At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive performance initiatives and enhance frameworks for high-quality outcomes.
- Company: Join a leading global firm focused on performance and reward.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team with a commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on performance practices in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in performance management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Performance Manager plays a key role within the firm’s Global Performance and Reward team, working collaboratively to support the design, development and delivery of performance initiatives, projects and cyclical activities. The role contributes to the ongoing evolution of Freshfields’ approach to performance, including the enhancement of frameworks, tools, processes, communications and guidance that enable behavioural change and high-quality performance outcomes across the organisation. Working closely with broader People teams—including People Experience, Learning & Development (L&D), HR Information Systems (HRIS), and HR Business Partners (HRBPs)—the Performance Manager ensures timely and high-quality execution, supports alignment and engagement across the People team and other stakeholders, and supports the continuous improvement of firmwide performance practices that align to the needs of the business.
Key responsibilities and deliverables
- Performance Design, Enhancement and Delivery: Support the planning, design and delivery of key performance projects, initiatives and cyclical processes (e.g. mid-year review, year-end performance review, Executive performance management).
- Communication, Guidance and Learning: Partner with People Experience to design and deliver clear, engaging communications to support all colleagues to embrace, own and execute performance processes and practices effectively. Partner with L&D to create engaging content that supports behaviour change, builds capability and embeds good practices e.g. feedback.
- Data, Technology and Reporting: As required, produce performance reports, ensuring accuracy and providing insights to support decision-making and continuous improvement. Identify opportunities to develop and make best use of technology and AI (e.g. Workday, 360 feedback technology) to drive better performance outcomes.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with People teams e.g. People Experience, HRIS, and HR Business Partners (HRBPs), to ensure alignment, consistency, and strong delivery of performance activities.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance performance frameworks, tools and processes, contributing to a more effective experience. Identify opportunities for innovative ways of working in the team and take action to embed them.
Key requirements
- Knowledge and experience of modern and effective performance management practices in complex, global firms e.g. goal-setting, feedback, performance review.
- Experience of enhancing, planning and implementing core people processes e.g. performance, talent, L&D.
- Strong analytical skills, comfortable with managing large datasets.
- Experience of using AI (LLM) platforms, Microsoft PowerPoint and PowerBI.
- Proficient in HRIS (preferably Workday) with skills in people-related systems.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and relationship-building skills, with proven ability to support organisation-wide change.
- Strong attention to detail, ability to multi-task and prioritise effectively, and a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.
Inclusion
Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered on the basis of their merit alone. 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 in the role in question 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 if and 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 relevant 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Manager - 6m FTC in Manchester
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
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✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Freshfields and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Performance Manager - 6m FTC in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Freshfields. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freshfields
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Freshfields, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Freshfields uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Freshfields.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Freshfields.
