Global Senior HR Business Partner - Fixed Term Contract to September 2027

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Clifford Chance seeks a Global Senior HR Business Partner on a fixed-term contract through September 2027, with an ideal start in September 2026, onsite in Dubai. You will partner with heads of global functions to deliver people priorities aligned to the firm’s talent strategy, embed processes, and support operating model changes. You will advise on ER, coach, lead headcount and budget planning, drive talent reviews and succession, and collaborate with CoEs and Reward on compensation and recruitment for Director and above roles. The role requires proven HRBP experience, ideally in law or professional services, in a matrixed environment, with CIPD or equivalent. To apply, tailor your CV to show measurable impact, cross-functional collaboration, and a data-driven, change-led approach, plus inclusive leadership and the ability to juggle priorities.

Company Description

Who we are

As a global law firm our work spans jurisdictions, cultures, and languages – and so do our people.

Our culture is collaborative and inclusive, where diverse perspectives are recognised and valued. Where performing to your highest ability, unlocks equal access to opportunities to learn, thrive and grow. 

We combine deep legal expertise and commercial intelligence to grow, transform, protect, and defend our clients' businesses, across every critical moment.

We operate in the sectors and regions that matter to our clients. With forward-thinking insights and innovative, tech-enabled solutions that combine deep knowledge of their sectors and markets.

You’ll build connections and work with colleagues as one global team. You’ll unlock opportunities for clients, across borders, cultures, legal and commercial disciplines.

Join us to work with colleagues as one global team – empowering each other to be exceptional and create advantage for our clients.
 

Job Description

The ideal start date for this role is September 2026.  

The role

You will partner with Global Business Functions and their leadership teams to develop and deliver people priorities aligned to the firm's people and talent strategy, and the global business function/team's strategy.

Who you will work with

You will report to the Chief People Officer and will work closely with HR Directors, business partnering teams, other Global Senior HR Business Partners (GSHRBPs), centers of expertise (CoE) and the broader HR function to deliver high impact and highly efficient people priorities and processes.

What you will be responsible for

You will build trusted advisor relationships with the Global Business Function leaders and other senior leaders, and their leadership teams, along with other key stakeholders including business partnering teams and CoEs to deliver the priorities aligned to the firm's people and talent strategy.

What you will do

• Partner with the stakeholders to develop and deliver the people and talent strategy aligned to business priorities.
• Embed firm-wide people priorities across the functions / teams, integrating and delivering global processes (e.g. succession, compensation) and the talent agenda.
• Assess current structures against strategic priorities and identify optimisation opportunities.
• Partner on any future-state operating model changes with leadership and business partnering teams.
• Design or enable organisational changes, including impact analysis and workforce transition planning, with relevant CoEs.
• Advise on complex ER matters, anticipating risks and driving early intervention.
• Provide confidential coaching and guidance to resolve issues where possible.
• Advise senior Business Professionals (Director+) on ER matters and transitions.
• Contribute to headcount planning and align budgets to business strategy.
• Use business metrics and people data to inform decision-making and draw on employee listening data to provide insight on engagement,
• Embed talent processes across the functions/teams in partnership with HRBPs.
• Lead talent reviews and identify key segments, gaps and actions, and support succession planning.
• Support development of the leadership teams and high-potential talent.
• Partner with Reward CoE to deliver year-end compensation processes, including global calibration and prepare leadership for compensation discussions. Guide leaders on fair and consistent performance and reward outcomes.
• Align recruitment strategy with business planning, anticipate hiring needs, support inclusive hiring, resolve recruitment challenges, and partner on senior hiring and onboarding (Director+).
• Use exit and engagement data to drive retention and improvement actions.
• Ensure wellbeing and employee experience are embedded in decision-making.
   

Qualifications

Your experience

Skills

• You will have a proven track record of HR business partnering alongside developing and implementing strategic HR initiatives that have demonstrably contributed to achieving business objectives and enhanced overall business performance.
• You will have flexible and effective communication skills, coupled with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.  

Experience

• You will have experience of partnering with and influencing Global Heads of functions, senior leaders and their global leadership teams. You work collaboratively with key stakeholders to create joint expectations and deliverables, striving for positive results and engaging others in the journey.
• You will have experience as a global Senior HR Business Partner, ideally in a law firm, or professional services organisation. You will have gained significant operational experience, as well significant strategic level experience supporting global leaders and their global leadership teams.
• Experience of working in a matrixed / global environment is essential.

Knowledge

• You will demonstrate strong commercial awareness.

Qualifications

• You will ideally have formal HR qualifications e.g. CIPD or equivalent.
   

Additional Information

Equal opportunities

At Clifford Chance, we understand that our true asset is our people. Inclusion is good for our team and their families, our firm and society.

We are committed to treating all employees and applicants fairly and equally regardless of their gender, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, social or economic background, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation, or age.  This applies to recruitment and selection, terms and conditions of employment including pay, promotion, training, transfer and every other aspect of employment.

We have a variety of flourishing employee networks. These networks are a place for colleagues to share experiences and advocate for change wherever they see an opportunity for improvement.

Our goal is to deliver an equality of opportunity, an equality of aspiration and an equality of experience to everyone who works in our firm. 

Find out more about our inclusive culture here.