Manager, Employer Branding and Recruiting

Role purpose

To work in close partnership with the German and regional Practice Group Leads, EMEA Business Managers, recruitment coordinators, and End-to-End (E2E) teams to deliver a best-in-class recruitment experience for Fee Earner and Early Careers candidates, segmented by practice group, as well as Hiring Managers. Responsible for the execution of full-cycle recruitment processes, both internal and external, to support the filling of role vacancies, leveraging regional and global resources while delivering high-volume hiring through a hands-on and direct sourcing approach.

Main responsibilities

• Assume ownership of the operational delivery of end-to-end Fee Earner and Early Careers recruitment, working closely with Practice Group Business Managers. Responsibilities include direct sourcing, go-to-market execution, application management, candidate shortlisting, interviewing, offer management, and pre-onboarding activities, ensuring a seamless transition to Talent colleagues for onboarding.
• Lead, coach, and develop the German Recruitment team, comprising two Managers, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Partner with the EMEA Early Careers Senior Manager to design and implement the German Graduate Recruitment marketing, attraction, and media strategy.
• Oversee all aspects of the Early Careers events programme, including faculty career days, moot court, study foundation, and legal tech events.
• Manage the Early Careers application and selection process, including pre-selection, applications, offers, and onboarding.
• Lead employer branding and digital strategy for the local market, while maintaining consistency with global brand standards.
• Support the junior lawyer population throughout the employee lifecycle and proactively manage all HR-related matters for this population.
• Develop strong business relationships with Practice Group leadership, supported by in-depth knowledge of the German and EMEA markets and legal recruitment, acting as a subject matter expert.
• Maintain a consistent and high-quality pipeline of passive and active diverse talent.
• Collaborate effectively with Practice Group leadership and in-market Talent teams to promote best-practice recruitment and functional alignment.
• Work with the Regional Director and Associate Director of Recruitment to continuously improve recruitment strategies and processes across the German offices.
• Deliver timely and accurate reporting on recruitment activity, using data to improve recruitment performance and track FTE headcount.
• Implement recruitment strategies that encourage innovative sourcing methods and reduce reliance on agencies.
• Maintain a strong focus on ID&E strategy and ensure inclusive recruitment practices are upheld at all times.
• Where vendors are engaged, ensure compliance with preferred supplier strategy to support optimal performance and appropriate pricing.
• Ensure all recruitment processes reflect and enhance the Firm’s brand and deliver an exceptional candidate experience throughout the selection process.
• Ensure full adherence to Hiring Committee requirements and budgeting and approval processes.
• Develop innovative recruitment and employer branding strategies, while supporting initiatives designed to improve recruitment processes.

Qualifications & experience required

• A completed Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience leading strategic recruitment initiatives within a complex global professional services organisation, ideally a law firm.
• Extensive experience delivering Fee Earner and Early Careers recruitment within a German legal services environment.
• A strong track record in direct sourcing and in delivering high-quality, diverse talent.
• A highly collaborative approach, with proven experience building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and establishing credibility as a trusted advisor.
• The ability to work at pace, solve problems, and deliver effective solutions under tight deadlines and pressure.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with team members, senior stakeholders, and executive leadership.
• Strong judgement and empathy when handling sensitive matters.
• A strong team ethic, with reliability, flexibility, and commitment.
• Strong analytical ability, combined with an independent and proactive working style.
• A friendly, service-oriented, and hands-on approach.
• Creativity, ambition, and the motivation to contribute ideas, participate in international projects early on, and engage with innovative HR concepts.
• Excellent written and spoken German and English.