Innovation Manager

Burges Salmon LLP; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading law firm in Bristol seeks an Innovation Manager to lead a team focused on transforming legal services. The role involves strategic leadership, project oversight, and promoting innovative solutions through collaboration. Applicants should have a background in innovation and strong leadership skills. The firm values a supportive culture, flexible working, and a commitment to diversity.

Benefits

Flexible working

Supportive environment

Commitment to professional development

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in innovation within professional services.
• Strong project and change management skills required.
• Excellent communication skills to bridge legal and technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high-performing Innovation Team.
• Shape and execute a firmwide innovation strategy.
• Act as an internal consultant on emerging technologies.

Skills

Leadership in innovation

Project management

Communication skills

Strategic thinking

Familiarity with Microsoft 365

Tools

Microsoft 365

Power Platform

HighQ

Document automation tools

Job description

Overview

We're looking for an Innovation Manager to lead a growing team dedicated to transforming how legal services are delivered. This is a strategic leadership role with the opportunity to shape the firm's innovation agenda, drive client value, and embed smarter ways of working across the business.

You'll be responsible for developing and overseeing projects that improve legal processes through better use of technology and innovative thinking. Working closely with lawyers, clients, and business teams, you'll identify opportunities for improvement and help implement solutions that make a real difference.

This role reports to the Head of Technology and involves close collaboration across the firm. You'll also offer consultancy support to departments and client-facing teams, helping to embed innovation into everyday practice.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Team Development: Build and lead a high-performing Innovation Team, developing a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and continuous improvement.
• Shape and execute a firmwide innovation strategy aligned with legal and technology goals.
• Consultancy & Delivery: Act as an internal consultant, advising legal and business services teams on emerging technologies and process improvements.
• Manage a portfolio of initiatives from ideation to implementation, including pilots and full-scale rollouts.
• Technology & Market Engagement: Evaluate technologies such as AI, automation, and analytics to enhance legal service delivery.
• Represent the firm externally, providing thought leadership and staying ahead of market trends.

What We're Looking For

You're a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, able to translate complex challenges into practical solutions. You thrive in collaborative environments and bring energy, resilience, and a passion for driving meaningful change.

• Proven leadership in innovation, consultancy, or legal tech within professional services.
• Experience of working in a legal environment would help but is not essential.
• Strong project and change management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills to bridge the gap between legal professionals and technical teams.
• A strategic mindset with hands-on delivery experience.
• Familiarity with platforms like Microsoft 365, Power Platform, HighQ, and document automation tools.
• A passion for driving meaningful change and empowering others to do the same.

Why Burges Salmon?

We're proud to be one of the UK's leading independent law firms, known for our collaborative culture and commitment to innovation. Based in the heart of Bristol, we offer flexible working, a supportive environment, and the opportunity to work on exciting projects that shape the future of legal services.

We're proud to be named RollOnFriday's ‘Best Law Firm to Work At' for four years running and one of The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024. We're also Platinum-accredited by Investors in People for our commitment to developing our people.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and identities. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an accessible recruitment process and guarantee interviews to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. We're happy to discuss flexible working options for this role.

Interested in applying or want to learn more?

The full job description is linked below. If you have any questions about the role or the recruitment process, please don't hesitate to get in touch with Ayesha Arshad, Resourcing Specialist, at [email protected] or call 0117 307 6807.

Deadline for applications: 3rd Oct 2025

INDBS