Operations Manager

Ashurst Perkins Coie; Brussel; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Global professional development

Diversity & inclusion programme

Job summary

Ashurst Perkins Coie in Brussels is seeking an Operations Manager to lead the Brussels office operations and IT coordination, starting 1 October 2026. You will report to the Director of Operations for UK/EMEA/US and manage line staff, vendors, and compliance within a professional services environment.

The role requires strong leadership, multilingual communication, and capability to drive process improvements while controlling costs. Belgian regulations compliance is essential.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of office services experience in a professional services environment.
• Experience in legal operations, legal administration, or a related field will be an asset.
• Strong understanding of legal software and case management systems.
• Fluent in English and French; Dutch would be a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Brussels office facilities and local operations.
• Lead vendor management, budgeting and governance with periodic updates.
• Coordinate IT changes, laptop and mobile setup for new joiners.
• Support onboarding and liaison with the local law society and Partners.
• Ensure compliance with Belgian health and safety regulations.
• Drive process improvements to reduce costs while aligning with strategic goals.

Skills

Office operations

Leadership

Change management

Multilingual English/French

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Legal software knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

Legal software

Job description

Ashurst Perkins Coie is the global law firm for the future economy.

With more than 3,500 client‑facing practitioners across 52 offices worldwide, we advise a broad range of clients, and have a distinct strength in technology, energy & infrastructure, and financial services - three sectors at the forefront of economic transformation.

Combining global scale, sector insight, and technological capability, Ashurst Perkins Coie helps clients unlock opportunity with market‑leading experience in complex transactions, litigation, and regulatory matters.

We support clients through a shifting landscape where technology, and AI in particular, is both an accelerator and disruptor to their business opportunities and challenges and is reshaping how energy, data, and capital move across markets.

To find out more please visit our website.

Role Overview

We are looking to recruit an Operations Manager to join our Brussels office, starting 1 October 2026. The Operations Manager will support the Brussels Office, reporting to the Director of Operations for UK/EMEA/US.

The role encompasses line management responsibility as well as day‑to‑day Facilities Management for the office. This involves partnering with leadership and cross‑departmental teams to address complex business challenges, managing multiple concurrent work streams, establishing new processes, negotiating with third‑party vendors, and serving as a liaison to foster collaboration across the organization. We are looking for a positive leader who can inspire and develop the entire team, ensuring that the firm’s processes are efficient, cost‑effective, and aligned with its strategic goals.

Managerial Responsibilities

• Oversee the Legal Secretaries team and local operations staff regarding absence, performance management, and employee relations.
• Participate in global Operations meetings for support, guidance, and sharing of best practices.

Office Environment and Facilities

• Maintain the office environment, including furniture, fixtures, security, and contractor management.
• Oversee office supplies, equipment, and beverage areas.
• Coordinate reception coverage and provide support as needed.
• Manage general office administration and compliance with local regulations (e.g., Recupel, IBGE).

Vendor and Contractor Management

• Manage vendor relationships and contracted services, including tendering, negotiation, performance monitoring, and service level reviews.
• Liaise with the landlord to ensure local requirements and firm strategy are met.
• Manage global travel reviews and annual updates of Brussels hotel arrangements.

Project Management and Process Improvement

• Lead projects focused on process review, continuous improvement, and workflow optimisation.
• Develop and implement efficient processes to manage operations and mitigate costs whilst supporting Partners and legal teams.
• Coordinate with other departments to ensure compliance with internal policies and legal requirements.

Governance Responsibilities

• Manage office expenditure and the annual budget in conjunction with the Finance team.
• Manage the Brussels ESG programme in line with firm global standards.
• Ensure compliance with Belgian Health and Safety regulations.
• Act as key contact for the Brussels office within the firm’s business continuity plan.
• Liaise with central Business Services and Finance on insurance cover, including professional indemnity and local regulatory requirements.
• Serve as point of contact for security dispatch staff (office alarm).
• Support implementation of internal policies and lead local compliance initiatives.
• Maintain active participation in local and global firm initiatives to align the Brussels office with wider strategic objectives.

IT Coordination

• Act as local IT liaison, overseeing major changes on laptops and mobile phones, including floorwalking to support end users.
• Manage laptop configuration, IT and telephony set‑up for newcomers, and mobile phone sourcing and configuration.
• Carry out maintenance and troubleshooting of server equipment under central IT guidance.

Human Resources and People Operations

• Manage onboarding for new joiners, including office familiarisation and IT set‑up.
• Liaise with the local law society on updates and administrative matters to ensure partnership compliance.

Qualifications

Essential Skills and Experience

• At least 5 years of office services experience in a professional services environment, preferably in legal or professional services.
• Experience in legal operations, legal administration, or a related field will be an asset.
• Strong understanding of legal software and case management systems.

Skills

• Fluent in English and French, Dutch would be a strong asset.
• Strong leadership, people management, and change management skills.
• Resilient, adaptable, and creative problem‑solver with strong analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and legal technology applications.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Collaborative approach, working effectively with partners, associates, and cross‑functional teams.

What makes Ashurst Perkins Coie a great place to work?

• A competitive remuneration with the flexibility to reward high performance.
• A supportive and inclusive work environment.
• A global professional development offering for all employees.
• An industry‑leading programme that celebrates diversity and inclusion.