Global Head of Learning & Development

Shape the future of learning at a world-leading law firm.

Freshfields is seeking an exceptional Global Head of Learning & Development to lead the strategic direction design and delivery of learning across our global network. This role is pivotal in ensuring our Counsel Associates and Business Services professionals experience a world-class learning journeyfrom onboarding through to advanced career development.

As a senior leader within the People function you will collaborate with partners business leaders and HR teams across regions to deliver innovative inclusive and future-focused learning solutions that support our firms strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Innovation

  • Define and evolve the global L&D strategy to meet changing business needs and future skills demands.

  • Lead the development of a comprehensive curriculum integrating digital and AI-enabled learning solutions.

  • Guide the delivery of our AI Academy and embed emerging technologies into the learning ecosystem.

• Global Collaboration & Delivery

  • Partner with senior stakeholders to identify regional and practice group learning needs.

  • Build and lead a high-performing global L&D team fostering collaboration and consistency across geographies.

  • Ensure global coordination with local relevance supporting cross-border development and integration.

• Career Development & Coaching

  • Establish and manage the firms internal Career Advisory office supporting career progression and coaching.

  • Design and deliver learning programs to upskill the People team and support broader talent strategies.

• Operational Excellence & Governance

  • Oversee the global L&D delivery model ensuring cost-effective scalable and tech-enabled solutions.

  • Manage the L&D budget and vendor relationships ensuring strong governance and reporting.

  • Partner with the People Brand & Experience team to promote learning initiatives and celebrate success.

• Culture Inclusion & Impact

  • Embed inclusive learning practices and collaborate with the Culture & Community team to support D&I goals.

  • Actively contribute to the People Leadership Team shaping the wider People strategy and firm culture.

What Were Looking For

• Proven experience leading global L&D or talent functions in complex matrixed environments.

• Expertise in learning technologies digital platforms and AI-driven solutions.

• Strong strategic thinking stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.

• Exceptional leadership of diverse geographically dispersed teams.

• Commercial acumen and a passion for innovation in learning.

Preferred:

• Degree in Law Business Psychology or related field; Masters degree desirable.

• Experience in large-scale HR transformation and budget management.

Why Freshfields

Join a firm that values excellence innovation and inclusion. At Freshfields youll be part of a collaborative global network empowered to shape the future of legal talent development.

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.