Head Of Data Analytics

One of the strategic goals of the firm is to use data to guide the business. This requires robust analytic capabilities to shape the way analysis is performed and socialized, and it requires machine-assistance in both [a] streamlining operations and [b] in surfacing interesting findings (signals) among mountains of raw data (noise) worthy of human analysis.

Freshfields intends to leverage Data Science / AI technologies to practice better law, to reduce expenses and increase profitability, and to better detect and react to changes in the marketplace that could affect legal matter opportunities and outcomes.

Role summary/purpose of job

The Head of Data Analytics will be accountable for delivering on the data strategy of the firm, work with senior leaders across the firm to establish the vision for managing data as a business asset, and oversee four functional areas:

• Data governance: Establish a framework of decision-making around data based on the work that has already been done. Primarily a business function. Here we identify who has responsibility for deciding on what data needs to be collected and how it should be used. HR (Human Resources), Finance, Marketing, KM will all have unique needs that must be met, but they need to work together to prevent data from being siloed. Data governance establishes the means for us to work together and agree on how information suits the needs of each group and contributes to a greater whole.

• Data architecture: This function is concerned with the planning and execution of data design and technical implementation. It creates and maintains an integrated data systems architecture and roadmap that enables single versions of the truth for client, finance, and people data. Working with the enterprise application architects, the data architects work to design a plan to use appropriate technologies that will suit the business, security, and technical needs of the firm.

• Data Operations: Foster the creation of a data-driven culture, related competencies, and data literacy across the enterprise. Once systems are in place, careful maintenance and monitoring need to be in place to ensure proper operation. The function implements data-enabled strategies that deliver value and grow firm revenue.

• Analytics: This encapsulates standard and ad-hoc reporting as well as sophisticated data science. A collective understanding of the source, meaning and proper usage of all the firm's data is essential to those tasked with creating output for the business users. This function expands the firm's research and analytics offerings, especially in emerging analytical approaches, skills and technologies, focusing them on digital business innovation. It oversees development and deployment of the enterprise's data and analytics platform for digital business. We will gain an economy of scale if people with this expertise work together.

The target outcome is to create a unified data environment (eliminating silos at the lowest possible level):

• Information is collected once and used many times.

• Role based parameters are applied to ensure information is provided to those who need it only.

• Enforce jurisdictional related requirements (GDPR etc.).

• Performant - timely delivery and updates worldwide (e.g., new hire data is available as soon as they arrive).

• Consistent - predictable rules are consistently applied

• Compliant: client guidelines, ethical walls etc.

• Fit for purpose and suits the needs of the business.

• Understandable - everyone understands why they are seeing information.

• Accountable - we understand where information is coming from and who is responsible.

• Speed of deployment of downstream systems.

You will inherit the following products and initiatives

• Common data framework: This is a Microsoft fabric-based data lake-house to manage all of the firm's data. This is in production but will need continued development

• Global data catalog: Collibra data catalog implementation intended to manage meta data for all data sources and reporting outputs of the firm Data

• Data Governance steering group - this is a group made up of the functional leaders of the firm and other data owners. Head of data will be responsible for coordinating period meetings, setting the agenda and delivering on actions.

• Reporting data governance task force - this is a group made up of reporting professionals from all the functional areas of the firm. The Head of data will be responsible for working with the data analytics lead to hold period meetings to ensure that this group continues to include all reports in the global data catalog and develops a common unified approach to analytics.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

Build and lead a world-class Data and Analytics team focused on quickly delivering business insights to drive excellence across Freshfields. Responsibilities include:

• Execute the data and information strategy and vision to support business strategy and goals. Craft and communicate the strategic roadmap, in terms meaningful to both business and technology organizations, tying the value from data and analytic investment to tangible business and client outcomes such as revenue generation, cost optimization, improved customer experience.

• Proactively champion the value of information (data) as a strategic business asset with senior Freshfields leadership. Create a virtuous cycle of platform adoption with improved data insights and streamlined publishing/access. Drive a culture of innovation and experimentation with business leaders using data insights.

• Lead the development, delivery, and on-going management of a successful data governance program. Ensure data is fit for purpose, usable, available, and efficient. Measure, monitor, and drive improvements in data accuracy and integrity, data timeliness and data completeness, and reduce data redundancy.

• Ensure data policies and practices are embedded throughout Freshfields by collaborating with key decision makers and influencers. Ensure data requirements are defined, communicated, and well understood by impacted upstream and downstream teams breaking down organizational silos

• Collaborate with IT (Information Technology) to develop a scalable, resilient, available, and flexible Freshfields data and information architecture that responds to business' needs, and enable its efficient, disciplined, and successful execution.

• Plan and execute an iterative strategy for scaling up the data and analytic organization from startup phase to maturity.

• Hire, motivate, mentor, and manage talent, including data stewards, data architects and data scientists, to enhance the organization's data, data science and analytic capabilities.

• Stay up to date on emerging and evolving end user usage models and requirements in Data Management, Business Intelligence and Analytics

• Direct and take part in key Freshfields and enterprise initiatives programs serve as the data and analytic thought leader, assess implications, and engage affected senior leadership for action.

• Lead initiatives to instill a culture of data-driven continuous improvement to reduce operational risk and drive operational excellence.

• Develop and monitor KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to measure effectiveness of data and analytic capital spend and ensure investments in people, systems and process enhancements deliver value.

Key Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated passion and experience in building data and analytics teams to drive organizational change.

• Expertise in crafting a coherent and compelling data strategy and architecture to unlock value of data assets spread across a disparate and complex data ecosystem

• Experience building teams within the fields of data governance, data architecture and data science.

• Ability to connect the dots on disparate pieces of reporting/analysis and formulate a cohesive understanding of business performance drivers

• Experience managing and developing teams with excellent motivation and team building skills, including the ability to recruit, develop and retain staff

• Strong consultative skills ranging from gathering market and competitor insights, problem solving, analytics, strategy development, influencing, facilitation and consensus building

• Prior experience in integrating and influencing others across a network, and unlocking new opportunities to drive change, adoption, and excellence.

• Dynamic relationship building and partnership skills; a strong collaborator with experience leading initiatives across multiple groups and stakeholders

• Strong negotiation and vendor management experience

• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, with proven ability to develop materials and effectively present to and persuade executive audiences using data visualization tools such as Power BI, etc.

• Experience in driving digital and automation-driven transformation to drive efficiencies and scalability

• Global outlook with sensitivity and awareness of social and cultural differences

• Strong situational awareness and decision-making capabilities

• Thorough understanding of Scrum and Agile development practices

• Proficiency in Azure, Snowflake, RDBMS and NoSQL Databases, Data Warehouse, Data Lakes, and Analytics tools; other statistical programming (Python, R, etc) preferred

• Knowledge of state-of-the-art Machine Learning frameworks such as PyTorch, Tensorflow, CNTK

• Possess a broad set of working skills and knowledge across hardware, software systems and solutions development across more than one technical domain

• Experience working in a top tier law firm is desirable.

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in New York and California or whose Manager is in New York, Freshfields is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the States of New York and California and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $200,000 to $250,000.

EEO Statement

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP is proud to be an equal employment and affirmative action employer. Our policies and practices will be free from unlawful discrimination based upon race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, military service, disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law. We strive to promote an atmosphere that encourages equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer US LLP is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the alternative email address below to contact us about your interest in employment at BusinessServicesRecruitment@Freshfields.com , or you can send your resume to BusinessServicesRecruitment@Freshfields.com , or you can call us at +1-212-277-4000.