Lead Project Manager

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global law firm in Manchester seeks a Lead Project Manager to oversee complex digital transformation projects. You will lead cross-functional teams, foster a culture of delivery excellence, and mentor project managers. The ideal candidate has solid experience in IT projects, strong leadership skills, and familiarity with project management tools. Join us to drive change and deliver value in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Collaborative and inclusive culture

Professional growth opportunities

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience delivering complex IT and business change initiatives.
• Expertise in project planning and risk management.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross‑functional project teams with strategic alignment.
• Champion delivery methodologies and governance standards.
• Mentor and grow the Project Management community.

Skills

Project governance

Stakeholder management

Agile methodologies

Leadership

Education

Certifications like PMP, PRINCE2, or ScrumMaster

Tools

Microsoft Project

Azure DevOps

Monday.com

Job description

Join a forward-thinking IT organisation where delivery excellence meets people-first leadership.

We're looking for a Lead Project Manager to drive high-impact, complex projects across global teams. Sitting within our Technology Delivery division, this role offers strategic oversight and hands‑on leadership throughout the full project lifecycle. You'll shape delivery culture, mentor project managers, and embed best practices that align with our business goals.

What You'll Do :

• Lead cross‑functional project teams and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
• Champion delivery methodologies (Agile, Waterfall, hybrid) and governance standards.
• Drive stakeholder engagement and transparent communication across geographies.
• Mentor and grow our Project Management community of practice.
• Monitor performance metrics and foster continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For :

• Proven experience delivering complex IT and business change initiatives.
• Expertise in project governance, planning, and risk management.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Azure DevOps, or Monday.com.
• Certifications such as PMP, PRINCE2, or ScrumMaster are a plus.

What We Offer :

• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives.
• Opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and leadership development.
• A delivery environment that embraces innovation, agility, and continuous learning.
• A supportive team where your voice is heard and your impact is recognised.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences. If you’re passionate about leading change and delivering value, we’d love to hear from you.

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered by the firm on the basis of their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having / securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer : we make decisions on a case by case basis and take a number of factors into account (e.g. the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision.