Role summary

This is a varied, high-impact role requiring strong collaboration, communication, and stakeholder management skills. The Senior Event Manager will build trusted relationships with senior internal stakeholders and key client contacts, working closely with brand and marketing, communications, business development, and operations teams across the global firm.

They will bring significant experience managing events in a fast-paced, client-focused environment and will be responsible for delivering high-quality, creative, and cost-effective client events, including programs, dinners, receptions, and bespoke experiences. These events will strengthen client relationships, support new business opportunities, and enhance Freshfields' brand and reputation, with an exceptional standard of delivery and attention to detail expected throughout.

Working closely with Partners, lawyers, BD teams, and EAs/PAs, they will ensure events align with firm strategy and are delivered in line with global best practices. They will also contribute to internal events that support firmwide culture, communication, and business priorities.

The role goes beyond execution, contributing to global event frameworks, governance, and innovation to drive consistency, scalability, and measurable impact. Based in San Francisco / Silicon Valley, they will play a key role in supporting events in the local offices, while also delivering and supporting events across the U.S. and providing input into global initiatives as needed. They will also collaborate with the Senior Manager of US Workplace Experience (New York) to help develop and implement best practices for events hosted in the SF and SV offices.

The successful candidate will combine strategic thinking with strong operational execution, leading complex, high-profile events that elevate the brand and support relationship-building and revenue objectives.

With this context, the role holder will be responsible for working collaboratively as part of the Global Events team in the following:

• Strategic Leadership & Oversight
  • Work with Event Leaders to help define and evolve the global events strategy in line with firm priorities
  • Partner with senior stakeholders to shape client engagement and ensure alignment with business objectives
  • Work with Event Leaders to establish global standards, governance, and best practices, acting as a senior advisor on high-profile events
  • Oversee a portfolio of client and internal events, ensuring consistency and excellence
• Event Delivery & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Plan and deliver high-quality client events, conferences, and internal programs aligned with firm strategy
  • Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, clients, and external partners
  • Collaborate closely with BD, Marketing, CRM, and Operations teams to deliver integrated, impactful events
  • Advise stakeholders on event strategy, best practices, and processes
• Operational Excellence & Performance
  • Ensure flawless execution, with exceptional standards of quality, creativity, and attention to detail
  • Oversee vendors, budgets, and resource allocation to deliver cost-effective and scalable programs
  • Use data, insights, and event technology to measure ROI and continuously improve performance
• Leadership & Continuous Improvement
  • Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team culture
  • Drive innovation through new formats, technologies, and delivery approaches
  • Continuously enhance processes and frameworks to improve efficiency, scalability, and impact
  • Support colleagues and share best practices across the team

Key requirements (skills/experience)

• Degree educated, with extensive experience in a professional services or corporate environment (e.g. legal, accountancy, technology, consultancy)
• Significant experience delivering end-to-end event strategy and execution globally, including international conferences and high-end client events and hospitality
• Proven ability to operate at a senior level, influencing stakeholders and managing complex, high-value, multi-region programs
• Strong strategic thinking and commercial awareness, with the ability to link events to business outcomes
• Advanced expertise in budget management, vendor negotiation, and tracking ROI and performance
• Deep understanding of event technology, including virtual/hybrid platforms, registration systems, and data-driven insights
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with strong attention to detail (including writing and proofreading)
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams, clients, and suppliers
• Highly organized with strong project and time management skills; able to manage multiple priorities, tight deadlines, and changing requirements with resilience
• High level of emotional intelligence, sound judgment, creativity, and adaptability in fast-paced environments
• Experience supporting, coaching, or mentoring others, contributing to a collaborative, high-performing team culture
• Naturally curious, with a proactive mindset and a desire to continuously learn and develop as a trusted advisor
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Willingness to travel globally and work flexibly

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in New York and California or reporting to someone in those states, 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 $150,000 - $205,000.