Resource Manager, Disputes

Herbert Smith Freehills; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in London is seeking a resource management expert to support work allocation strategies, fostering relationships with associates and partners. This role is integral to enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring wellbeing while maintaining a focus on diversity and excellence in service delivery.

Qualifications

• Experience building strategic relationships.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Prior resource management experience in professional services or legal environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on work allocation.
• Solve complex work allocation problems.
• Collaborate with partners and HR on resourcing decisions.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal

Negotiation

Influence

Commercial Focus

Tools

Resource Management Software

Job description

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At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, our ambition is to help you achieve your goals.

Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why many are incredibly longstanding. And we enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 100 years.

We are where you need us to be. We are in the world's largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. Our international footprint is extensive and committed.

We are at our best tackling complexity and navigating change. We work alongside you on demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas.

We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, ESG, infrastructure and resources. And we're focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world, including technology and digitalisation.

All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition - which is to help you achieve yours.

Your goals. Our ambition.

The Opportunity

Primary Objectives:

• Deliver expert work allocation advice to the practice group, balancing the needs of our clients, business, and the career aspirations and wellbeing of our people.
• Support the mobility of people or work across our global firm as an integral member of a globally networked Resource Management function.
• Proactively support the change management and embedding of resource management where it is new to the practice group to meet KPIs and ensure return on investment.

Key Internal Relationships:

• Practice Group Managing Partner and People Partner
• Partner division leads
• All lawyers and trainees within the practice group
• Colleagues within the global Resource Management network
• Director of Workforce Strategy
• Practice Manager
• Global Mobility Team
• Business Services Leads e.g. HR Business Partner, Recruitment Manager, Finance Manager, Business Development Manager, Diversity & Inclusion team

Key External Relationships:

• Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs) e.g. Elevate, Lawyers on Demand

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide expert advice on work allocation balancing profitability with career and wellbeing considerations.
• Solve complex work allocation problems and advise stakeholders on solutions and preventative measures.
• Understand alternative talent pools for resource shortfalls, including external providers.
• Maintain awareness of supply and demand across the global firm to support mobility.
• Support the firm’s work allocation strategy as per the employee value proposition.
• Build relationships with associates and trainees to understand their career goals and capacity issues.
• Develop trusted relationships with partners to alleviate resourcing burdens.
• Monitor pipeline levels and optimise work allocation to smooth utilisation.
• Provide management information and insights on utilisation and wellbeing issues.
• Collaborate with partners and HR to incorporate career aspirations into resourcing decisions.
• Understand and influence KPIs across a balanced scorecard to improve business outcomes.
• Participate actively in the Resource Management strategy and drive adoption of tools and processes.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Smooth utilisation rates and address long hours for sustainable work practices.
• Efficiently resource matters and client secondments, providing insights to reduce partner burden.
• Maintain oversight of capacity and utilisation globally to respond quickly to requests.
• Construct engagement teams to improve margins and support diversity, reflecting client needs.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Experience in building strategic relationships at all levels.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Ability to influence culture change and analyze utilisation data for resourcing decisions.
• Ability to work quickly under tight deadlines and demonstrate initiative.
• Strong commercial and client focus, understanding key business drivers.
• Prior resource management experience, preferably in professional services or legal environments.
• Excellent IT skills, with experience in resource management software highly desirable.
• Legal sector experience is desirable but not essential.

Team

Human Resources

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

London

Contract type

Permanent Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture. Diversity is key to our success and aligns with our values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.