Operations Manager (Fixed Term Contract - 6 Months)

The role

We are seeking a highly organised and efficient Operations Manager to join us on a 6-month fixed-term contract. You will report directly to the Head of Operations, working closely with the Heads of Departments of two fee earning departments. You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of operational processes and will be involved in a wide range of practice support, project management, and ad hoc operational tasks, ensuring efficiency and operational excellence in the delivery of services to our clients.

Role responsibility

Departmental Support:

• Act as the primary point of contact for operational queries and tasks within two fee-earning departments.
• Support the Heads of Department and Head of Operations with tasks, including tracking departmental and team performance.
• Assist in the development and implementation of department-specific processes and workflows.

Practice Support:

• Provide support in managing day-to-day operations, ensuring high standards of service delivery.
• Assist in improving operational efficiencies and contribute to the ongoing refinement of operational processes.
• Work with the departments and project teams on implementation of new software and processes.
• Coordinate  functions that support the department in order to manage BAU processes.  
• Assist with resource planning.
• Ensure the handover of data for leavers and joiners is planned and executed mitigating any risk.
• Stress test non-partner hire requests and create business cases.

Project Management:

• Contribute to, track, and report on departmental projects as directed by the Head of Operations.
• Support the planning, coordination, and execution of key initiatives within the departments, ensuring alignment with the firm’s strategic goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of projects.

Business Development:

• Assist with pricing, fee estimates and ad hoc profitability analysis to be used in business development activity such as pitches.
• Provide required data to BD and sector leads to help substantiate approach and investment

Communication & Reporting:

• Regularly update the Head of Operations on the status of projects or departmental initiatives.
• Assist and support department wide communications, ensuring clear and effective communication between departments, senior leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Provide input to the preparation of agendas and slides for leadership meetings and department meetings.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for all processes and projects.
• Oversee and quality check the production of the monthly Board report.

 Continuous Improvement:

• Work with the team to identify areas for operational improvements and contribute to the continuous development of best practices across the firm.
• Implement solutions for streamlining processes and enhancing overall department performance as directed by the Head of Operations.

About you

Ideally you will be able to demonstrate;

• Proven experience in an operations management role, ideally within a law firm.
• Strong project and process management experience, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships across all levels of the firm.
• Strong data analysis skills and a keen eye for detail.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically.
• Flexibility and adaptability, with a positive approach to handling change.
• Familiarity with legal practice management software and systems.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days annual holiday
• Permanent Health Insurance
• Life Assurance
• Interest free Season Ticket Loan
• Private Healthcare
• Pension Scheme
• Staff Introductory Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

About us

With almost 200 lawyers in one location, we ensure our clients have the right team to help them get from where they are to where they want to be. We advise major corporates and institutions as well as entrepreneurial, ambitious enterprises which are often privately or family owned, or private equity backed. As well as our significant business law capability, we are one of only a few London-based law firms with a large private wealth offering. Our clients find our straightforward approach a compelling alternative to larger, less personal firms.

Whether you are an ambitious and talented individual wanting to hit the ground running from day one, or an established professional looking for a new opportunity, Howard Kennedy is the firm where you can really make it happen.

We have earned a strong reputation for our exceptional and uniquely talented people who between them deliver outstanding results for clients. In a firm of our size, our strong team dynamic creates a thriving culture of creativity and entrepreneurialism. Howard Kennedy is a pragmatic and non-hierarchical environment where success is shared, and you are proactively encouraged to thrive at your own pace.

Our distinctive culture is built on fairness and respect. Guided by the firm’s values of talk straight, think smart and be yourself, everyone in the firm holds equal value, and everyone plays their role in supporting, encouraging and inspiring colleagues to do their best work.

At the same time, we recognise and reward individualism, celebrating the diversity of our people and supporting them to grow their practice and drive their own career advancement.

As well as client work, there is opportunity to broaden your horizons at the firm with fulfilling pro bono and charity projects. We have a regular social calendar full of wellbeing activities, charitable and social events too.