About This Role
This key position within a legal firm involves overseeing the daily operations, ensuring smooth office functions, maintaining compliance, and managing all HR functions. The role suits an experienced and highly organised Practice Manager or senior legal professional with a strong background in HR, compliance, office management, and operational leadership.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the smooth day-to-day running of the office, facilities, and systems
- Monitor and manage contracts and relationships with external service providers, including IT and office equipment suppliers
- Coordinate office maintenance, health & safety, stationery, and facilities management
- Identify and implement improvements to office procedures and operational efficiency
- Manage all day-to-day HR administration and employee relations matters
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, induction, and probation processes
- Maintain personnel records and monitor attendance, sickness, and annual leave
- Conduct return-to-work interviews and coordinate appraisals and performance reviews
- Identify training needs and support staff development
- Ensure compliance with employment legislation and HR policies
- Support disciplinary, grievance, and capability procedures, liaising with external HR advisers where required
- Support and report to the Compliance Officer on regulatory and risk matters
- Assist with maintaining compliance with SRA regulations, GDPR, and firm policies
- Monitor compliance deadlines, records, audits, and file reviews
- Support complaints handling, risk management, and regulatory reporting
- Review and update policies and procedures, escalating risks where appropriate
- Manage diaries, appointments, meetings, and annual review schedules
- Organise staff, management, and training meetings, including preparation of agendas and documentation
- Provide operational support and cover where required during periods of absence
- Promote excellent client service across the firm
- Assist with the management of complaints and client care matters
- Monitor client feedback and implement service improvements
Requirements
- Previous experience in a Practice Manager, Operations Manager, or similar management role
- Experience of managing HR functions, including recruitment, absence management, return-to-work interviews, and appraisals
- Experience within a legal practice or regulated professional services environment
- Strong understanding of compliance, risk management, and regulatory obligations
- Excellent diary management and organisational skills