Professional Development Manager

Strictly Recruitment; New York (NY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Elite New York law firm seeks a Senior Professional Development Manager to shape attorney careers across the Americas. You will partner with senior leaders, Partners and global talent teams to design and deliver high-impact development programs for Associates, Counsel and Business Professionals.

This role blends strategic input with hands-on programme design, measurement of outcomes and ongoing innovation using blended learning, technology and AI-enabled tools.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in Professional Development, Learning & Development or Talent Development within a law firm or professional services organisation.
• Proven track record designing and delivering impactful professional and leadership development programmes.
• Experience supporting attorney development, mentoring, career progression or leadership initiatives.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and coaching skills.
• Confidence and credibility to work closely with Partners and senior business leaders.
• Strong project management, organisational and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Commercial mindset and understanding of how people development contributes to business success.
• Enthusiasm for innovation and improving how people learn and develop.

Responsibilities

• Shaping attorney careers: designing and delivering development programmes for Associates, Counsel and Business Professionals across the Americas.
• Developing future leaders: supporting midlevel and senior Associate progression, mentoring programmes and Path to Partner initiatives.
• Creating exceptional learning experiences: building engaging training programmes focused on leadership, business skills, collaboration and career development.
• Working with senior stakeholders: partnering with leadership, Partners and global talent teams to identify development needs and deliver meaningful solutions.
• Driving innovation: introducing creative learning approaches, including blended learning, technology and AI-enabled development tools.
• Making an impact: measuring programme effectiveness, gathering feedback and continually improving the firm's development offering.
• Thinking globally: collaborating with international colleagues to ensure regional initiatives align with the firm's wider talent development strategy.

Job description

Senior Professional Development Manager - Elite New York law firm

Great lawyers don't just happen. They're developed, challenged, mentored and given the opportunity to become exceptional.

We're working with a prestigious international law firm looking to appoint an experienced Professional Development Manager to play a key role in shaping the careers of its attorneys and business professionals across the Americas.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is genuinely passionate about people development and wants to make a lasting impact within a high-performing, internationally recognised legal environment. You'll work closely with senior leadership, Partners and global talent development teams, helping create and deliver programmes that support attorneys throughout their careers, from developing Associates to future Partners.

This is a highly visible position within the firm's Americas Professional Development team, combining strategic input with hands-on programme design and delivery.

You'll play an important role in developing the next generation of legal talent while contributing to wider global professional development initiatives.

• Shaping attorney careers: Designing and delivering development programmes for Associates, Counsel and Business Professionals across the Americas.
• Developing future leaders: Supporting midlevel and senior Associate progression, mentoring programmes and Path to Partner initiatives.
• Creating exceptional learning experiences: Building engaging training programmes focused on leadership, business skills, collaboration and career development.
• Working with senior stakeholders: Partnering with leadership, Partners and global talent teams to identify development needs and deliver meaningful solutions.
• Driving innovation: Introducing creative learning approaches, including blended learning, technology and AI-enabled development tools.
• Making an impact: Measuring programme effectiveness, gathering feedback and continually improving the firm's development offering.
• Thinking globally: Collaborating with international colleagues to ensure regional initiatives align with the firm's wider talent development strategy.

We're keen to speak with accomplished Professional Development professionals who understand the demands of a sophisticated legal or professional services environment.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• Strong experience in Professional Development, Learning & Development or Talent Development within a law firm or professional services organisation.
• A proven track record of designing and delivering impactful professional and leadership development programmes.
• Experience supporting attorney development, mentoring, career progression or leadership initiatives.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and coaching skills.
• The confidence and credibility to work closely with Partners and senior business leaders.
• Strong project management, organisational and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A commercial mindset and an understanding of how effective people development contributes to business success.
• A genuine enthusiasm for innovation and improving how people learn and develop.

You will have the opportunity to influence how talented professionals develop their skills, progress their careers and ultimately reach their full potential.

You'll work alongside experienced colleagues across an international network, contribute to high-profile talent initiatives and play a meaningful role in building a culture where exceptional people can thrive.

For someone who enjoys combining creativity, strategy and genuine human interaction, this offers the chance to make a real difference.