Head of Performance

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

. Define and own the firm’s multi-year performance strategy and roadmap .

Posted 10/22/2026full-timeLondon • United KingdomLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in performance management and talent development, integrating artificial intelligence into HR processes while ensuring compliance with data privacy legislation. Proven ability to lead and mentor high-performing teams, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration across multiple locations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Performance Management LeadershipArtificial Intelligence IntegrationGenerative AI FamiliarityWorkday HRIS ExperienceData Privacy Legislation Understanding

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Performance Strategy DevelopmentAI Tools DeploymentAnalytical AcumenAgile Product OwnershipHuman-Centered Design Thinking

Soft Skills

Exceptional CommunicationRelationship BuildingTeam LeadershipMentoringCultural Transformation Guidance

Tools & Technologies

Workday Talent ModulesMicrosoft 365Enterprise Collaboration Tools

Industry Keywords

Data Privacy SafeguardsFairness StandardsGlobal Organisation ExperienceLegal Environment ExposurePerformance Cycle Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and own the firm’s multi-year performance strategy and roadmap
Serve as the firm’s subject-matter authority on modern performance enablement
Drive an AI-first approach across the performance cycle
Oversee the design, deployment, and enhancement of enterprise AI tools, prompts, skills, and playbooks
Partner with Reward, Talent, Learning & Development, HRIS, and HRBPs to connect performance outcomes with compensation, promotion, succession, and career development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of three direct reports across London and Manchester
Foster experimentation, psychological safety, continuous learning, and AI-confident ways of working
Establish responsible AI guardrails, data privacy safeguards, and fairness standards with Legal, IT, and Data Privacy teams
Oversee end-to-end cyclical performance delivery
Act as senior business owner for performance technology, including Workday talent modules
Use data and insights to evaluate consistency, equity, and business impact
Build relationships with senior leadership and drive adoption of new performance habits and methodologies

Requirements

What you’ll need

Substantial experience leading performance management, talent development, or broader people practices within a complex, global organisation
Demonstrable track record of integrating artificial intelligence into HR/talent processes
Direct, hands-on familiarity with generative AI/LLM tools and platforms
Ability to articulate an ambitious, modern vision and translate it into clear, measurable roadmaps and operational change
Experience leading, coaching, and developing collaborative, high-performing teams across multiple offices
Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
Credibility to advise senior stakeholders and guide cultural transformation
Strong analytical acumen
Understanding of fairness, equity, responsible AI principles, and data privacy legislation, including GDPR
Experience with modern HRIS platforms, preferably Workday
Experience with enterprise collaboration tools, including Microsoft 365
Exposure to agentic AI workflows, agile product ownership, or human-centred design thinking methodologies (desirable)
Prior experience within a legal, professional services, or partnership environment (desirable)
Must have or secure the right to work in the UK before employment commences

Benefits

Comp & perks

Equal opportunities employer
Right-to-work support/conditional employment offer subject to providing evidence of the right to work in the UK
Ban the Box hiring process; criminal convictions disclosed only after a conditional job offer
Opportunity to discuss criminal conviction circumstances before a hiring decision