Head of Global Benefits, Senior Manager

About Us

Freshfields is committed to creating an exceptional employee experience across our global network. Our benefits strategy plays a central role in attracting supporting and retaining worldclass talent. As our peoples needs evolve so does our ambitionto offer benefits that are not only competitive and compliant but progressive inclusive and aligned with the expectations of a modern global workforce.

The Opportunity

As Global Head of Benefits you will be the firms strategic driver and thought leader for all aspects of benefits. Youll combine deep technical expertise with strong market awareness and futurefocused thinking to ensure Freshfields remains ahead of the curve in global benefits innovation.

This role is both strategic and handson: you will define and enhance our global benefits proposition while overseeing the operational delivery of programmes worldwide. You will lead a team and collaborate with a wider benefits network including USbased specialists.

Your leadership will influence employee experience global policy risk management financial governance and the way benefits reinforce our identity as an employer of choice.

Key Responsibilities

Global Benefits Strategy & Innovation

• Develop and deliver a global benefits strategy aligned to market intelligence emerging trends and the expectations of a diverse modern workforce.

• Continuously scan global developmentsregulatory technological societalto evolve the firms offerings and maintain a competitive edge.

Team Leadership

• Lead coach and inspire two direct reports creating a culture of innovation inclusion and continuous learning.

• Coordinate globally with USbased specialists ensuring a unified approach across all regions.

Programme Governance & Delivery

• Oversee benefits administration endtoend ensuring effective processes strong controls and operational resilience including full utilisation of our benefits technology platform (Benifex).

• Act as a senior escalation point for complex global benefits queries partnering with providers brokers and internal stakeholders to ensure swift resolution.

Employee Experience & Communications

• Partner with our People Brand team to create compelling benefits communications campaigns and annual benefits fairs that strengthen engagement and understanding.

• Work with our Culture team to ensure employee listening personalisation and continuous feedback inform benefits design.

Annual Enrolment Data & Compliance

• Lead annual enrolment cycles and global insurance renewals overseeing census data accuracy UAT and compliance with GDPR and regional privacy laws.

• Safeguard operational governance across all markets.

Vendor & Financial Management

• Manage broker and provider relationships globally ensuring value for money robust accountability and seamless service delivery.

• Oversee reconciliation financial accuracy and adherence to budget.

• Drive RFP processes and market reviews.

Reporting & Analytics

• Use analytics and insight to monitor utilisation measure impact identify demographic trends and demonstrate ROI through engaging dashboards and reporting.

Project & Change Leadership

• Sponsor and lead benefits projects including new programme rollouts policy changes and global alignment initiatives working closely with US and global teams.

About You

You will thrive in this role if you bring:

• Significant experience managing global or multiregional benefits within a corporate or lawfirm environment.

• Proven ability to translate trends employee feedback and data insights into highimpact programmes.

• Strong leadership experience with a track record of developing and empowering teams.

• Excellent stakeholder and vendor management skills across geographies.

• Strong analytical capability including experience with AI/LLM tools and advanced proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel.

• Confident use of benefits technology platforms with experience in Workday and Benifex.

• Deep understanding of governance compliance (including GDPR) and operational best practice.

• A mindset geared toward continuous improvement innovation and enhancing employee experience at every stage.