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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global benefits strategy and innovate to enhance employee experience.
- Company: Freshfields, a top-tier law firm committed to exceptional employee experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of benefits in a dynamic, global environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in global benefits management and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
About Us 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.
- Team Leadership: 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.
- Programme Governance & Delivery: 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.
- Annual Enrolment, Data & Compliance: 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.
- Vendor & Financial Management: 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.
- Project & Change Leadership: 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.
Head of Global Benefits, Senior Manager in Manchester employer: Freshfields
Contact Detail:
Freshfields Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Global Benefits, Senior Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Freshfields on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Freshfields' benefits strategy. Show us you understand their goals and how you can contribute to their innovative approach. Tailor your examples to highlight your relevant experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. The more comfortable you are discussing your experience and ideas, the better you'll come across in the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us you're genuinely interested in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Global Benefits, Senior Manager 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 Head of Global Benefits role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant benefits management expertise to catch our eye!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical capabilities. Mention any tools you’ve used, like PowerPoint or Excel, and how you've applied them to drive insights in previous roles.
Emphasise Team Leadership: We’re looking for someone who can inspire and lead a team. Share examples of how you’ve developed and empowered your team members in the past, and how you foster a culture of innovation and inclusion.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches 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 can 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 senior manager, your leadership approach is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in a global context. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop talent, as well as how you foster a culture of innovation and inclusion.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role involves analytics and reporting, 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 programmes. This will demonstrate your analytical capability and strategic thinking.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach stakeholder management in this role. Prepare to discuss your experience in managing vendor relationships and collaborating with various teams. Showing that you understand the importance of communication and partnership will resonate well with the interviewers.
