Operations Manager

Herrington Carmichael LLP; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Department Manager Bonus Scheme

Car parking

Pension

Private Medical Insurance

Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Pay

25 Days Annual Leave

Career learning and growth

Job summary

Herrington Carmichael LLP is seeking a proactive and highly organised Operations Manager to support the New Build Conveyancing department. You will work closely with the Head of Department to streamline administration, oversee secretarial support, and drive improvements that eliminate inefficiencies and ensure excellence.

The role offers a collaborative culture focused on strategic initiatives, client experience, and professional development.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managerial, executive assistant, or operations roles in professional services.
• Experience managing administrative or secretarial teams.
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills.
• Proactive mindset with a passion for improving systems and processes.
• Strong interpersonal skills and discretion in handling sensitive matters.

Responsibilities

• Executive Support: manage the Head of Department's diary, coordinate meetings, prepare agendas and minutes.
• Operational Oversight: guide admin procedures, ensure compliance and consistency.
• Legal Secretary Team Management: lead the legal secretary team, balance workload, support development.
• Process Improvement: identify inefficiencies and implement solutions to improve workflow.
• Client Experience: support resolution of client complaints with professionalism and discretion.
• Financial Coordination: liaise with Fee Earners and Accounts for billing, forecasts and debt management.
• Team Leadership: chair admin meetings, report feedback to the HOD, foster continuous improvement.
• Business Development: work with HOD and Relationship Manager to drive BD initiatives.
• Compliance & Auditing: conduct file audits to ensure standards are met.
• Project Management: lead departmental projects and strategic initiatives.
• General Support: provide holiday cover and ad hoc admin support.

Skills

Managerial experience

Operations management

Executive support

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Discretion

Job description

Herrington Carmichael LLPis looking for a proactive and highly organised Operations Managerto support the strategic and day-to-day success of our New Build Conveyancing department. We’re on the lookout for an Operations Manager who will play a pivotal role in shaping the smooth running of the team. Working closely with the Head of Department, you’ll take the lead on departmental administration, oversee day‑to‑day secretarial support, and guide colleagues to ensure processes are followed with consistency and excellence. We’re seeking someone with a sharp eye for detail, a strong grasp of our processes, and the confidence to spot improvements that eliminate inefficiencies and keep the department performing at its best.

About Us

Herrington Carmichael LLP is a full-service, award-winning law firm ranked in the Legal 500. We pride ourselves on our ambitious growth, strong client relationships, and a collaborative culture that supports both personal and professional development. We’re not just a law firm—we’re a team that values excellence, innovation, and people.

The Opportunity

As Operations Manager, you will work closely with the Head of Department (HOD) to oversee and enhance administrative operations, ensuring the department runs smoothly and efficiently. You’ll act as a trusted advisor and right‑hand support to the HOD, helping to coordinate departmental activities, streamline processes, and lead on strategic initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Executive Support: Manage the HOD’s diary, coordinate meetings, and prepare agendas, minutes, and follow‑up actions for key departmental sessions.
• Operational Oversight: Guide team members on administrative procedures, ensuring compliance and consistency across the department.
• Legal Secretary Team Management: Lead and manage the legal secretary team across the department, ensuring high performance, workload balance, and professional development.
• Process Improvement: Identify inefficiencies and implement solutions to enhance workflow and productivity.
• Client Experience: Support the resolution of client complaints with professionalism and discretion.
• Financial Coordination: Liaise with Fee Earners and the Accounts team to manage billing cycles, forecasts, and aged debt reduction.
• Team Leadership: Chair regular admin meetings, report feedback to the HOD, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Business Development: Collaborate with the HOD and Business Relationships Manager to drive growth through monthly BD meetings and initiatives.
• Compliance & Auditing: Conduct regular file audits to ensure adherence to internal and external standards.
• Project Management: Lead and support departmental projects and strategic initiatives.
• General Support: Be the go‑to person for administrative needs, including holiday cover and ad hoc support.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a managerial, executive assistant, or operations role within a professional services environment.
• Experience managing administrative or secretarial teams.
• Exceptional organisational and communication skills.
• A proactive mindset with a passion for improving systems and supporting leadership.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across teams.
• Confidence in handling sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.

The Perks:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Department Manager Bonus Scheme
• Free car parking for your convenience.
• Pension;
• Private Medical Insurance;
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay;
• 25 Days Annual Leave (with an increasing allowance with length of service);
• Amongst many others.
• The opportunity to learn and grow within a supportive and forward-thinking team.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're ready to take on a dynamic leadership support role and contribute to the success of a thriving legal department, we’d love to hear from you. We're looking for someone who is passionate about providing exceptional service, excited to be part of a winning team, and embraces our core values of Growth, Relationships, Ambition, Collaboration, and Excellence.

Herrington Carmichael is dedicated to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to fair and transparent recruitment processes. Reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities are available upon request. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce drives innovation and success.