Director of Technology - Perm

Atlantic Partners; Chatham; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in the UK is seeking a Director of Technology to lead advanced technology solutions. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of IT experience, with a substantial background in leadership and digital transformation in a legal setting. This role includes developing technology strategies, managing IT operations, and enhancing client services through innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive IT experience, including 3-5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong background in IT operations within legal or professional services.
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the firm's technology vision and strategy.
• Lead the modernization of core systems and improve client experience.
• Mentor and lead a high-performing technology team.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Budgeting

Communication

Vendor management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT or equivalent

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Legal technology platforms

Document management systems

E-discovery tools

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an innovative and forward-thinking Director of Technology to lead the development and implementation of cutting-edge technology strategies for our firm. This individual will play a pivotal role in ensuring that our attorneys, professional staff, and clients benefit from best-in-class tools, systems, and processes. The ideal candidate will have a proven record of driving digital transformation, leveraging emerging technologies, and positioning an organization at the forefront of innovation. Our firm expects this position to be filled by a proactive leader who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative, and high-performance environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the firm's technology vision, ensuring alignment with business goals, client service values, and long-term growth objectives.
• Identify emerging technologies (AI, automation, data analytics, cybersecurity, etc.) and assess their potential impact on the firm's practice and delivery of client service.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to firm leadership on technology trends and innovation.
• Monitor technology metrics (e.g., uptime, security incidents, project status, etc.) and report to executive leadership.

Innovation & Client Experience

• Design and implement technology solutions that enhance transparency, communication, and collaboration among the firm's team members.
• Develop tools and platforms that provide our team members with real-time access to information, matter updates, and predictive insights to enhance client service.
• Partner with practice groups to implement legal technology solutions that streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and boost productivity.
• Lead the modernization of core systems (document management, case management, CRM, billing, and collaboration platforms).
• Continuously evaluate and improve the firm's digital client experience.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee the firm's IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data governance to ensure secure, efficient, and reliable operations.
• Implement and maintain the firm's IT policies, change control, and vendor governance.
• Serve as primary liaison to the firm's MSP (Managed Service Provider), managing vendor performance and service delivery.
• Manage technology projects, including timelines, budgets, vendor coordination, implementation, and training.
• In collaboration with the firm's MSP, respond to and complete IT-related due diligence questionnaires from clients and third parties.
• Review and manage vendor contracts, renewals, and SLA's with a focus on cost control, performance, and compliance.

Team Development

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing technology team.
• Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to champion technology adoption across all levels of the firm.

Skills Required

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent field required. Advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive IT experience, including 3 – 5 years in a leadership capacity. Experience in a law firm, legal technology, or other professional services preferred.
• PMP, CISSP, ITIL or cloud certifications preferred.
• Strong background in both IT operations and legal/professional services environments.
• Strong knowledge of legal technology platforms such as document management systems, e-discovery tools, case management platforms, AI-driven research tools, etc. preferred.
• Demonstrated experience implementing enterprise-level digital transformation initiatives.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and project management skills.
• Strong research and vendor assessment capabilities.
• Strong vendor management, budgeting, and project management expertise.
• Ability to navigate, manage, and collaborate with outsourced IT vendors.
• Advanced problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
• High level of organization and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing and executing IT budgets and strategic technology roadmaps.