Senior Research Librarian

The Senior Research Librarian is a pivotal member of the global Knowledge and Research team, supporting the legal and business information needs of the firm. This role has a particular focus on procurement, working closely with the Vendor and Subscription Manager UK, EMEA & US, to ensure the firm's information resources are strategically sourced, managed, and promoted for maximum value and efficiency.

Demonstrate leadership within the Research team, contributing to development activities and strategic initiatives. Lead or participate in internal groups focused on content procurement. Support the Senior Research Manager in implementing strategies aligned with firm objectives. Collaborate proactively with stakeholders to understand information needs and deliver bespoke solutions. Contribute to the development and maintenance of Research policies and procedures.

Procurement & Collection Development

• Play a key role in procurement processes, including negotiating new contracts and renewals, financial reporting, product evaluation, invoice processing, and vendor relationship management.
• Support the Vendor and Subscription Manager in strategic supplier negotiations and budget submissions.
• Liaise with the internal Procurement Team to ensure adherence to firmwide policies and align with Research specific procedures.
• Use library and resource management systems to track, analyse, and report on database usage.
• Engage with stakeholders to evaluate resource requirements and promote resources to ensure return on investment.

Research Services

• Deliver high-quality legal and business research using a wide range of online and hardcopy resources.
• Provide research on sectors, markets, and companies to support client pitches and business development.
• Produce reports on usage trends and research to inform resource decisions.

Training & Knowledge Sharing

• Identify training needs and contribute to the development of learning programmes, incorporating new technologies and/or products.
• Assist end users in developing research skills and strategies.

Collection Management & Systems

• Develop and maintain processes using infrastructure tools (Library Management System, Intranet) to support workflow efficiency.
• Liaise with external suppliers to resolve technical, content, or access issues.

Additional Duties

• Represent Research at meetings and support firm initiatives in innovation, technology, and corporate responsibility.
• Be an active, collaborative member of the Research team, supporting projects as required.

Key Performance Indicators

• Research requests are completed within agreed timeframes and meet user expectations for quality and relevance.
• Contracts are managed and renewed within agreed timeframes, ensuring compliance and continuity of service.
• Positive feedback from key stakeholders such as Procurement and team members on collaboration, responsiveness, and service delivery.
• Consistent adherence to firm policies and contribution to achieving departmental goals set by the Senior Research Manager or Vendor and Subscription Manager.
• Demonstrated leadership and effective support for the Senior Research Manager in implementing strategies and managing team performance.

Qualifications, skills and experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in library/information/research work, ideally within a law firm.
• Extensive knowledge of key information and research databases.
• Experience with SharePoint and automated library management systems.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Proven negotiation and vendor management experience.

Personal Leadership

• Positively impacts those around them, makes quality decisions and develops themselves both personally and professionally.
• Demonstrates sound knowledge in their field.
• Anticipates potential problems and identifies a range of possible solutions.
• Adapts their interpersonal style to suit different audiences in a genuine way.

Builds Authentic Relationships

• Takes time to get to know people beyond their role.
• Treats people with respect and in a fair and consistent way.
• Recognises when colleagues are under pressure and volunteers to assist them where possible.

Collaborates with others

• Works within teams and across boundaries to share knowledge and achieve results.
• Identifies and builds relationships required to achieve the best outcomes for the firm.
• Engages people with the right skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide advice and assist with tasks.
• Connects other people in the firm who have mutual interests or work objectives.
• Generously shares their time, knowledge, expertise, and talent to support others' success.

Enhances the Client Experience

• Creates opportunities to enhance the experience of the firm's clients through their daily tasks.
• Behaves consistently with the firm's values in their interactions with others.
• Conducts themselves in a way that reflects positively on the firm's brand, both inside and outside the firm.

Achieves Results

• Maintains focus and drive to achieve quality outcomes.
• Focuses their time and efforts on issues that will have the greatest impact on agreed objectives.
• Anticipates responses and plans their approach accordingly.
• Looks for the most effective way to achieve outcomes.
• Maintains perspective and optimism when faced with setbacks.