Operations and Systems Manager

Fluid Recruitment; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Fluid Recruitment is seeking an experienced Operations & Systems Manager to own the systems, technology and processes that underpin a professional services organisation. This hands-on role offers scope to make your mark by improving how people work and streamlining processes.

You’ll manage core practice management systems, oversee access and security, coordinate IT support and vendor relationships, and drive adoption of new technologies including AI.

Qualifications

• Several years' experience in a law firm or professional services environment
• Experience administering or supporting a practice management system
• Strong systems and technology aptitude
• Experience improving processes or implementing systems and technology
• Strong Microsoft 365 capability
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Experience coordinating projects and supporting change
• Ability to simplify complex technical issues for others to understand

Responsibilities

• Managing and optimising core practice management systems
• Managing system access, permissions, configuration and user support
• Coordinating IT support and relationships with external technology providers
• Acting as a key business owner for Microsoft 365 and other digital platforms
• Identifying opportunities to improve workflows, efficiency and ways of working
• Leading and coordinating technology, systems and process improvement projects
• Supporting the introduction and adoption of new technologies, including AI
• Developing practical user guidance, training and support
• Supporting cybersecurity, software licensing and technology management
• Developing operational reporting, dashboards and insights
• Ensuring the quality, accuracy and integrity of information across systems
• Contribute to the leadership and development of administration and legal support functions

Skills

Systems aptitude

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Project coordination

Change management

Attention to detail

Education

Tertiary qualification desirable

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

We're looking for an experienced Operations & Systems Manager to take ownership of the systems, technology and processes that underpin an established professional services organisation.

This is a hands‑on role with plenty of scope to make your mark. You'll have the opportunity to improve how people work, introduce better technology, streamline processes and help shape the organisation's approach to innovation and continuous improvement.

Why this role?

• Make a visible impact: You will take ownership of systems and processes and turn good ideas into practical improvements.
• Shape the future of technology: Identify opportunities to work smarter and support the adoption of new technologies, including AI.
• Be the trusted go-to person: You will work across the organisation, solve problems and help people get the most from their systems.

As the Operations & Systems Manager, you'll be the key link between people, processes and technology.

You'll take ownership of core practice management and business systems, ensuring they are configured effectively, used well and continually improved.

Your role will include:

• Managing and optimising core practice management systems
• Managing system access, permissions, configuration and user support
• Coordinating IT support and relationships with external technology providers
• Acting as a key business owner for Microsoft 365 and other digital platforms
• Identifying opportunities to improve workflows, efficiency and ways of working
• Leading and coordinating technology, systems and process improvement projects
• Supporting the introduction and adoption of new technologies, including AI
• Developing practical user guidance, training and support
• Supporting cybersecurity, software licensing and technology management
• Developing operational reporting, dashboards and insights
• Ensuring the quality, accuracy and integrity of information across systems
• Contribute to the leadership and development of administration and legal support functions.

Your experience:

You may currently be working in legal operations, practice management, business systems, professional services, senior legal support or a similar environment.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• Several years' relevant experience within a law firm or comparable professional services environment
• Experience administering or supporting a practice management system
• Strong systems and technology aptitude
• Experience improving processes or implementing systems and technology
• Strong Microsoft 365 capability
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills
• A high level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Experience coordinating projects and supporting change
• The ability to make complex technical or systems issues easy for others to understand

A relevant tertiary qualification is desirable but not essential. Practical experience and the ability to make things happen will be highly valued.

Knowledge of legal workflows, trust accounting, privacy, cybersecurity or records management would be advantageous.