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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global benefits strategy and innovate employee offerings across diverse markets.
- Company: Join Freshfields, a leading law firm committed to exceptional employee experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of employee benefits and make a real impact on workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in global benefits management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 ÂŁ per year.
Freshfields is committed to creating an exceptional employee experience across our global network. Our benefits strategy plays a central role in attracting, supporting, and retaining world‑class talent. As our people’s needs evolve, so does our ambition—to offer benefits that are not only competitive and compliant but progressive, inclusive, and aligned with the expectations of a modern global workforce.
The Opportunity
As Global Head of Benefits, you will be the firm’s strategic driver and thought leader for all aspects of benefits. You’ll combine deep technical expertise with strong market awareness and future‑focused thinking to ensure Freshfields remains ahead of the curve in global benefits innovation. This role is both strategic and hands‑on: you will define and enhance our global benefits proposition while overseeing the operational delivery of programmes worldwide. You will lead a team and collaborate with a wider benefits network, including US‑based specialists. Your leadership will influence employee experience, global policy, risk management, financial governance, and the way benefits reinforce our identity as an employer of choice.
Key Responsibilities
- Global Benefits Strategy & Innovation: Develop and deliver a global benefits strategy aligned to market intelligence, emerging trends, and the expectations of a diverse, modern workforce. Continuously scan global developments—regulatory, technological, societal—to evolve the firm’s offerings and maintain a competitive edge. Lead, coach, and inspire two direct reports, creating a culture of innovation, inclusion, and continuous learning. Coordinate globally with US‑based specialists, ensuring a unified approach across all regions. Oversee benefits administration end‑to‑end, ensuring effective processes, strong controls, and operational resilience, including full utilisation of our benefits technology platform (Benifex). Act as a senior escalation point for complex global benefits queries, partnering with providers, brokers, and internal stakeholders to ensure swift resolution.
- Employee Experience & Communications: Partner with our People Brand team to create compelling benefits communications, campaigns, and annual benefits fairs that strengthen engagement and understanding. Work with our Culture team to ensure employee listening, personalisation, and continuous feedback inform benefits design. Lead annual enrolment cycles and global insurance renewals, overseeing census data accuracy, UAT, and compliance with GDPR and regional privacy laws. Safeguard operational governance across all markets. Manage broker and provider relationships globally, ensuring value for money, robust accountability, and seamless service delivery. Oversee reconciliation, financial accuracy, and adherence to budget. Drive RFP processes and market reviews.
- Reporting & Analytics: Use analytics and insight to monitor utilisation, measure impact, identify demographic trends, and demonstrate ROI through engaging dashboards and reporting. Sponsor and lead benefits projects including new programme rollouts, policy changes, and global alignment initiatives, working closely with US and global teams.
About You
You will thrive in this role if you bring:
- Significant experience managing global or multi‑regional benefits within a corporate or law‑firm environment.
- Proven ability to translate trends, employee feedback, and data insights into high‑impact programmes.
- Strong leadership experience, with a track record of developing and empowering teams.
- Excellent stakeholder and vendor management skills across geographies.
- Strong analytical capability, including experience with AI/LLM tools and advanced proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel.
- Confident use of benefits technology platforms, with experience in Workday and Benifex.
- Deep understanding of governance, compliance (including GDPR), and operational best practice.
- A mindset geared toward continuous improvement, innovation, and enhancing employee experience at every stage.
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 (eg 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.
Global Head of Benefits in Manchester employer: Freshfields
Contact Detail:
Freshfields Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Head of Benefits in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their benefits strategy and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to get comfortable with common questions. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Head of Benefits in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Global Head of Benefits role. Highlight your leadership experience and any innovative benefits strategies you've implemented in the past.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, don’t forget to mention your proficiency with analytics tools and how you've used data insights to drive benefits programmes. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've measured impact and ROI.
Emphasise Collaboration: This position requires working closely with various teams and stakeholders. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated across different regions or departments to achieve common goals. It’s all about teamwork!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freshfields
✨Know Your Benefits Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into Freshfields' current benefits offerings and any recent changes in the industry. Being able to discuss how you would enhance their global benefits strategy with innovative ideas will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a candidate for Global Head of Benefits, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in developing inclusive and innovative benefits programmes. Highlight your coaching methods and how you inspire others to achieve their best.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since analytics play a key role in this position, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. Discuss specific metrics you've tracked and how they influenced your benefits strategies. This will showcase your analytical capabilities and understanding of ROI.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders, including vendors and internal teams. Think of examples where you’ve successfully navigated complex queries or challenges, as this will demonstrate your ability to maintain strong partnerships and ensure seamless service delivery.