Head of Performance & AI Enablement

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Greater London; On-site; GBP 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in the UK seeks a visionary and hands-on Head of Performance to lead the performance practice and redefine talent assessment and development globally. You will drive an AI-first capability across the performance lifecycle and embed responsible AI governance, with delivery across London and Manchester.

Lead three direct reports, partner with Reward and HR functions, and shape the roadmap for continuous performance enablement embedded in everyday work.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in performance management or related people practices within a global organisation.
• Experience integrating AI into HR/talent processes, including generative AI/LLM tools.
• Ability to translate vision into measurable roadmaps and operational change.
• Experience leading teams across multiple offices.

Responsibilities

• Define and own the firm’s multi-year performance strategy and roadmap, aligning with business priorities.
• Drive an AI-first approach across the performance cycle, deploying AI tools and playbooks to improve efficiency.
• Partner with Reward, Talent, Learning & Development, HRIS, and HRBPs to link performance outcomes to compensation and career development.
• Lead three direct reports across London and Manchester and foster a high-performing culture.
• Establish governance for responsible AI and data privacy in collaboration with Legal, IT and Data Privacy teams.
• Own performance technology including Workday talent modules and monitor system evolution.
• Build trusted relationships with senior leaders to drive adoption of new performance habits.

Skills

Performance Leadership

AI Expertise

Strategic Execution

Cross-location Leadership

Change Management

Data & Privacy

Workday Knowledge

Tools

Workday

Job description

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in the UK seeks a visionary and hands-on Head of Performance to lead the performance practice and redefine talent assessment and development globally. You will drive an AI-first capability across the performance lifecycle and embed responsible AI governance, with delivery across London and Manchester.

Lead three direct reports, partner with Reward and HR functions, and shape the roadmap for continuous performance enablement embedded in everyday work.