Head of Operational Excellence

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

Shoosmiths’ Projects & Innovation (P&I) team is the primary delivery capability for all significant change programmes across the firm. Whether delivering projects themselves or supporting the wider firm to deliver their own change, the P&I team has oversight of all major change in the firm. The team drives efficiency and excellence in the way the firm operates, creates more competitive advantage in the delivery of legal services and maximises the impact and effective delivery of impactful change programmes in the firm.

The role

The Head of Operational Excellence will own the strategy and plan for driving operational efficiency across our business service organisation. This will include overseeing the successful delivery of major change programmes and building organisational capability to realise efficiency in our operations. You will also be the primary liaison for specified departments to advise, oversee and coordinate their major change agenda.

With knowledge of what is going on across the rest of the firm and as a senior transformation professional, you will provide advice on prioritisation, scheduling, change management and you will maintain accountability for project delivery.

Your primary objectives will be to deliver operational efficiencies that enable to firm to accommodate significant growth and to create significant competitive advantage in the delivery of legal services.

Main responsibilities

• Design and deliver an operational excellence strategy what enables our operational teams to drive efficiency through our business.
• Foster a culture and capability of continuous improvement, underpinned by the principles of lean and six sigma
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the firm and market-leading technologies, collaborating with the Information Systems (IS) team to advise and implement best practice technological solutions.
• Provide programme management support to ensure that change initiatives are coordinated.
• Lead the larger, more complex change initiatives in your respective business areas.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and trends in the legal industry, leveraging this knowledge to drive innovation and process improvement initiatives.
• Engage and collaborate with other relevant business teams to ensure the successful implementation of change.
• Champion the necessary messages to manage risk and promote a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the organisation.
• Have line management responsibility, including resource planning and allocation, to deliver against prioritised transformation programmes.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders and teams to develop and implement effective change management strategies related to the adoption of new technologies.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legal, regulatory, and data privacy requirements in the implementation and use of technology solutions.
• Stay informed about industry best practices, standards, and regulations related to technology and data management in the legal industry.

Skills and qualifications

• Several years of experience in a similar role, preferably within a professional services organisation.
• Strong understanding of process improvement, ideally having achieve Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification.
• Proven track record in successfully advising and implementing best practice solutions to drive operational excellence and process improvement.
• Demonstrated expertise in change management, particularly in the context of technology adoption and business transformation.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to organise and allocate resources to deliver against prioritised transformation programs.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
• Familiarity with data privacy, security, and compliance requirements related to technology solutions in the legal industry.
• A relevant degree or professional qualification in business management, technology, or a related field is preferred.

Equal opportunities

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

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