HR Generalist

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.

Success at SOM Means

• Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.

• Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.

• Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.

• Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.

• Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.

• Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

We are seeking an experienced Human Resources professional to join our Human Resources Team supporting our offices in New York and Washington, D.C.. This position located in our New York City office, works directly with all staff in providing trusted advice and hands-on support to drive performance and engagement. In addition, you will work with our global team of Generalists on our annual firmwide HR initiatives and other HR projects to help improve the employee experience. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and high performing HR professional who is eager to join a fast-paced global firm.

Position Responsibilities

• Primary point of contact for all staff providing high quality guidance and support services on HR policies and procedures across key HR areas to achieve business objectives.

• Manage complex Employee Relations cases from start to end by coaching, supporting, mentoring, and challenging the Leadership team in the application of HR best practices in order to minimize risks and financial exposure for the business.

• Support the development and maintenance of a performance management culture within all levels of leadership and staff by managing the annual performance review process. 

• Complete all HR related processes and procedures that accompany a new hire, transfer, status change, studio change, address change, employee referral, etc.

• Build effective relationships with the business; coaching and developing all levels of leadership on HR related queries and how to develop their talent, including recruitment programs such as the Internship, Year-One, Shadowship, and mentorship programs. 

• Work with the firmwide Generalist group and Director of Human Resources to develop and implement new HR initiatives to enhance the employee experience.

• Maintain "open door" atmosphere by ensuring visibility and availability of Human Resources function to all staff members. Assists in the coordination of the local Human Resources Department to ensure outstanding support for staff is maintained at all times.

• Work with all levels of leadership in managing the end to end recruitment process and hiring the right talent, by advertising open positions through relevant channels, CV screenings, interview scheduling.

• Responsible to maintain employee data accuracy through various current HR systems including Workday and ADP. 

• Have a strong understanding of federal and local employment laws.

• Develop consistent and accurate HR analytics to support all levels of leadership in staffing, promotion, compensation, and other HR related questions. 

• Other HR duties as and when required.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Inspires and leads others by example, participates in staff mentoring and training, clearly defines team member expectations and responsibilities, empowers others, and delegates where appropriate based on team members’ recognized abilities and potential.

• In collaboration with team members, contributes to a clear and consistent work plan to achieve the project budget, deliverables, and schedule.

• Actively engages in internal professional development opportunities.

• Contributes to the implementation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments and the associated development of staff knowledge.

• Contributes to the development of standards, policies, and procedures.

• Protects SOM from financial and legal risk.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources or related field or equivalent experience.

• 5 or more years of Human Resources Generalist experience with at least 3 years' management experience.

• Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to build quick rapport with all levels of staff.

• Proven ability in problem identification, problem solving and conflict resolution.

• Thorough knowledge of all applicable local employment laws.

• Experience in Google Suite including Google sheets, Google Docs, Google Slides, and HRIS experience with Workday preferred.

Are you ready to join a team of creative professionals working on transformational projects around the world? Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to build a better future with SOM. 

Our Benefits:

Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance

Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs

Work/Life Balance: Inquire about our approach to flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program

Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development 

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $85,000 to $110,000. 

Our Culture:

Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. Here, you’ll collaborate with industry experts on some of the most exciting and transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects in the world.

We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices. 

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy as well as additional information such as a privacy notice for California residents and how to apply offline.

For more about SOM: www.som.com

Portfolios must be submitted for all design and project management positions (Architecture, Interiors, City Design, Graphics, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed.  Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.