The Manager - HR (PMS) will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the Performance Management System within the legal firm. The role ensures alignment of individual lawyer and staff performance with the firm's strategic goals, promotes a high-performance culture, and supports talent development and retention.

Key Responsibilities

1. Goal Setting & Alignment

- Develop and implement KPIs/KRAs tailored for legal professionals (Partners, Associates, Paralegals, and Support Staff)

- Align individual and team goals with firm objectives such as billable hours, client satisfaction, case success rates, and compliance

- Collaborate with Practice Heads to define role-specific performance metrics

2. Performance Monitoring

- Establish continuous performance tracking mechanisms (monthly/quarterly reviews)

- Monitor billable vs non-billable hours, productivity, and utilization rates

- Enable real-time feedback culture instead of annual-only reviews

3. Performance Appraisal Management

- Design and manage the annual/bi-annual appraisal cycle

- Facilitate self-assessments, peer reviews, and manager evaluations

- Ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency in ratings across practice groups

4. Coaching & Development

- Identify skill gaps in legal, client handling, and business development competencies

- Design Individual Development Plans (IDPs) and Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs)

- Partner with Learning & Development to organize legal and behavioral training programs

5. Talent Analytics & Rewards

- Analyze performance data to support compensation revisions, bonuses, and promotions

- Work closely with leadership on retention strategies for top-performing lawyers

- Develop reward and recognition frameworks aligned with performance outcomes

6. PMS Process Governance

- Ensure PMS processes comply with firm policies and legal/ethical standards

- Maintain documentation and audit readiness

- Continuously improve PMS frameworks based on feedback and industry best practices

7. Stakeholder Management

- Act as a strategic partner to Partners, Practice Heads, and senior leadership

- Train managers on effective performance conversations and feedback delivery

- Address employee concerns related to performance evaluation

Required Skills & Competencies:

- Strong understanding of Performance Management Systems, especially in professional services/legal firms

- Knowledge of legal industry KPIs (billable hours, realization rates, client retention)

- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

- Analytical mindset with ability to interpret performance data

- Experience in HRIS/PMS tools

- High level of confidentiality and professionalism

Qualifications:

- MBA/PGDM in Human Resources or equivalent

- 6-10 years of HR experience with a focus on PMS/Talent Management

- Experience in a law firm, consulting, or professional services firm preferred

Key Success Metrics:

- Improvement in employee performance and productivity

- High completion rate of appraisal cycles within timelines

- Reduction in attrition of high performers

- Increased employee engagement and satisfaction scores