Job Description

We are recruiting for a Head of Global People Systems to join our Global HR Systems, Data & Reporting team in London.

Global HR Systems, Data & Reporting team - London

What you will do

The Head of Global People Systems role leads the in-house Global HR Systems, Data & Reporting team. The team are responsible for supporting and enhancing the firm's global HR systems including: our core HCM application (PeopleSoft), Applicant Tracking System (Brassring), Performance management platforms (Objective Manager & Compass), Reporting (Fabric), and a range of cloud enabled platforms.

Following our merger in 2024, we began a process of HR transformation, including the migration to new HR platforms that will better support a more automated and efficient way of working. We are at the final stages of the RFP process for our PeopleSoft replacement, with Phase 1 implementation of Workday HCM scheduled to begin early 2026. Further phases to replace existing ATS and Performance platforms will follow.

The Head of Global People Systems is accountable for defining and communicating A&O Shearman’s strategy, design, operations and continual service improvement for our global HR systems and related technologies used for integration with these systems.

Technology Strategy

• Responsible for the definition and communication of a business focused HR technology strategy in collaboration with the IT leadership, to ensure it aligns to the broader firm technology strategy
• Preparation and delivery of IT Board presentations for technology investment cases
• Keeping abreast of HR technology solutions and external market trends
• Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with peer law firms in the UK and the US.
• Ensuring the HR Systems team goals are aligned to the overall strategy and are regularly reviewed
• To act as a trusted advisor on HR technology in firm wide technology discussions

Relationships

• Leadership of the technology capability for the global HR function
• Act as a trusted advisor to HR teams on technology enabled projects and support them in navigating the internal procurement, information security, data privacy and delivery processes
• Active contribution within the global HR leadership team to deliver the firm’s People Priorities objectives
• To develop deep cross-functional relationships with leaders in other parts of the business to ensure collaboration and an open flow of information
• Create an inclusive, collaborative and innovative environment that enables teams to flourish
• Being aware of the cultural differences that impact the use of technology across the A&O Shearman network and being willing to work collaboratively with teams to explore different options

Risk

• Responsible for the ethical management and use of our people data in accordance with the firm’s data privacy policies
• Responsible for the overall management of vendor relationships and ensuring continuity of service and compliance with contracts
• Overall responsibility for the preparation of cost estimates and timelines for proposed solutions
• Overall responsibility for project planning, risk management and financial planning activities of projects
• Responsible for the IT risk management of the HR Systems portfolio, ensuring all applications evidence IT risk controls in alignment with A&O Shearman policy and the firm’s risk appetite.

Continuous Improvement

• Leading the effort to increase the maturity of data driven HR practices across the global HR team
• Aligning technology projects with reporting requirements to ensure the rapid availability of new data insights
• To drive a programme of continuous improvement and optimisation of the use of our HR technology
• Work with A&O offices to ensure that operating standards are adhered to
• Ensure that local offices are aware of global initiatives and the impacts on local systems
• Work with shared service teams to improve the quality of support for HR processes and systems

Technology Delivery

• Accountable for the financial planning and operating costs of HR systems and projects
• Act as the single point of contact in governance structures necessary to implement technology and business change projects
• Work directly with HR Systems team and IT Project / Programme Managers on the delivery, planning, functional & technical phases of projects, especially the implementation of the new Workday platform
• Work closely with IT to ensure tooling, solutions and resources are available at the right time, to enable the HR Systems strategy
• Work directly with key stakeholders to ensure that technology choices meet business needs
• Work directly with the senior management teams in Finance, IT and in the business itself to provide guidance on HR system related topics as well as best practice and processes
• Provide excellent commercial awareness and ability to identify and develop opportunities to improve service and add value
• Support the HR Systems Senior Managers in their role in identifying key global HR processes, and mapping and establishing more standardised operations across offices and practice groups.
• Accountability for measuring and ensuring benefits realisation across HR technology projects

What you will have

• Proven track record of managing HR technologies and leading teams in complex global organisations
• Significant experience of leading project delivery across multiple countries, with direct experience of the jurisdictional and local market challenges of a Global HR system
• Demonstrable experience in successfully implementing HR technology and their corresponding business change elements (process, organisation and communication)
• Strong understanding of how data supports the business and a desire to improve data connectivity
• Excellent track record of working with senior management within a complex international organisation
• Strong commercial/business acumen with the ability to influence strategic thinking/direction through creative and pragmatic issue resolution
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships at all levels and able to build and develop strong client relationships
• Collaborative team player with the ability to grow talent and work in a fast paced, high performing and high expectation environment
• High energy individual who enjoys both the operational and strategic sides of this role and shows great flexibility
• Resilient; able to understand that credibility must be earned in this environment and may take time
• Manages change effectively and enthusiastically
• Deep understanding of Workday is an advantage

About A&O Shearman

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 29 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.

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Should you require additional support at any stage of the recruitment process due to a disability or a health condition, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our recruitment team who will work with you to provide any adjustments as required.

We are an equal opportunities recruiter and do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

We recognise that our people are our most valuable asset, which is reflected in the wide range of benefits that are available to our employees. Some of these benefits include: our occupational pension scheme, group income protection cover, private medical insurance, mental health resources and free apps, health and wellbeing services encompassing an onsite gym, wellbeing centre and GP service, emergency back-up care support, parental and special leave, holiday entitlement increasing with length of service, holiday trading, season ticket loans and online discounts and lifestyle management services.

Our approach to hybrid working seeks to combine and maximise the benefits of effective remote working with the benefits of being in the office. Our current hybrid working arrangements require office based working for a minimum of 60% of your time (i.e. three days per week for a full time role) in accordance with our hybrid working policy.

NO AGENCIES PLEASE - A&O Shearman does not accept unsolicited CVs. For further information, please see our UK Recruitment Agency Policy and our commitment to direct sourcing here.