting. Nixon Peabody LLP is an Equal Opportunity / Aff... (full EEO statement omitted for brevity). To comply with Federal law, Nixon Peabody participates in E‑Verify. All newly‑hired employees are verified through this electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to confirm their identity and employment eligibility. Please refer to the Notice of E‑Verify Participation and the Right to Work posters on the Nixon Peabody Careers page for more information. #J-18808-Ljbffr Nixon Peabody LLP