Manager, Knowledge & Research Services

Ryder Reid Legal; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ryder Reid Legal in London is seeking an experienced Manager of Knowledge & Research Services to lead its London-based research function and provide strategic support across its European offices.

You will oversee research and intelligence delivery, champion AI-powered tools, manage vendor relationships, and train lawyers and business services professionals to turn complex data into actionable insights for client growth and firm strategy.

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.
• Vendor management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day research and knowledge operations across Europe.
• Develop competitive intelligence initiatives and insights.
• Champion AI-powered research tools and training.
• Manage research subscriptions and vendor relationships.
• Collaborate with Business Development and senior stakeholders to support pitches and growth initiatives.

Skills

Legal research

Competitive intelligence

Stakeholder management

AI tools

Vendor management

Project leadership

Education

Professional qualification in Library, Information, or Knowledge Management

Tools

Research platforms

AI platforms

Knowledge management systems

Job description

Manager, Knowledge & Research Services

London | Hybrid Working

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.

AI & Innovation

• 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.

Vendor & Resource Management

• 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.

Essential Requirements

• 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.

Desirable

• 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.