Role summary/purpose of jobThis strategic role demands a proven track record in managing complex global business change programmes/projects and driving the change management to maximise the benefits to the business. Leveraging a network of business contacts, the senior change delivery manager will work with, and deliver through, colleagues from across multiple teams, business areas, regions, and offices to ensure successful delivery and lasting change.Key responsibilities and deliverablesDrive delivery of global programmes and projects from the firm’s transformation portfolio, delivering to timescale and budgetCollaborate with/advise partners, directors, and fee earning and business services teams to agree the scope of the programme/project including the design of solutions to business problems (such as new structures and ways of working)Convene delivery teams, build comprehensive delivery and change management plans, and develop tailored communication plansDevelop and maintain programme/project and change management timelines and cost/resource plans at the appropriate level of detail paying particular attention to dependencies between work streams and other projectsIdentify potential risks and interdependencies associated with change initiatives and develop mitigation strategiesWork with relevant internal teams to develop training programs and success metrics to equip staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to adapt to changesFoster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging feedback and implementing best practicesKey requirementsSignificant, demonstrable experience of leading complex business change programmes/projects across global organisations, from initiation through to benefit realisation. While these programmes/projects include IT delivery elements, this will not be the sole focus of your work. Candidates whose experience is primarily focused on IT projects may find it challenging to meet the requirements for this roleSignificant, demonstrable experience of having driven the design and approval of business solutions, shaping ambiguous concepts into (sometimes, complex) solutions. Examples of the types of change of particular interest include new businesses/offices, new or amended organizational structures/operating models, and new or amended ways of workingSignificant, demonstrable experience delivering through others, working with large, multidisciplinary programme and project teams involving internal and external resources across different global locationsSignificant, demonstrable experience of developing and maintaining programme/project schedules, resource plans, budgets and financial forecasts, RAID logs, change requests/logs and status reportsEssential Technical SkillsExpert knowledge and practical experience of project, programme and business change management methodologies and toolsIT literate, expert user of MS Project (and Project Online) and MS Visio. Fluent in MS OfficeHighly DesirableExperience of working in professional services / legal sectorExperience and knowledge in multiple disciplines such as regulation, technology, organization design, process design, and company start-upExperience of delivering programmes/projects which establish new (or adapt existing) businesses, from creating the initial case for change through to organisational design, establishing ways of working and operational launch of the new/revised businessDesirable QualificationsEducated to degree level or similar academic credit.Relevant professional accreditation – Change Management certification (Prosci, ACMP) and/or Project Management Advanced level - (PMP / APMP / Prince 2 Practitioner)CompetenciesStrong executive presence, an influencer with demonstrated ability to build, extend and maintain senior executive relationships with executive steering committee membersAble to deliver work through teams of senior subject matters experts from a variety of work disciplinesMust be comfortable with ambiguity and able to analyse the issues, generate solutions, with a determination to see a problem through to a solutionExhibit confidence in making informed decisions independently, knowing when to escalate or seek approval from leadershipTakes ownership of tasks and is dedicated to meeting and exceeding expectationsAble to draft efficiently, varying language and tone to suit the target audienceDecisive and mature in judgement and decision-making; resilient and calm under pressureExcellent presentation skills with the ability to pitch new ideas clearly and inspire confidenceTakes a consulting approach and has the ability to build strong working relationships at all levelsInclusionFreshfields 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. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK 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 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 factors into account (eg 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.
