Operations Manager

DWF Law LLP; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Operations Manager to enhance operational efficiency within a dynamic team. In this hybrid role, you will collaborate closely with senior leadership to drive service excellence and optimize processes. Your expertise in the professional services environment and knowledge of the Insurance sector will be crucial in managing financial performance and supporting strategic initiatives. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence key stakeholders, implement best practices, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Join a forward-thinking organization that values your contributions and offers a comprehensive rewards package tailored to your needs.

Benefits

Flexible benefits

Well-being programs

Comprehensive rewards package

Qualifications

• Experience in professional services and knowledge of the Insurance sector are essential.
• Strong financial metrics understanding and data analysis skills are crucial.

Responsibilities

• Assist in tracking financial and operational performance of the practice area.
• Maximize profitability and operational efficiency while achieving KPIs.
• Support recruitment and induction processes, ensuring smooth transitions.

Skills

Professional services experience

Knowledge of Insurance sector

Financial metrics understanding

Data analysis

Effective communication

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

IT applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Why join us?

DWF are recruiting for a Operations Manager role that offers Hybrid working with 1 day needed in the office per week.

The primary function of the role holder is to work alongside the Practice Area Head/Lead Partner and Operations Director to maximize the operational efficiency of the area/team. Focusing on delivery against the business plans and objectives driving operational and service excellence. This will involve close working with central services, building strong relationships to influence senior stakeholders and team members in order to drive and deliver enhanced operational performance, productivity and service excellence through efficient processes and people.

Responsibilities

• To assist the Practice Area Head/Lead Partner in tracking the financial and operational performance of the practice area/team and taking steps, as required, to address areas of concern;
• To assist with the management of lock up including the collection of debt and billing, acting as the primary interface between the Working Capital Leads and Finance;
• To work with the Practice Area Head/Lead Partner to support strong matter management and good financial hygiene including:
• To review utilisation across the team and liaise with the Practice Area Head/Lead Partner to implement any improvement measures;
• To review missing time report and circulate reminders to FE's / Managers where appropriate;
• To review Billing Readiness across all remaining clients / roll out to team / ensure added to exception reporting lists;
• To be responsible for the transition of remaining clients over to automated billing programme;
• To review monthly fixed fee report to identify billing opportunities and reduce potential write offs;
• Responsible for collating and implementing best practice guidance for fixed fee work and rolling out training / liaising with admin team in relation to repeat tasks;
• To review any residual balances and liaise with RP's, AFE's and Finance to address.
• To ensure an organised exit process for leavers including handovers, overseeing of management of lock up, reallocation of work and an update of any systems.
• To liaise with HR as appropriate on recruitment, induction and support the implementation of any cyclical activity such as Pay Review, Promotions and Performance Management.
• To review MI requirements for clients and liaison with BI team to ensure reporting accuracy and clients added to exception / validation reporting.
• Role model best practice in terms of the use of key tools/platforms and compliance with key processes and procedures.
• To liaise as appropriate with our Group Client Care Team on contract management and onboarding for any Insurance Services clients.
• To be the go to person for Partners and Directors when they need to work with finance to understand their targets and performance.
• To maximise profitability and operational efficiency, driving achievement of optimal resource structures and cost base and driving performance to achieve KPIs.
• To work with the Operations Director on appropriate plans and measures to drive improvement in both financial performance and operational compliance.
• To create, encourage and execute change with a focus on continuous improvement.

What will help you succeed in this role?

Essential

• Experience of working in a professional services environment is essential.
• Knowledge of the Insurance sector and respective challenges is essential.
• A strong understanding of key financial metrics / drivers is essential.
• Ability to analyse data/information and report findings is essential.
• Ability to communicate and influence effectively and at all levels of the organisation is essential.
• Ability to manage multiple activities in a fast paced environment is essential.
• An understanding of different pricing models including fixed fee is desirable.

Desirable

• Strong attention to detail and delivery of quality outputs is essential.
• Excellent variety of IT applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

What we offer?

At DWF, we deeply appreciate the significance of offering a comprehensive rewards package that extends beyond a basic salary. Our commitment is to ensure that each member of our team not only feels valued but is also duly rewarded throughout their tenure with us. Upon joining our organisation, you will have the opportunity to select from a diverse array of benefits, allowing you to carefully tailor a package that perfectly aligns with your individual needs and those of your family. In addition to our standard benefits, we offer a wide range of flexible benefits and robust well-being programs.

Our recruitment process upholds the highest standards of fairness and engagement. It includes comprehensive interviews and, at times, a written assessment, an assessment day, or presentation. We aim to create a positive experience for all candidates and offer any adjustments or additional support.

About us

DWF is a global legal business providing Complex, Managed and Connected Services. We empower people to be themselves within an inclusive and supportive environment, enabling everyone to achieve their full potential in line with their abilities and career aspirations.