Head Of Hr Tech And Ai Transformation

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; England; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is seeking a visionary Head of HR Technology & AI Transformation to lead the next phase of our HR evolution. You will shape the technology landscape, drive AI and automation initiatives, and enable data-driven decision making across the employee lifecycle.

Working with senior HR and business leaders, you will design multi-year strategies, oversee global implementation, and cultivate a culture of innovation that delivers measurable value and improved employee

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading HR technology transformation within a global organisation.
• Experience designing HR technology strategies, roadmaps and operating models.
• Deep knowledge of AI and automation in HR and business functions.
• Proven ability to lead global teams through periods of significant change.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and executive engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a multi-year HR technology, automation and AI strategy.
• Lead the transformation of HR systems, processes and ways of working across the employee lifecycle.
• Identify opportunities to redesign and automate HR workflows, improving efficiency, user experience and service delivery.
• Champion the adoption of AI and emerging technologies across HR, translating innovation into practical business impact.
• Oversee the development of the firm's HR data strategy, strengthening data quality, accessibility and insight.
• Build and lead a high-performing global HR Technology & Reporting team, fostering innovation and collaboration.
• Drive organisational change, stakeholder engagement and adoption strategies for transformational programmes.
• Partner closely with HR leaders, IT, Innovation, Finance, Data Privacy and other functions to deliver integrated solutions.
• Lead engagement with external vendors and technology partners, including market evaluation, solution selection and implementation oversight.
• Establish and nurture an AI and Innovation network across HR, driving experimentation and knowledge sharing.

Skills

HR technology transformation

AI in HR

Stakeholder management

Global team leadership

Vendor management

Job description

Shape the future of HR through technology, data and AI.

At Freshfields, we are reimagining how HR supports a world-class global business. As we continue to invest in innovation, automation and artificial intelligence, we are seeking an exceptional Head of HR Technology & AI Transformation to lead the next phase of our HR transformation journey.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of HR within one of the world's leading international law firms. Working closely with the Global Head of HR Technology & Services, the Chief People Officer and senior stakeholders across the business, you will define and deliver a bold technology vision that places AI, automation and data-driven decision-making at the heart of the employee experience.

You will lead the development of a future-ready HR technology landscape, drive the adoption of innovative AI solutions, and build a technology-first culture that enables HR to deliver greater value, efficiency and insight to the business.

What you'll do

As Head of HR Technology & AI Transformation, you will:

• Develop and deliver a multi-year HR technology, automation and AI strategy aligned to the firm's people and business priorities.
• Lead the transformation of HR systems, processes and ways of working across the employee lifecycle.
• Identify opportunities to redesign and automate HR workflows, improving efficiency, user experience and service delivery.
• Champion the adoption of AI and emerging technologies across HR, translating innovation into practical business impact.
• Oversee the development of the firm's HR data strategy, strengthening data quality, accessibility and insight.
• Build and lead a high-performing global HR Technology & Reporting team, fostering innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Drive organisational change, stakeholder engagement and adoption strategies to ensure successful delivery of transformational programmes.
• Partner closely with HR leaders, IT, Innovation, Finance, Data Privacy and other business functions to deliver integrated solutions.
• Lead engagement with external vendors and technology partners, including market evaluation, solution selection and implementation oversight.
• Establish and nurture an AI and Innovation network across HR, driving experimentation, capability building and knowledge sharing.

About you

We're looking for an influential and forward-thinking leader who combines deep HR technology expertise with a passion for innovation and transformation.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience leading HR technology transformation within a complex, global organisation.
• A strong track record of designing and implementing HR technology strategies, roadmaps and operating models.
• Deep knowledge of AI, automation technologies and their practical application within HR and business functions.
• Experience redesigning end-to-end processes to deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, service quality and user experience.
• Strong understanding of HR systems architecture, integrations, data management and digital ecosystems.
• Proven ability to lead and develop global teams through periods of significant change.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage credibly at executive level.
• Commercial awareness and experience working with technology vendors and strategic partners.
• A passion for innovation, continuous improvement and challenging traditional approaches to HR service delivery.
• Experience within professional services, legal services or other highly matrixed global environments would be advantageous

Why join us?

This role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of HR at Freshfields. You will play a pivotal role in shaping how technology, AI and data are leveraged to create better experiences for our people, deliver greater business value and position the firm at the forefront of innovation.

You'll work with senior leaders across the firm, influence strategic decision-making, and lead transformational initiatives that will define the next generation of HR service delivery.