AI Transformation Manager

Russell McVeagh; Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing allowance

Flexible working

Parental leave

Transport benefit and meals

Job summary

Russell McVeagh, New Zealand’s leading commercial law firm, seeks an experienced AI Transformation Manager to drive firmwide AI adoption and transformative change. Reporting to the CIO, you’ll bridge legal practice and technology, delivering practical AI initiatives that improve client outcomes and how our people work.

You will lead an AI transformation programme, manage multidisciplinary teams, and shape governance and responsible AI practices across the firm, while advancing innovative

Qualifications

• Experience leading AI or digital transformation programmes.
• Ability to translate AI strategy into practical initiatives across a professional services environment.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the AI Transformation Team, including specialist AI and Legal Engineering capability.
• Drive firmwide AI adoption through engagement, communication and change initiatives.
• Partner with legal, knowledge, risk, technology and business services teams to deliver AI priorities.
• Identify, develop and implement AI-enabled solutions that improve legal service delivery and client outcomes.
• Lead experimentation and innovation through our AI Labs programme.
• Monitor adoption, benefits, risks and user feedback to continuously improve AI initiatives.
• Support governance, risk management and responsible AI practices across the firm.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Change leadership

AI adoption

Generative AI knowledge

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Legal/Professional services experience

Tools

AI platforms

Digital transformation tools

Job description

Lead the future of AI at Russell McVeagh

Russell McVeagh is New Zealand's leading commercial law firm, working on some of the country's most significant transactions, projects and disputes. As we continue to invest in the future of legal services, we're looking for an experienced AI Transformation Manager to help drive firmwide adoption of AI and emerging technologies.

This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in shaping how AI enhances legal service delivery, client outcomes and the way our people work. Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer, you'll work closely with partners, lawyers and business services leaders to turn strategic AI priorities into practical, high-impact initiatives across the firm.

About the role

As AI Transformation Manager, you'll lead the delivery of our AI strategy and change programme, helping our people embrace new tools, workflows and ways of working. Acting as a bridge between legal practitioners and technology, you'll ensure AI solutions are implemented responsibly, effectively and in a way that supports our professional obligations.

You'll be responsible for:

• Leading the AI Transformation Team, including specialist AI and Legal Engineering capability.
• Driving firmwide AI adoption through engagement, communication and change initiatives.
• Partnering with legal, knowledge, risk, technology and business services teams to deliver AI priorities.
• Identifying, developing and implementing AI-enabled solutions that improve legal service delivery and client outcomes.
• Leading experimentation and innovation through our AI Labs programme
• Monitoring adoption, benefits, risks and user feedback to continuously improve AI initiatives.
• Supporting governance, risk management and responsible AI practices across the firm.

What we're looking for

We're interested in speaking with candidates who bring a blend of strategic thinking, change leadership and practical experience implementing AI or digital transformation initiatives.

You may come from a legal, professional services, consulting, technology or transformation background. Former practising lawyers with a passion for innovation are encouraged to apply.

Key attributes include:

• Experience leading technology adoption, change management or digital transformation programmes.
• Strong understanding of generative AI and emerging legal technology.
• Experience identifying and delivering AI-enabled use cases that create measurable business value.
• The ability to redesign and optimise workflows for an AI-enabled future.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary or specialist teams.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Experience within legal or professional services environments is advantageous

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of one of New Zealand's most recognised professional services firms. You'll work alongside market-leading lawyers, innovative business professionals and a highly engaged leadership team to unlock the potential of AI across the business.

We offer a range of benefits designed to support our people to perform at their best:

• Wellbeing support – An annual allowance to invest in what matters most to you, alongside access to confidential counselling services and a range of wellbeing resources.
• Flexible working – Support to work your way, including a home office allowance to help set you up for success wherever you work.
• Family support – Generous parental leave and structured support to help you transition into and out of parenthood with confidence.
• Making life easier – Public transport benefit through our employee platform, plus late-night travel support and meals when you need it.
• Time off, your way – The flexibility to swap public holidays to suit your cultural celebration preferences, and the option to purchase up to five additional days of annual leave.
• Tools to thrive – High-quality, firm-provided technology, including a mobile and plan, so you can stay connected and do your best work.

We are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace. Please click here for further information about Russell McVeagh's diversity and inclusion vision and commitment.

Our firm is invested in achieving transformational change and having a positive impact. Our 2025 Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Overview outlines our firm's progress on our commitment towards helping to shape a sustainable and thriving Aotearoa New Zealand.

For more information, or to have a confidential discussion about this position please email our Talent Acquisition Manager, Sarah Carrel.