Operations Manager in Derby

Operations Manager Chesterfield and Sheffield

Location

Multi-site (South Yorkshire & Derbyshire) – Office-based

Reporting to

Chief Financial Officer

Department

• Operations
• The Firm

Our client is a well-established regional law firm with an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality legal services to businesses and private clients.

Known for its collaborative culture and client-focused approach, the firm provides tailored legal advice through specialist teams and prides itself on building long-term relationships based on trust, professionalism, and commercial insight.

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the day-to-day running of a busy, multi-site legal practice.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the firm's offices, facilities, and business support functions.

The successful candidate will work across two office locations, with occasional visits to off-site storage facilities, and will play a key role in supporting the firm's ongoing operational excellence and continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day management of office operations, ensuring a safe, efficient, and professional working environment.
• Oversee front-of-house services and ensure an exceptional client and visitor experience.
• Coordinate the induction of new employees and support the delivery of staff training and development.
• Manage facilities, including office maintenance, security, workplace services, business continuity, and office equipment.
• Oversee document archiving, secure file retrieval, retention processes, and confidential disposal.
• Manage and develop the Business Support team, providing leadership, coaching, and performance management.
• Supervise the Legal Support team, ensuring effective resource allocation and high levels of client service.
• Manage office budgets, procurement, supplier relationships, and service contracts.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, data protection, regulatory requirements, insurance renewals, and risk management procedures.
• Act as the primary contact for office-related matters, liaising with internal departments, landlords, contractors, and external suppliers.
• Lead operational improvement projects and workplace initiatives to enhance efficiency and employee experience.
• Coordinate meetings, events, hospitality, and provide administrative support to senior leadership where required.
• Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role to support the wider business.

About You

Essential

• Previous experience as an Operations Manager, Office Manager, or in a similar operational leadership role.
• Experience managing office operations within a professional services environment.
• Proven people management experience across multiple teams and/or locations.
• Strong organisational, planning, and project management skills.
• Experience managing budgets, procurement, and supplier relationships.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable

• Previous experience within a law firm or other professional services environment.
• Knowledge of facilities management and health & safety compliance.
• Relevant qualifications in facilities management, business administration, or project management.
• Personal Qualities
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Professional, approachable, and service-focused.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Proactive, adaptable, and able to work independently.
• Able to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Confident communicating with stakeholders at all levels.

Benefits

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience).
• Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional service-related entitlement.
• Free on-site parking.
• Healthcare cash plan.
• Company pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Employee legal service benefits.
• Regular social and team events.

If you're an experienced Operations Manager looking to join a respected and growing legal practice where you can make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.