Senior Manager of Partner Recruitment (EME) in City of Westminster

The firm makes a significant annual investment in the recruitment of lateral Partners to strengthen and grow its practice groups, enhance sector and market capabilities, and support its long-term strategic objectives across EME. The Senior Manager of Partner Recruitment (EME) plays a critical role in shaping and delivering this agenda. The role is responsible for helping the Director of Partner Recruitment (EMEAPAC) to coordinate and manage the end-to-end lateral Partner recruitment process across EME – from strategic planning and business case development through to selection, approval, and early-stage integration oversight.

Operating as a senior member of the Partner Recruitment function, the role works closely with the Director of Partner Recruitment (EMEAPAC) and a broad range of senior stakeholders to ensure lateral hiring decisions are commercially robust, strategically aligned, and executed with discipline and pace. The role requires strong judgment, credibility with Partners, and the ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders, while balancing firm priorities with the needs and expectations of prospective lateral Partners.

• Lateral Partner Recruitment Strategy & Planning: Work closely with the Director of Partner Recruitment (EMEAPAC) to develop and execute the EME lateral Partner recruitment strategy, aligned with firm-wide priorities and regional growth plans. Provide strategic input into lateral hiring priorities, taking account of practice and sector growth objectives, existing Partner capability and coverage, and succession and internal pipeline considerations. Engage with the Core management group, Sponsor Partners, and regional leadership to shape and prioritise recruitment activity.
• Business Case Development & Stewardship: Lead the development, refinement, and optimisation of lateral Partner business cases, ensuring they are commercially sound, strategically aligned, and clear on assumptions, risks, and required platform support. Maintain stewardship of each business case end-to-end, ensuring continuity from initial concept and drafting through interview and evaluation stages to approval and transition into the firm. Work with Marketing & Business Development, Finance, and practice leadership to ensure business cases clearly articulate client portability and revenue opportunities, cross-selling and platform leverage, and market positioning and strategic fit. Support the provision of data and insight required for remuneration and deal structuring discussions, in conjunction with Commercial Finance.
• Recruitment Process Leadership & Governance: Manage and coordinate the full lateral Partner recruitment process across EME, ensuring consistency, quality, and pace. Oversee the preparation of evaluation papers, voting materials, and approvals for consideration by EMEAPAC Management Committee and Global Executive Committee. Ensure that all recruitment activity adheres to firm governance, risk, and compliance requirements. Leverage the support of two Partner Recruitment Senior Advisors to manage administrative, scheduling, documentation, and process coordination, allowing the Senior Manager to focus on senior stakeholder engagement and decision-making.
• Stakeholder Management & Partner Engagement: Build strong, trusted relationships with Practice Group Leads, Sponsor Partners, regional and office leadership, and senior business services stakeholders. Act as a credible adviser and challenger to Partners throughout the recruitment process, helping to test assumptions, manage expectations, and maintain momentum. Ensure candidates experience a professional, well-coordinated, and transparent recruitment process, reflecting the firm's culture and values.
• Early Integration Oversight: Provide senior oversight of the early integration phase for lateral Partners, ensuring a smooth transition from recruitment to integration. Monitor early progress and escalate risks or issues where appropriate, ensuring continuity between recruitment commitments and post-hire reality.

• Degree educated.
• Significant experience (typically 10+ years) of lawyer recruitment in a legal or professional services environment.
• Demonstrable experience working with Partners and senior stakeholders in an international firm.
• Strong understanding of the commercial drivers, governance, and culture of a partnership-based professional services organisation.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to assess and challenge business cases.
• Proven ability to influence, motivate, and challenge senior stakeholders, including Partners.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple complex processes concurrently.
• Track record of delivering against objectives and deadlines in a high-pressure environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to produce high-quality, Partner-level materials.
• Meticulous attention to detail and discretion in handling confidential information.
• Proactive, resilient, and outcome-focused, with strong personal ownership.
• Collaborative working style aligned with the firm's culture and values.