Office & Business Development Manager

We are seeking to appoint an experienced and highly professional Office & Business Development Manager to join our growing law firm. Reporting directly to the Managing Partner, the successful candidate will hold a key leadership position with responsibility for the effective management of the firm's operations, people, technology, facilities, and business development initiatives.

This role is ideally suited to a proactive and commercially minded professional who possesses strong organisational, project management, and interpersonal skills. The successful candidate will play a significant role in supporting the firm's strategic objectives and ensuring that the infrastructure, systems, and resources necessary for continued growth are effectively managed.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources

• Manage recruitment processes for legal and administrative personnel.
• Coordinate and oversee the onboarding and induction of new employees, including employment contracts, policies, and procedures.
• Work collaboratively with support staff and management to define roles, responsibilities, and performance objectives.
• Conduct quarterly performance reviews and assist with annual remuneration reviews.
• Support the Managing Partner in dealing with employee relations matters, performance management, and disciplinary procedures.
• Assist in the implementation of HR policies and best practices.

Operations and Premises Management

• Ensure the effective utilisation of office space and resources to accommodate the firm's continued growth.
• Implement policies and procedures relating to file management, records retention, and the digitalisation of archived files.
• Monitor and manage the day-to-day operation of the firm's premises, including maintenance, repair, health and safety compliance, furniture, equipment, stationery, and supplier contracts.
• Liaise with external service providers to ensure the efficient delivery of facilities management services.

Information Technology and Systems

• Act as the firm's principal liaison with external IT consultants and technology providers.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the firm's IT infrastructure.
• Promote and support the effective use of Microsoft 365 and related digital solutions throughout the firm.
• Assist with the implementation, management, and development of the firm’s Solicitor Case  Management system, LEAP.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency through the adoption of emerging technologies and legal technology solutions specifically AI for law firms.
• Oversee the maintenance, development, and content management of the firm's website.

Marketing and Business Development

• Support the development and implementation of the firm's business development and marketing strategy.
• Manage branding initiatives to ensure consistency and alignment with the firm's strategic growth objectives.
• Coordinate relationships with marketing consultants, designers, and other external providers.
• Support the promotion of the firm's services through LinkedIn, and other relevant platforms.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A professional, confident, and proactive approach.
• Exceptional organisational and project management abilities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships at all levels.
• Excellent judgement and the ability to work independently while managing competing priorities.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
• The ability to manage change effectively within a growing organisation.
• High levels of discretion, integrity, and professionalism.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Significant experience in an office management, operations management, business development, or similar leadership role.
• Excellent administrative, organisational, and analytical skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Demonstrated experience in managing projects, resources, and external service providers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365 applications.
• Experience of managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a professional environment.

Desirable

• Experience working within a legal, professional services, or regulated environment.
• Familiarity with VOIP systems, IT infrastructure, and cloud-based technologies.
• Knowledge of legal practice management systems.
• Experience of website management, digital marketing, and social media strategy.
• Knowledge of HR processes, recruitment, performance management, and employment best practice.

Additional Information

This job description is intended to provide an overview of the principal duties and responsibilities associated with the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be required.

Applicants are not expected to possess expertise in every area outlined. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate the judgement, management capability, and commercial awareness necessary to identify when specialist advice or external expertise is required and to manage those relationships effectively.

As the firm continues to evolve and expand, the duties and responsibilities attached to this role may change to reflect the developing needs of the business.