At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop high-performing teams in Commercial Services, driving growth and operational excellence.
- Company: Flint Bishop, a forward-thinking legal business with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, private medical insurance, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with career development opportunities and social events.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a national legal firm and make a real impact on client services.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership experience, financial acumen, and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Department: Executive Suite
Location: Derby, UK
At Flint Bishop, we are entering a significant new phase of growth and transformation as we evolve from a successful regional law firm into a nationally operating legal business with ambitious long-term growth plans through to 2030 and beyond. As part of this transition, the firm is implementing a national divisional operating structure designed to create greater scale, stronger sector alignment, and improved client delivery across all service lines. The Head of Commercial Services will play a central leadership role in shaping and delivering that vision. Reporting directly to the CEO and forming part of the firm’s senior leadership structure, this role is responsible not only for leading a high-performing Commercial Services division, but also for helping build a unified, scalable, and commercially driven national firm. Success in the role over the next two to three years will include delivering significant divisional growth, strengthening national market presence, building a best-in-class leadership structure, improving operational scalability and profitability, and supporting the successful integration of new teams, lateral hires, and acquisitions into the wider Flint Bishop platform.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop all Commercial Services teams, including Commercial Litigation, Employment, Commercial Property, Corporate & Finance, Commercial Contracts, Licensing, Intellectual Property, Regulatory & Corporate Defence, Insurance Litigation, and Recoveries.
- Set and deliver a commercially focused divisional strategy aligned with the firm’s wider national growth plans and strategic objectives.
- Work closely with the CEO, COO, Head of Private Client Services, and wider Management Board to ensure the firm operates as a single, cohesive national business rather than separate parallel divisions.
- Design and implement the optimal sub-team and leadership structure for the Commercial Services division, including recommending and developing the leadership layer beneath the divisional head.
- Ensure clients receive clear, pragmatic, commercially focused legal advice and a consistent standard of service across all Commercial Services teams nationally.
- Promote strong collaboration and cross-referral activity between Commercial Services, Private Client Services, and central operational functions.
- Take ownership of divisional financial performance, including profitability, budgeting, utilisation, pricing strategy, operational efficiency, and sustainable revenue growth.
- Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams and future leaders, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Identify, assess, and implement operational and process improvements to support scalability, client experience, and divisional performance.
- Ensure robust governance, compliance, quality assurance, and risk management standards are maintained across all Commercial Services functions.
- Ensure the division remains aligned with developments in legal technology, AI, and operational innovation, identifying opportunities to improve both client service delivery and internal efficiency.
Management & Operational Leadership
- Take full accountability for divisional performance against agreed financial, operational, and strategic objectives.
- Lead monthly and quarterly business reviews, presenting financial performance, KPIs, strategic progress, and operational updates to the CEO and Management Board.
- Own the creation, management, and delivery of divisional budgets and P&L performance.
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators, implementing corrective actions and performance improvement plans where required.
- Embed a culture of ownership, commerciality, innovation, and continuous improvement across all Commercial Services teams.
- Support firmwide strategic planning and contribute actively to Management Board and senior leadership discussions.
- Ensure leadership consistency, succession planning, and talent development across the division.
Strategic Growth & Business Development
- Lead and deliver the Commercial Services growth strategy, with accountability for revenue generation, market positioning, client retention, and pipeline development.
- Build and maintain senior relationships with key clients, introducers, insurers, strategic partners, and referral networks.
- Identify and pursue opportunities for lateral hires, team acquisitions, mergers, and strategic growth initiatives within the Commercial Services division, working alongside the CEO on evaluation, due diligence, onboarding, and integration activity.
- Drive cross-selling and collaboration opportunities across all divisions and practice areas to maximise client value and firmwide growth.
- Identify new market opportunities, sectors, and service offerings which support the firm’s national expansion strategy.
- Promote a culture of proactive, commercially accountable business development across all Commercial Services teams.
- Report regularly to the CEO and Management Board on divisional performance, pipeline activity, growth initiatives, strategic opportunities, and financial results.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Strong leadership and operational management experience
- Excellent financial, strategic, and commercial awareness
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to drive operational efficiency and organisational change
- Strong people management and team development capabilities
- Understanding of legal sector operations and compliance requirements
- Knowledge of financial management and business performance reporting
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Bonus potential
- Free parking
- Life insurance
- Private medical insurance
- Income protections
- Great working environment at our Derby head offices
- Career development opportunities
- 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Options to buy & sell 1 week’s holiday
- 1 week’s holiday carry over
- Extra day off for your birthday
- Staff card discount scheme for local shops
- Social days and evenings on the firm
- Staff discounts on legal services
Head of Commercial Services employer: Flint Bishop
Flint Bishop is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Derby that fosters growth and innovation as we transition into a nationally operating legal business. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a generous holiday allowance and career advancement opportunities, we cultivate a culture of collaboration and accountability, ensuring our teams are well-supported in achieving both personal and professional success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their vision and how you can contribute to their growth plans. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in areas like operational efficiency and team development.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you’ve driven success in previous roles—this is key for a position like Head of Commercial Services.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. So, get that application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Commercial Services role. Highlight your leadership experience and how it relates to the firm's growth plans.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've driven growth or improved performance in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can bring to our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key messages stand out. This will make it easier for us to understand your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Flint Bishop
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Flint Bishop's history, values, and recent developments. Understanding their transition to a nationally operating legal business will help you align your answers with their vision and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Commercial Services, you'll need to lead high-performing teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your ability to foster collaboration, accountability, and innovation. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these strategies at Flint Bishop.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about your approach to strategic growth and operational efficiency. Think about how you would develop a commercially focused divisional strategy and be prepared to share your insights on market positioning and client retention. This shows you're ready to contribute to their ambitious growth plans.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Since the role involves taking ownership of divisional financial performance, brush up on your financial management skills. Be prepared to discuss budgeting, profitability, and revenue generation strategies. Highlight any relevant experience you have in managing P&L performance to show you can drive sustainable growth.
