Our client is a leading law firm in the UK focussing on the ultra-high net worth end of the market. They have experienced huge growth with our industry-disrupting marketing-led approach to acquiring clients. They have huge plans for future expansion.

They are not a typical law firm, with values such as “bring your personality to work” (most law firms like you to leave it at home!). They recruit the very best based on intrinsic skills: problem-solving, leadership, team work and drive. They take decisions quickly (no committees). They are a great place to work!

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Position description and key responsibilities:

They are looking to recruit a Head/Director of Operations and Productivity. The role involves a mix of transformation and delivery (both of business as usual and projects). There will initially be two direct reports: Head of Client Engagement (responsible for running the client relations function which onboards clients) and the Finance Manager (responsible for day-to-day finance activities). There will also be access to a variety of other resources including members of the strategy team.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring productivity on the interface between lawyers and the finance team (including liaising with lawyers and managing the Finance Manager). In particular ensuring that:

o all billable time is fully captured (nothing is forgotten and nothing is self-censored);

o write-offs and discounts are kept to a minimum;

o case funding strategies (including robust cost estimates) are established and implemented;

o client balances are maintained to minimise financial exposure;

o there is excellent credit control and doubtful debts are appropriately pursued

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• Ensuring productivity on the interface between lawyers and the marketing team (including liaising with lawyers and managing the Head of Client Engagement). In particular ensuring that:

o inbound client enquiries are managed effectively

o outbound referrals are managed effectively

o cross/up-selling is maximised

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• Identifying and delivering (in conjunction with the Director of Technology and Transformation and the marketing/strategy team) a wide variety of projects to maximise productivity/profitability across the firm

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• Managing and developing (initially) two highly motivated direct reports: Finance Manager and Head of Client Engagement (about to go on maternity leave with the Client Relations Manager taking over temporarily)

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Experience and qualifications

Must have:

Top degree from a leading university

Blue chip consultancy experience idealy from a top strategy firm such as a MBB

Working knowledge of (the economics of) professional services firms (but there’s no need for this to be in legal services)

Proven success in personally delivering operational excellence (i.e., operational expertise outside

consultancy)

Working knowledge of finance (but there’s no need for an accountancy degree)

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Personal characteristics

Someone who gets stuff done

A great manager of highly motivated intelligent people

Excellent inter-personal/influencing skills