HR Project Manager

0400 FBD USA LLP; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

0400 FBD USA LLP is seeking a strategic HR Project Manager to drive cross‑functional HR initiatives and transformation projects based in New York. This hybrid role requires three days a week in the office and involves planning and executing HR projects, supporting organizational effectiveness, and improving HR service delivery.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, robust project management skills, and experience in leading projects within a matrix organization. Compensation is competitive with a range of $125,000 to $175,000.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in HR, project management, or business operations.
• Proven experience leading cross‑functional projects in a matrixed organization.
• Strong knowledge of HR functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of HR‑related projects.
• Support HR Business Partners in organizational effectiveness.
• Design and execute change management plans.

Skills

Project management

Organizational change practices

Exceptional communication

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving

Proficiency in Smartsheet, Asana, Microsoft Project

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field

Tools

Smartsheet

Asana

Microsoft Project

Job description

This role can be located in either the US or UK.

Overview

Freshfields is a major international law firm, providing high‑quality business law advice across borders, cultures, and languages. The HR Function delivers all HR services across the firm and works closely with Practice Groups and Business Services to support our global people strategy and key priorities.

Role Summary

We are seeking a strategic and results‑oriented HR Project Manager to drive cross‑functional HR initiatives and transformation projects. The role partners closely with HR Business Partners, business leaders, and HR Centers of Excellence (COEs) to manage and deliver projects focused on organizational optimization, change management, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

• Lead end‑to‑end planning and execution of HR‑related projects, including organizational design changes, restructuring, workforce planning, and talent initiatives. Develop detailed project plans, timelines, stakeholder maps, and communications strategies, track progress, resolve issues, mitigate risks, and report on milestone achievements.
• Support HR Business Partners in diagnosing organizational effectiveness, recommending improvement strategies, and implementing organizational design changes aligned with business strategy.
• Design and execute change management plans to ensure smooth transitions, employee engagement, and adoption of new structures.
• Serve as the connective tissue between HR Business Partners and COEs (Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Total Rewards, People Analytics, etc.) to deliver integrated HR services. Identify opportunities to consolidate and streamline services, processes, and policies for consistency and efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across HR by identifying inefficiencies, developing scalable solutions, analyzing HR metrics and employee feedback to inform project priorities, and measuring impact.
• Contribute to the development of HR strategies by providing insights and execution support.

Key Requirements

• Hybrid role requiring three days a week in a Freshfields office located in London, New York, Washington DC, Raleigh, or Boston.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrable experience in HR, project management, or business operations with strong HR acumen.
• Proven experience leading cross‑functional projects in a matrixed organization.
• Strong knowledge of HR functions and organizational change practices.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, Asana, Microsoft Project).
• Preferred: Experience working within HR Business Partner and COE models; experience in fast‑paced, high‑growth environments or large‑scale transformations.

Success Metrics

• On‑time, on‑budget delivery of HR projects.
• Improved HR service delivery and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Successful execution of change initiatives with minimal disruption.
• Measurable improvements in organizational design and HR operational efficiency.

Compensation Range

For positions in New York and California, a reasonable estimate of the compensation range is $125,000 to $175,000, although final compensation will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis.

EEO Statement

Freshfields US LLP is proud to be an equal employment opportunity 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

Freshfields US LLP provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. If you need assistance with our online system, please contact [e-mail] or call +1‑212‑277‑4000.