Role summary/purpose of job

The Performance Manager plays a key role within the firms 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 teamsincluding 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 (Communication/skills/experience)

Essential:

• 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.

Location: Manchester