Head of Partner & Leadership Development in London

The role will design and deliver a global leadership and partner development strategy that strengthens the firm’s leadership capability, supports succession planning, and enhances the performance and engagement of partners and senior leaders. This role ensures the firm has the leadership capacity to drive growth, innovation, and client excellence in a complex, multi-jurisdictional environment. This role will also act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for core performance and talent management processes.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Strategic Leadership
  • Develop and implement a global leadership development framework aligned with the firm’s strategic priorities.
  • Develop initiatives which help drive and embed change in line with our strategic priorities.
  • Work closely with the Head of L&D to ensure that key strategic capabilities are integrated across all Partner, Leadership and Talent processes.
• Partner Development
  • Design and deliver programs (in partnership with external vendors and internal stakeholders) across the entire partner and leadership lifecycle from onboarding to later stage career transitions and retirement.
  • Work with the US team to deliver the firm's Global New Partner Induction.
  • Collaborate with Lateral Hiring to ensure a consistent framework of support for internal partner promotes and lateral hires.
  • Work closely with senior stakeholders to develop a robust and consistent later stage career offering.
  • Ensure programs are evidence-based, measurable and deliver ROI.
• Leadership Development and Succession
  • Lead the redesign and roll out of the firm's succession planning process.
  • Develop all required leadership success profiles.
  • Work closely with Regional and Group HR to identify high-potential future leaders and create all required development and learning pathways.
  • Develop a consistent framework for all senior leadership transitions including assessment strategy.
  • Manage all external vendors including executive coaching and assessment providers.
• Performance and Talent Management
  • Provide subject matter expertise to enhance the firm’s partner performance management process.
  • Work closely with the People Experience team and Regional HR Directors to ensure the successful execution of partner performance management and broader talent and performance management.

Skills and Experience

• Proven experience designing and delivering leadership development programmes at a global scale.
• Strong analytical skills to measure programme impact and ROI.
• Experience working within partnership or professional services environments, with a deep understanding of partner dynamics and governance.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects across international teams.
• Confident in influencing senior stakeholders and building trusted relationships.
• Excellent time management, organisational and project management skills.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, fluent in English.
• Ability to exercise discretion and sensitivity when handling confidential information.

Please note: this is a fixed-term contract for 12 months.

We’re a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.

At DLA Piper, we aim to make meaningful progress and build an inclusive culture where anyone affected by disability, neurodiversity or a long-term health condition has an equitable and accessible chance of success. If you think you may need adjustments or additional support to enable you to participate in our recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team and we will be happy to support you.

We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability, and references from previous employers.

Our hiring approach enables us to learn about the professional and person you are, and gives you the opportunity to learn about us. Your recruitment experience can differ depending on the type of role you are interviewing for. You will always meet your direct Line Manager for your role, as well as peers and close collaborators for the position. For some of our roles we may also use assessment tools, practical exercises, and panel presentations. Your Recruitment Business Partner will inform you of the recruitment process at the start of any recruitment process, but please let us know if you have any questions prior to making an application.

We’re redefining what an international law firm can be. With a unique global network and an unparalleled range of expertise, this is where you’ll work on the cases that shape the world and will define your career.