Senior Manager: Partner Development in Manchester

We are looking for a Senior Manager, Partner Development to support the global delivery and coordination of our partner and leadership development programs. This role will focus primarily on project and program management, while contributing to the design and enhancement of initiatives that strengthen leadership capabilities across our global partner group. You will work closely with senior members of the People team and external partners to ensure the seamless execution of high-quality, innovative learning experiences, tailored to the needs of a global and dynamic partner population.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Management: Lead the planning, logistics, and execution of global partner development programs, including flagship leadership events, coaching programs, and partner transitions (e.g. new partner and leadership onboarding). Manage program timelines, budgets, communications, and participant engagement, ensuring best learning experience from end to end.
• Design & Delivery Support: Collaborate with senior colleagues and external experts to shape program content and format based on business needs, learner feedback, and best practices. Contribute to the customization of content for different partner audiences and regional contexts.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with practice group leaders, chiefs of staff, regional People teams, global People Centres of Excellence and other teams to coordinate partner development activities globally. Support internal stakeholder engagement and ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Vendor & External Partner Coordination: Manage relationships with external vendors, facilitators, and executive coaches, ensuring consistent quality and alignment with program goals. Coordinate pre- and post-program activities such as assessments and coaching sessions.
• Evaluation & Reporting: Support the measurement of program impact through feedback collection, data analysis and reporting. Identify opportunities for continuous improvement based on participant input and evolving business needs. Maintain up-to-date documentation, materials, and process guides to support program scalability and continuity.

Key Requirements

• Experience: Significant experience in talent management or learning and development, with a strong background in program management and demonstrable experience focused on partner development within a professional services firm.
• Skills & Expertise: Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities. Skilled in managing logistics for complex programs, with a client-service mindset. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders. Comfortable working across cultures and time zones in a global, matrixed environment.

Why Join Us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking People team at a leading global law firm. You will play a key role in delivering impactful leadership development experiences to our current and future leaders, while gaining exposure to senior stakeholders and best-in-class practices across the professional services sector.

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.