Global Strategic Head of HR for Practice Groups

Overview of the Function

The HR function partners with all areas of the business to deliver against our core strategic priorities of providing a culture we care about; outstanding career development; an inclusive working environment; and a rewarding deal for all. We promote a culture of continuous improvement and embrace innovative ways of working to ensure we keep pace and remain competitive within the rapidly evolving market we operate within.

HR Business Partnering creates value for the firm through direct business engagement, building a culture of high achievement through delivering excellent people strategy initiatives and processes

Role summary/purpose of job

This role will focus on the development and implementation of a progressive people strategy globally for three legal areas of practice: Dispute Resolutions (DR), Antitrust, Competition & Trade (ACT) and People & Reward (P&R). This will include providing strategic support to the Global Practice Group Leaders and successfully delivering strategic change initiatives. The role holder will take personal responsibility for effecting people change working closely as a strategic advisor to the Practice Group Leaders for all significant people priorities.

The Global Head of HR for DR, ACT and P&R will work closely with the Global Chief People Officer and the HR Leadership team to deliver the global people strategy, will draw on expertise from specialists in the Global Centers of Expertise and champion a new operating model using HR Shared Services and HR Technology.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

• Play an active and highly participative role as a member of the Practice Group leadership team, contributing effectively at the highest level.
• Provide strategic HR support and advice to the Practice Group Leader and partners.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to the Practice Group HR Business Partners, resulting in regular engagement with partners across the Practice Group and take the necessary action to ensure the function is an effective and respected business partner.
• Drive people and organizational initiatives that contribute actively to a ‘one firm’ approach across Freshfields.
• Develop ways to reinforce important elements of our culture with a view to continually striving to improve behaviors, encourage respect, modernizing the way we work and further supporting progressive working practices.
• Develop and deliver the HR strategy ensuring global alignment across Practice Groups where required and local coordination.
• Facilitate effective workforce planning and decision making based on reliable core people data. Make recommendations for changes to reflect future business plans and the need to attract, retain and develop top local and international talent.
• Lead and drive the ongoing collaboration and connection of HR Business Partners, supporting the practice groups on a local basis to support the delivery of the people strategy as one team.
• Support the internal promotions process for Partnership and Counsel.
• Facilitate the delivery of an effective performance management approach that drives excellent performance.
• Build relationships with the HR Leadership team, connecting on a regular basis, manage interfaces with HR contacts across the function and contribute to, and on occasion lead, global HR projects.
• Facilitate the implementation of the firm’s approach to diversity and inclusion both in its attraction of new talent and in retention and development of existing staff.
• Facilitate effective communication and engagement between the Practice Group and global HR.
• Manage the Global Practice Group HR people budget.

Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)

Essential

• An experienced HR leader who has gained significant exposure to “best practice” HR methodologies
• A considerable number of years HR experience in an international organization in a senior HR leadership position where HR is a respected business partner, contributing on a consultative and participative basis to business success and introducing and embedding best practice
• Prior experience as a Senior Manager or Director, preferably in a law firm, professional services firm, or big four firm
• A strong HR generalist with exposure to organizational and leadership development, succession planning, performance management, compensation & benefits and experience managing sensitive people related matters
• Relevant transformation experience in managing organizational / people change
• Experience understanding and managing utilization and profitability conversations
• Actively explore new ideas and push boundaries; display comfort with risks and has confidence that possibilities are endless.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a track record of effectiveness as a people leader, team player and project leader who gets results.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to and drive results under changing conditions.
• Experience influencing and building credibility with stakeholders across all levels.
• Excellent with written and oral communication, including persuasive negotiation skills.
• Fluency in spoken and written English, proficiency in other languages advantageous

Desirable:

• Qualification in Business or People Management (such as MBA, CIPD, CHRO)
• Has worked internationally, in different countries

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in New York and California or reporting to someone in those states, Freshfields is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the States of New York and California and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $200,000 to $300,000.

EEO Statement
Freshfields US LLP is proud to be an equal employment employer. Our policies and practices will be free from unlawful discrimination based upon race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, military service, disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law. We strive to promote an atmosphere that encourages equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment.
Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Freshfields US LLP
Freshfields US LLP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the alternative email address below to contact us about your interest in employment at , or you can send your resume to , or you can call us at +1-212-277-4000.