At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic legal operations initiatives and drive innovation in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Howden, a global insurance group with a unique employee ownership culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career progression, and a supportive team atmosphere.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to making a positive difference.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role that champions technology and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in legal operations with strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Who are we?
Howden is a global insurance group with employee ownership at its heart.
Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance.
We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 24,000 employees spanning over 56 countries.
People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture.
Its what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years.
Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – youll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.
What we’re looking for
Our Legal function acts as a trusted, pragmatic partner to the business, empowering our people to shape solutions, manage legal risk proactively and build a great global business of which our colleagues, clients and partners are proud.
More than 100 colleagues advise across regions and divisions, helping Howden navigate complexity, make informed decisions and continue moving forward at pace.
The Senior Manager, Legal Operations will act as a strategic partner and trusted deputy to the Group Head of Legal Operations, co-owning the development, maturity and optimisation of Howden's Legal Operations function.
Reporting to the Group Head of Legal Operations and deputising for them across key programmes, this role will lead and deliver a broad range of strategic and operational initiatives across panel management, legal technology, data and reporting, pricing strategy, tender management, process improvement and AI innovation.
Working closely with legal, business, technology and external stakeholders, the successful candidate will bring structure, pace and practical implementation support to key legal operations programmes.
The role would suit someone comfortable working across both strategic and hands on delivery, with the ability to manage relationships, improve processes, use data effectively and champion technology enabled ways of working.
Please note that this is a permanent, full-time role based in our Central London office.
Following a hybrid work pattern, you are expected to be onsite 2-3 days per week on average.
- What you’ll be doing
- Lead and deliver strategic legal operations initiatives across panel management, legal technology, reporting, process improvement and innovation.
- Act as a trusted advisor and sounding board to the Group Head of Legal Operations, deputising on key decisions, escalations and programmes in their absence.
- Represent Legal Operations in senior leadership and governance forums, contributing to function strategy and decision-making.
- Oversee legal panel governance activities, maintaining visibility of performance, pricing arrangements, service delivery and value creation opportunities.
- Develop and enhance panel management frameworks, reporting processes, governance materials and relationship management practices.
- Own the development and execution of panel pricing strategy, working with the Group Head of Legal Operations to negotiate commercial terms with panel firms, informed by data analysis, benchmarking and commercial insight.
- Lead end-to-end tender strategy and governance, shaping evaluation criteria, coordinating stakeholders and submissions, and driving final recommendations.
- Design, build and maintain dashboards, management information and reporting tools that provide actionable operational insights.
- Drive the implementation, adoption and optimisation of legal technology solutions across the legal function.
- Improve workflows, templates, forms and automations to increase efficiency and enhance user experience.
- Identify, evaluate and drive the adoption of AI-enabled solutions, automation opportunities and emerging legal technologies.
- Manage projects from planning through delivery, ensuring timelines, risks, dependencies and stakeholder expectations are effectively controlled.
- Collaborate with legal, business, technology and external stakeholders to deliver operational excellence and sustainable improvements.
- Promote a data-driven approach to decision-making, using reporting and performance metrics to support continuous improvement.
- What qualifications we’re looking for
- Significant experience (10+ years) within an in-house legal function or law firm in a Legal Operations, Legal Project Management, or Legal Transformation role is essential.
- Experience gained within Consulting, Professional Services, or Business Operations environments would be advantageous, but does not replace the requirement for direct legal-sector experience.
- Experience leading or supporting operational improvement, transformation or change initiatives.
- Strong stakeholder management experience with the ability to engage, influence and build credibility with senior legal and business leaders, including General Counsel and senior leadership forums.
- Demonstrable experience creating dashboards, management information, reporting frameworks and operational insights.
- Strong analytical capability with experience interpreting and presenting data to support decision-making.
- Experience implementing or supporting technology solutions and improving operational workflows.
- Commercial understanding of supplier management, panel governance, pricing models or tender processes.
- Experience managing multiple workstreams and delivering projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Project Management qualification desirable, such as PRINCE2, APM, Agile or equivalent.
- Power BI, data analytics or legal technology certifications desirable.
- Genuine curiosity and hands-on experience with AI tools, with the ability to design and build workflows or agents that create efficiencies in documentation and reporting.
- Knowledge of legal technology platforms for matter management and e-billing desirable.
- Strong written and verbal English communication skills, with excellent numerical and analytical capability.
What do we offer in return?
A career that you define.
At Howden, we value diversity - there is no one Howden type.
Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us: our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new.
We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges.
We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond.
Reasonable adjustments: We’re committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs.
Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.
*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or location.
Permanent
Howden began in 1994, as just three people and a dog.
Now there are 23,000 of us, and we’re a leading global insurance group, managing $37bn of premiums for our clients.
Our largest shareholder group is us – the people who work in the business – supported by three long-term, minority growth-equity partners who share our vision to build a business to last, one that will never be sold.
The owner's mindset is something that’s embedded in our culture; our people readily take ownership of their decisions, their actions, and their outputs.
They’re invested in every sense.
And we all know that by working together to drive the business forward, everyone will benefit from the extraordinary results we can achieve.
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Senior Manager - Legal Operations employer: London Insurance Life
Howden is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and dynamic work culture, perfect for those who thrive in fast-paced environments. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and development opportunities to help you excel in your role as a Hybrid Mortgage Applications Specialist. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a supportive atmosphere where accuracy and teamwork are highly valued, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager - Legal Operations
✨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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager - Legal Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Legal Knowledge:When applying for a full-time role in legal services at London Insurance Life, 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 London Insurance Life and the specific role of Senior Manager - Legal Operations. 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 London Insurance Life’s culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Insurance Life
✨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 London Insurance Life.
✨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 London Insurance Life.
