Vera Effmert

Assumed additional responsibility for HR strategies in Poland, Hungary Czech Republic, and Ukraine, resulting in:

• Collaborating closely with Country Presidents and the Regional Executive Officer to ensure strategic alignment
• Providing oversight and guidance on local HR practices, including the annual compensation cycle, as well as supporting HR projects such as the implementation of new global HR software
• Effectively managing and mentoring one HR colleague in Poland, ensuring smooth technical operations, and fostering professional growth.

Holding HR site responsibility for the Düsseldorf branch with 90 employees and provide overall supervision for 170 employees across Germany championing HR initiatives in the following areas:

• Provided expert-level guidance and support to managers in Germany and Europe on relevant HR topics to ensure compliance with HR regulations and best practices
• Managed HR-specific change processes, such as restructuring, developing new working time models, and introducing new HR software
• Optimized HR processes and HR strategies, including mobile working, succession planning, and talent identification and retention
• Implemented occupational health and safety measures
• Engaged in constructive negotiations with the local works council to establish beneficial works council agreements and promote a harmonious working relationship
• Designed onboarding programs and internal workshops to facilitate a seamless integration of new employees and foster professional growth
• Led the annual performance management process, promoting a culture of accountability and driving continuous improvement in employee performance
• Guided managers throughout the entire recruiting process with a focus on ensuring acquisition of top talent
• Shaped a competitive, market-driven compensation policy, harmonizing compensation systems during post-merger integration
• Acted as a vital interface to local payroll for accurate and efficient payroll processes
• Promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives within the organization, fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment.

Delivered a positive employee experience by promptly addressing HR inquiries from legal trainees while ensuring open communication:

• Managed HR matters by providing comprehensive and location-spanning guidance to equity partners and employing effective HR practices
• Led strategic personnel development initiatives to identify professional growth and advancement opportunities for legal trainees
• Enhanced employer branding and recruiting efforts for legal trainees through the creation of compelling employer profiles on social media
• Ensured precise and timely salary accounting for legal trainees, optimizing payroll processes and maintaining compliance with relevant regulations
• Led all aspects of budget planning and control for the entire HR department, optimizing financial outcomes and resource allocation to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

Exerted significant influence on talent acquisition strategies and initiatives to drive successful recruitment outcomes and attract top-tier talent to the law firm:

• Fostered control and optimization of the end-to-end recruiting process across diverse employee groups and locations, resulting in a streamlined and highly efficient talent acquisition strategy
• Created compelling print and online advertisements that effectively captured the attention of qualified candidates
• Demonstrated strong applicant management skills through interviews to identify the most suitable candidates and promoting a positive candidate journey
• Established and strengthened long-term professional relationships with external personnel consultants
• Revamped the entire recruiting process by implementing a new recruiting software driving a significant improvement in efficiency .