At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop high-performing teams in a dynamic legal environment.
- Company: Flint Bishop, a growing national legal business with ambitious plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, private medical insurance, and 27 days holiday.
- Other info: Join a collaborative culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a national firm and drive impactful growth.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, financial acumen, and experience in legal operations.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Department: Executive Suite
Location: Derby, UK
Description
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 National 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
- Strategic Leadership: Act as a visible and collaborative senior leader across the national business. Support the delivery of the firm’s long‑term national growth strategy and operating model transformation. Contribute to firmwide decision‑making as a member of the senior leadership structure.
- People Leadership: Create a high‑performance culture built around accountability, engagement, collaboration, and development. Support and develop future leaders across the Commercial Services division. Foster strong communication and alignment across all offices and teams nationally.
- Client & Market Leadership: Maintain a strong external profile for the firm and division within the legal and commercial market. Ensure service delivery standards remain commercially focused, scalable, and aligned with client expectations.
You will have
- 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
What we offer?
- 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
National 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 private medical insurance and generous holiday allowances, and a culture that promotes collaboration and accountability, we empower our teams to thrive and contribute meaningfully to our ambitious growth plans. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking firm where your leadership can make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land National Head of Commercial Services
✨Get Involved in Law Societies
Join local law societies and attend their events – they're often a goldmine for networking and job opportunities in the legal field. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other budding lawyers and experienced solicitors who could provide vital insights and connections.
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Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms like LinkedIn and specific legal forums. Get active in discussions or share your thoughts on recent legal developments – this not only builds your visibility but also showcases your passion and knowledge in law.
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Look out for career fairs and workshops specifically focused on law. Many law firms, including Flint Bishop, will be scouting for fresh talent, so bring your A-game and don’t shy away from making a memorable impression.
✨Leverage Your University’s Career Services
If you’re still in university or have recently graduated, latch onto your career services! They often have connections with law firms looking for graduates and can guide you through the application process tailored for the legal sector.
We think you need these skills to ace National Head of Commercial Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at Flint Bishop, make sure to demonstrate your understanding of key legal principles and areas of law relevant to the position. Include any specific coursework, modules, or certifications, like LPC or BPTC qualifications, that showcase your legal expertise directly on your CV.
Showcase Your Research Skills:In the legal field, strong research skills are crucial. Use your application to illustrate how you've utilised these skills in past studies or work experiences – whether that's through past internships or significant projects. Mention any legal databases or tools you’re proficient in, as this can give you an edge.
Tailor That Cover Letter!:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make it personal by expressing your genuine interest in Flint Bishop and the specific role of National Head of Commercial Services. Talk about why you want to be part of their team, how your unique experiences align with their values, and why you’re passionate about the legal sector.
Stay Formal but Friendly:While we all know the legal world can be pretty formal, don’t be afraid to let a bit of personality shine through in your written application. Use a respectful tone, but feel free to inject a little warmth; this approach can help you stand out and show you're a great fit for Flint Bishop’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at Flint Bishop
✨Know Your Legal Principles
Brush up on foundational legal principles relevant to the specific area of law you’re applying for, whether it’s corporate, criminal, or family law. We might get asked situational questions to test your knowledge, so being articulate about key concepts will make you stand out.
✨Be Ready for Case Studies
Full-time legal roles often involve case studies during interviews. Prepare to analyse a hypothetical case and discuss your approach to it. Practising this with a peer or mentor can help us refine our reasoning and articulate a solid legal argument.
✨Show Off Your Research Skills
As legal professionals, strong research skills are a must. Have examples ready of how you've effectively used legal databases or conducted thorough legal research in your past experiences. It's a great way to demonstrate your readiness for the role at Flint Bishop.
✨Exude Professionalism and Confidence
In the legal field, professionalism is key. During the interview, we should maintain good eye contact and communicate clearly to show that we’re not just knowledgeable, but also confident. This can make a positive impression on your potential colleagues at Flint Bishop.
