At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the expansion of our firm across Oxford and Cambridge, driving innovation and growth.
- Company: Join a top-tier professional services firm with a focus on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with frequent travel and a chance to influence key policy makers.
- Why this job: Shape the future of two major innovation hubs and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in law or professional services, with a strategic vision for growth.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
Location: Cambridge or Oxford with frequent travel across both locations and London.
The Role: As the Head of Oxford and Cambridge, you will be the primary architect and leader for the firm's expansion across the Golden Triangle. Your mission is to unify our presence in two of the world's most significant innovation ecosystems, transforming them from separate entities into a single, dominant powerhouse. Reporting directly to the Board and working closely with senior leadership in Oxford and Cambridge and Department Chairs, you will lead the strategic shift toward owning the early-stage innovation economy and unlocking proximate private capital.
Duties And Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Growth: Drive the V2030 vision to "own" the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. Scale the Cambridge office to double its size in 3 years and establish the Oxford office with at least 8 partners in key Innovation and Private disciplines within 2 years.
- Ecosystem Integration: Bridge the gap between Oxford, Cambridge, and London. Position the firm as the undeniably leading practice in the UK's three primary innovation hubs to attract global foreign capital.
- Convening Power & Policy: In collaboration with the Academy, lead high-profile initiatives to research and deliver solutions for university and town ecosystems. Act as a primary "opinion former" with policy makers and relevant media.
- Business Development & Market Share: Aggressively increase market share in the innovation sector. Identify and secure "share of wallet" from private capital and high-growth innovation clients.
- Brand Stewardship: Build deep brand association with "unimpeachable excellence" in both locations, leveraging the global prestige of Oxford and Cambridge to sell our services internationally.
- People & Culture: Lead, mentor, and incentivise a high-performing team. Drive a culture of "thoughtful, inspirational leadership" that overcomes the status quo and encourages cross-practice collaboration.
Skills and Experience
- Proven Leadership: Significant experience leading a major practice group or regional office within a top-tier law or professional services firm.
- Strategic Vision: Demonstrated ability to execute complex, multi-year growth strategies (such as V2030) and manage significant investment budgets.
- Innovation Expertise: Deep understanding of the early-stage innovation economy, private capital markets, and the unique legal needs of high-growth tech and life sciences sectors.
- Network & Influence: Exceptional convening power with the ability to influence policy makers, academic leaders, and institutional investors.
- Commercial Acumen: A track record of delivering measurable revenue growth and increasing Profit per Equity Partner (PSEP).
- Location Flexibility: Ability to work seamlessly across Oxford and Cambridge, with frequent travel to London to maintain the "Arc" narrative.
Please note that this job profile is not an exhaustive list of duties but merely an outline of the key components of the role. You may be required by your line manager to take on additional responsibilities when requested.
Head of Oxford & Cambridge employer: Mishcon de Reya LLP
As the Head of Oxford and Cambridge, you will join a forward-thinking firm that prioritises innovation and collaboration within two of the world's leading academic hubs. Our culture fosters professional growth through mentorship and strategic leadership opportunities, while our commitment to excellence ensures that you will be part of a team that is shaping the future of the early-stage innovation economy. With a focus on bridging ecosystems and driving impactful initiatives, this role offers a unique chance to influence policy and attract global capital in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Oxford & Cambridge
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, seminars, and networking meet-ups in Oxford and Cambridge. The more faces you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your insights on the innovation economy and how you can help them grow. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through!
✨Follow Up Like a Boss
After any meeting or interview, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the role!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Oxford & Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Strategic Vision:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your strategic vision and how it aligns with our V2030 goals. We want to see how you can drive growth and innovation in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.
Demonstrate Leadership Experience:We’re looking for someone with proven leadership skills. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in a professional services context. This will help us understand your capability to mentor and inspire others.
Connect with Our Mission:Make sure to connect your personal mission with ours. Explain why you’re passionate about the early-stage innovation economy and how you can contribute to bridging the gap between Oxford, Cambridge, and London.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mishcon de Reya LLP
✨Know Your Ecosystem
Familiarise yourself with the Oxford and Cambridge innovation landscapes. Understand the key players, recent developments, and how they fit into the broader UK market. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your strategic vision and ability to bridge gaps between these locations.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership roles, especially in driving growth strategies. Highlight your experience in managing teams and budgets, as well as any successful initiatives you've led that align with the firm's V2030 vision.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be ready to discuss how you've previously increased market share or revenue in your past roles. Use metrics and concrete examples to illustrate your commercial success, particularly in the innovation sector or related fields.
✨Engage with Policy and Influence
Think about how you can position yourself as a thought leader. Prepare to discuss your approach to engaging with policy makers and academic leaders, and how you would leverage your network to enhance the firm's reputation and influence in the industry.
