At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation projects that shape Freshfields' global client strategy and enhance business development.
- Company: Join a high-performing global team at Freshfields, a leading law firm.
- Benefits: Gain visibility at senior leadership level, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse, innovative culture that values collaboration and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how a top law firm wins and retains clients.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and transformation in complex organisations required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
This is a senior project management role at the centre of how Freshfields drives its client strategy globally. As Project Manager within our Marketing and Business Development (MBD) Global Operations team, you will lead transformation programmes that sit at the heart of Freshfields' client strategy, working across borders, functions and seniority levels to turn ambitious ideas into tangible, lasting change.
About the Team
MBD is a high-performing global team of business development specialists, research analysts, brand strategists, marketers and communications experts. We define the client experience and shape how Freshfields is perceived around the world. Our Global Operations function sits at the centre of this, driving the technology, processes and delivery infrastructure that enables MBD to perform at its best. We move fast, think commercially, and hold ourselves to a high standard.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to lead complex, cross‑functional transformation projects that support our client strategy, business development and marketing activity. You will own delivery from initiation through to post‑launch review, partnering with MBD, IT, data, change and senior business stakeholders to translate real business needs into scalable, practical solutions. This is a role that demands both rigorous delivery discipline and the interpersonal confidence to operate in a demanding global professional services environment and it offers genuine strategic visibility in return.
What You’ll Do
- Lead end‑to‑end delivery of transformation projects across MBD, from scoping and planning through to implementation and handover.
- Define and maintain project governance, milestone plans, RAID logs and high‑quality reporting for senior sponsors and stakeholders.
- Work closely with MBD, IT and specialist teams to gather requirements, challenge assumptions and shape solutions that improve business development processes and user experience.
- Coordinate activity across technical and business workstreams, keeping decisions, actions and dependencies actively managed and clearly communicated.
- Support process redesign and change adoption to embed new ways of working and maximise return on technology investment.
- Structure and manage vendor and technology discovery activities, including market assessments, evaluation frameworks and Proof of Value exercises.
- Maintain a clear, prioritised view of the MBD project portfolio to support resource and capacity planning across concurrent workstreams.
- Contribute to continuous improvement across MBD Global Operations, building repeatable delivery approaches, governance standards and shared documentation.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience delivering transformation or technology‑enabled projects in a complex, matrixed organisation.
- Strong project management capability across planning, governance, RAID management, reporting and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience delivering projects involving enterprise technology platforms, including translating business requirements into practical delivery plans.
- Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the confidence to engage and influence senior stakeholders and cross‑functional teams.
- Sharp organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities without losing precision or momentum.
- A pragmatic, delivery‑focused mindset, a collaborative problem‑solver with sound judgement under pressure.
- A solid understanding of change management principles and how to drive adoption when introducing new tools, processes or ways of working.
- Degree‑level education and/or a relevant project management qualification (or equivalent experience delivering at scale).
- Enough familiarity with business development, client relationship management or marketing operations to engage credibly with senior BD stakeholders.
- Experience working in a legal, professional services or global partnership environment.
- Hands‑on experience with CRM platforms, particularly Salesforce, and associated tools such as Foundation and Power BI.
- A track record of managing change and driving adoption across large, dispersed teams.
What We Offer
- Direct involvement in some of Freshfields' most strategically important business development programmes, with visibility at senior leadership level.
- The opportunity to shape how a leading global law firm wins and retains clients, at scale.
- Genuine professional development through international exposure, cross‑functional collaboration and targeted training.
- A culture built on diversity, innovation and mutual respect.
- Flexible working arrangements and a meaningful commitment to wellbeing.
- The chance to be part of a high‑performing, international team that sets the standard in professional services marketing and BD.
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.
Senior Project Manager (Marketing Operations) - 12m FTC (Open) in Manchester employer: Freshfields
Freshfields is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As part of the Marketing and Business Development Global Operations team, you will engage in transformative projects that shape client strategy on a global scale, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. The firm promotes a culture of diversity and mutual respect, alongside flexible working arrangements that prioritise employee wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Project Manager (Marketing Operations) - 12m FTC (Open) in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Project Manager (Marketing Operations) - 12m FTC (Open) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience with Campaigns:In marketing-communications, it’s all about showcasing your ability to create impactful campaigns. Make sure to include any relevant projects you’ve worked on in your CV, detailing your role, the strategies used, and the results achieved. We're looking for candidates who can demonstrate their creativity and analytical skills!
Tailor Your Writing Samples:For a temporary role, we want to see your versatility and adaptability in communication. Include a couple of writing samples that align with our brand voice or reflect your ability to engage various audiences. This gives us a taste of what you can bring to the team at Freshfields from day one!
Show Off Your Digital Savvy:Digital marketing is a big part of marketing-communications, so make sure your application reflects your understanding of social media, SEO, and content marketing. Feel free to throw in any certificates you've earned in these areas—it shows your initiative and dedication to learning the latest trends!
Express Your Enthusiasm for the Short-Term Role:In your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in this temporary position at Freshfields specifically. Share what you hope to learn during your time with us and how you can contribute to our ongoing projects. We're all about passion and potential, so let that shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freshfields
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
As a candidate for a temporary marketing-communications role at Freshfields, your portfolio will speak volumes. Bring along samples of your best work—think campaigns you've managed, social media content, and any visuals. Be ready to talk through your creative process and the impact your work had on previous projects.
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✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work on short timelines. Share examples from your past where you had to pivot a strategy or campaign swiftly to meet changing demands. This will reassure Freshfields that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Ready Your Communication Strategy
Be prepared for questions that assess your communication skills. You might get asked to pitch a marketing idea on the spot or create a quick content plan. This is your chance to shine and show how your unique perspective can solve problems for Freshfields, so think on your feet and don't hesitate to showcase your creativity!
