Legal Operations Manager

Emerald Publishing; Remote; GBP 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading publishing company is seeking a Legal Operations Manager to enhance the efficiency of its Legal and Ethics function. The role is remote-first, requiring occasional in-office collaboration in Leeds. Responsibilities include driving operational excellence, managing legal technology, and engaging with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in legal operations, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities. The role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

38 days annual leave

Working from home allowance

6% pension contribution

Discretionary performance bonus

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with legal technology platforms.
• Proven experience in legal operations or similar roles.

Responsibilities

• Identify and deliver process improvements across legal workflows.
• Manage legal tech platforms and keep documentation updated.
• Assist with audits and policy implementation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational abilities

Proficiency with legal technology

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Tools

Contract lifecycle management (CLM)

Document management systems

Job description

Legal Operations Manager

Department: Legal

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Remote first, UK

Compensation: circa GBP 35,000

Description

As Legal Operations Manager, you'll play a key role in optimising the efficiency and effectiveness of our Legal and Ethics function. You'll drive operational excellence by managing processes, improving workflows, and enabling the scalable delivery of legal services across the organisation.

You'll lead initiatives to streamline operations, implement and enhance technology solutions, and support strategic priorities within the team. We're looking for a proactive problem-solver and strong communicator who can engage stakeholders at all levels while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Location

We perform at our best when we feel trusted and are able to choose an approach to working that suits us best, which is why we are a remote-first company. However, we also believe in face to face collaboration, and our UK colleagues meet once a month for team time and quarterly for company get togethers in our Leeds office, so we ask that you be within a commutable distance that you are comfortable with in order to attend the office on those occasions.

About our Recruitment Process

We welcome applications from all individuals, irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, or belief. As we understand the value of the transferability of skills and experiences, we are not looking for the 'perfect candidate', we encourage everyone who is truly excited about our mission to apply.

We receive a high volume of interest in our roles and may close applications early if we reach capacity. We strongly recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you require additional time to complete your application due to accessibility needs or other circumstances, please don't hesitate to contact us, we’re happy to support you.

Day to day we’ll trust you to:

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Identify and deliver process improvements across legal workflows.
• Lead change initiatives from planning to implementation and review.
• Track success using KPIs and feedback, driving a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain KPIs, dashboards, and reporting tools.
• Use data insights to recommend and implement improvements.

Technology & Systems

• Manage legal tech platforms (e.g., CLM, matter management).
• Keep process documentation and templates up to date.

Change & Stakeholder Management

• Support change initiatives and stakeholder engagement.
• Work with teams to map workflows and resolve pain points.

Governance & Compliance

• Assist with audits, risk assessments, and policy implementation.

Operational Support

• Oversee day‑to‑day operations and respond to team queries.

You’ll need to have:

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• Proficiency with legal technology platforms and document management systems.
• Ability to interpret data and turn insights into actionable improvements.
• Skilled in stakeholder engagement and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Experience

• Proven experience in legal operations or a similar role within legal, compliance, or corporate governance.
• Experience with contract lifecycle management (CLM) and document management systems (preferred).
• Track record of leading process improvement and change initiatives.
• Familiarity with legal service delivery models and operational best practices.

Behaviours & Attributes

• Proactive and self‑motivated with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Collaborative and inclusive, able to build strong relationships.
• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable with change.
• Detail‑oriented with a commitment to accuracy and quality.
• Strategic thinker with a hands‑on approach to problem solving.
• Professional, ethical, and discreet when handling sensitive information.

What’s in it for you?

At Emerald, we value our people. Becoming a part of our team means you’ll join a trusting and flexible environment and we’ve been flexified so you can trust that we’re a truly flexible workplace. All we ask is that you attend the office once a month to come together with work colleagues. You’ll also have numerous opportunities to progress your career, as well as access to professional development and the opportunity to learn new skills.

You’ll receive a wide range of benefits, such as 38 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays, remote flexible working, a discretionary performance bonus, 6% pension contribution and various benefits aimed at supporting your wellbeing and work‑life balance such as a working from home allowance. You can check out a full list of our benefits here.

Roles are advertised at a benchmarked market median rate. Offers will be made within a range of the median, depending on skills and experience.

Please note - Applicants must be authorized to work in the UK without restrictions or sponsorship. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Emerald Group is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all of our applicants. If you would like to request any accommodations/adjustments from application through to interview stages, please complete the relevant section within the application or contact us at [e-mail] and let us know.