At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global transformation programmes and drive strategic change across the firm.
- Company: Join Bird & Bird, a forward-thinking law firm at a pivotal moment.
- Benefits: Enjoy health cover, lifestyle perks, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Inclusive employer focused on wellbeing and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of a leading firm.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing large-scale transformations and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Bird & Bird are looking for a Head of Change & Transformation to join the firm's senior leadership community at an exciting and pivotal moment in their strategic development. The role will take ownership of the firm's strategic change portfolio and mobilise, lead and deliver significant, complex global transformation programmes that span operating model redesign, process improvement, technology transformation and new ways of working.
Key Responsibilities
- Change & Transformation Delivery
- Provide end‑to‑end management of significant, complex global transformation programmes from initial scoping, business case development and mobilisation through to delivery, transition to business as usual and benefits realisation.
- Draw together and lead the right mix of internal subject‑matter experts, functional leaders and external advisors (where appropriate) to deliver on strategic change and transformation programmes.
- Develop detailed, realistic project plans and integrated programme schedules; support resource planning across workstreams to ensure the right people and capacity are in place at the right time.
- Proactively identify, manage and escalade risks and issues, maintaining robust risk registers and ensuring mitigating actions are owned, tracked and resolved in a timely manner.
- Define and deliver change strategies and appropriate change interventions to drive full global adoption across all transformation programmes; in doing so, ensure communications and training plans are embedded into every major programme.
- Drive a culture of delivery excellence across all programmes, instilling rigour, pace and accountability whilst remaining pragmatic and adaptive to the evolving needs of the firm.
- Portfolio Management
- Manage the firm's strategic portfolio, giving leaders a clear view of priorities, investment choices, progress and impact across the firm.
- Partner with the COO and senior leaders to set the transformation roadmap and governance; prioritising what we fund, what we stop, and what success looks like.
- Run a light‑touch portfolio governance cadence (plans, benefits, risks, dependencies) that enables confident investment decisions and on‑time delivery.
- Surface risks, issues and budget pressures early, bringing clear options and recommendations to the Leadership Team to steer investment and remove blockers.
- Team leadership & management
- Provide leadership and management support to the Change & Transformation team, fostering a high‑performance culture.
- Set clear objectives, priorities and development plans for direct reports, conducting regular one‑to‑ones, performance reviews and coaching conversations to support individual growth and team effectiveness.
- Manage team resourcing, capacity and workload effectively, balancing the demands of the live portfolio against the need to invest in team capability, wellbeing and professional development.
- Foster strong cross‑functional relationships across Business Services and the broader firm, positioning the transformation team as a trusted, enabling function rather than a project management overhead.
What You'll Bring
- Significant experience leading and delivering complex, large‑scale transformation programmes in a professional services and/or legal environment.
- Demonstrable experience managing a strategic change portfolio across multiple concurrent programmes in a global, matrixed organisation.
- Strong track record across the full transformation spectrum including operating model, organisational design, process improvement, technology‑led change and cultural / behavioural change.
- Excellent full life‑cycle project management skills, including the ability to plan, organise and prioritise multiple workstreams simultaneously.
- Experience of managing and building relationships with internal stakeholders, business services teams and external software and service providers; a supportive collaborator.
- Experience working in or alongside partnership structures, with an understanding of the governance, culture and dynamics involved.
- Excellent influencing, communication and facilitation skills; able to engage and influence partners, C‑suite and business services colleagues with confidence and credibility.
- Proven ability to build and lead high‑performing teams, including in environments where the function is being established or grown.
- High emotional intelligence and political awareness; able to navigate ambiguity and complexity in a demanding professional environment.
What's In It For You
We provide comprehensive support for our colleagues' health and wellbeing, including private medical cover, life assurance, critical illness cover, and regular health assessments. In addition, we offer a range of lifestyle benefits designed to help our team live their best lives, such as a cycle to work scheme, access to online GP appointments, discounted gym memberships, and an electric vehicle scheme. As a disability and neurodiversity inclusive employer we want to ensure that you have a barrier‑free recruitment experience at Bird & Bird. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please provide details to your recruitment contact who will be in touch to discuss any details provided and understand more about your individual adjustment needs.
Head of Change and Transformation employer: BIRD & BIRD
Bird & Bird is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and transformation are at the forefront of our strategic development. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide comprehensive health benefits, lifestyle perks, and a culture that fosters professional growth and collaboration. Join us in a pivotal role that not only shapes the future of our firm but also empowers you to lead significant global change initiatives in a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Change and Transformation
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their recent projects and challenges, especially in change and transformation. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've led successful transformation programmes. We love hearing about your ability to manage teams and drive change, so make sure to highlight those experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to make an impact in change and transformation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Change and Transformation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading complex transformation programmes. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Change & Transformation, leadership is key. Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully led teams and managed change initiatives in the past. We love seeing examples of how you’ve fostered high-performance cultures!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and how it relates to the role. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your journey.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at BIRD & BIRD
✨Know Your Change Portfolio
Before the interview, dive deep into Bird & Bird's current transformation initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their strategic goals and how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their change portfolio effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach in managing high-performing teams. Share specific examples of how you've fostered a culture of delivery excellence and collaboration in previous roles. Highlight your ability to navigate complex environments and build strong relationships.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and risk management capabilities. Think of past experiences where you successfully identified and mitigated risks in transformation programmes, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Your communication skills are crucial for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics like operating model redesign or technology transformation. Remember, it's not just about what you say, but how you say it!
