Manager, Knowledge & Research Services

Ryder Reid Legal; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

International travel

Job summary

Ryder Reid Legal in London seeks a Manager of Knowledge & Research Services to lead the firm’s research function and provide strategic support across Europe. You will drive competitive intelligence, champion AI-powered research tools, manage vendor relationships, and design training programmes that raise research capability across the business.

This high-profile role offers collaboration with senior lawyers and multiple offices, with international travel and a chance to shape the knowledge

Qualifications

• Proven experience in legal, business, or competitive intelligence research.
• Strong knowledge of major legal and business information resources.
• Experience delivering competitive intelligence programmes and strategic research products.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted research tools and generative AI technologies.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience within an international or global law firm.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage day-to-day research and knowledge operations across offices.
• Deliver complex legal, business and market intelligence research.
• Act as a senior point of contact for research and intelligence requirements.
• Support knowledge-sharing initiatives and continuously improve research services.
• Champion the adoption and effective use of AI-powered research and knowledge tools.
• Design and deliver training programmes for lawyers and business services professionals.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, generative AI platforms, and knowledge management solutions.
• Identify opportunities to improve resource utilisation and maximise value.

Skills

Competitive intelligence research

Stakeholder management

Knowledge management

AI-assisted research tools

Education

Library/Information/Knowledge Management qualification

Tools

AI-powered research tools

Generative AI technologies

Research platforms

Job description

A leading international law firm is seeking an experienced Manager of Knowledge & Research Services to lead its London-based research function and provide strategic support across its European offices.

This is a high-profile role combining legal and business research expertise, competitive intelligence leadership, stakeholder management, and the adoption of cutting-edge AI research technologies. The successful candidate will work closely with senior lawyers, business development teams, and global knowledge professionals to deliver high-value insight that supports client growth, market positioning, and firm strategy.

The Role

As Manager of Knowledge & Research Services, you will oversee the delivery of research and knowledge services in London while acting as a key resource across several European offices.

You will lead the development of competitive intelligence initiatives, drive the adoption of AI-powered research tools, manage vendor relationships and knowledge resources, and deliver training programmes that enhance research capabilities across the business.

This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of knowledge services within a highly respected international legal environment.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Knowledge Management

• Lead and manage day-to-day research and knowledge operations.
• Deliver complex legal, business and market intelligence research across multiple practice areas.
• Act as a senior point of contact for research and intelligence requirements across European offices.
• Support knowledge-sharing initiatives and contribute to the continual improvement of research services.
• Champion the adoption and effective use of AI-powered research and knowledge tools.
• Design and deliver training programmes for lawyers and business services professionals.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, generative AI platforms, and knowledge management solutions.
• Recommend process improvements and innovative ways to enhance research delivery.

Competitive Intelligence & Business Development

• Lead and develop competitive intelligence programmes that support strategic decision-making.
• Produce market insights, client intelligence, competitor analysis, alerts, newsletters, and briefing materials.
• Partner closely with Business Development and senior stakeholders to support pitches, client targeting, and growth initiatives.
• Transform complex data into concise, actionable intelligence.
• Manage key research subscriptions, electronic resources, and supplier relationships.
• Support contract renewals, licensing arrangements, and service evaluations.
• Identify opportunities to improve resource utilisation and maximise value.

Training & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop onboarding, training, and awareness programmes for lawyers and business services teams.
• Build strong relationships across offices and functions.
• Promote best practice and encourage knowledge-sharing throughout the organisation.

About You

You will bring significant experience within a law firm, professional services, corporate research, or knowledge management environment, alongside a genuine passion for innovation and emerging technologies.

• Proven experience in legal, business, or competitive intelligence research.
• Strong knowledge of major legal and business information resources.
• Experience delivering competitive intelligence programmes and strategic research products.
• Familiarity with AI-assisted research tools and generative AI technologies.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and vendor management experience.
• Ability to synthesise complex information into clear business insights.
• Experience managing or leading projects, initiatives, or teams.
• Experience within an international or global law firm.
• Knowledge of knowledge management systems, research platforms, or service desk environments.
• Professional qualification in Library, Information, or Knowledge Management.
• Legal research training experience.
• Additional European language skills, particularly German or French.

What's on Offer?

• A strategic leadership role within a prestigious international legal environment.
• Exposure to senior stakeholders across multiple jurisdictions.
• The opportunity to drive AI innovation and shape the future of research services.
• International collaboration and occasional European travel.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to respond to all enquiries. If you have not received a response within 72 hours, please assume you have not been shortlisted at this stage, however thank you for taking the time to apply.