As the Head of Regional Operations (International), you will be a key leader in driving the strategic direction and operational performance of the region, working directly with the Head of Regional Strategy and Operations and the Regional Managing Director(s). You will be accountable for ensuring the region performs in line with key budget metrics while executing a well-aligned strategy and business plan.
This truly influential role will have a direct impact on shaping goals, priorities, and day-to-day operations.
About the role
As the Head of Regional Operations, you will become a trusted business advisor, developing a deep understanding of the dynamics of the region(s) within your portfolio, the markets in which they operate, and how the firm's strategy applies. You will build strong relationships with colleagues in business and practice support to help drive operations management across the region and act as the regional lead for business/practice management.
For each region within their portfolio, you will be accountable and responsible for the key areas set out under the headings below:
Strategic
- Shape and drive the regional strategy, business plans, and budget, ensuring alignment with the firm's goals.
- Develop strategic communications and engage regional leaders to ensure clarity on priorities.
- Advise on key decisions impacting financial performance, people, business development, and resources.
- Lead strategic projects that support the region's business plan.
Operational
- Develop a high-performing operational team to drive strategy and efficiency.
- Implement operational initiatives with Partners and Fee-Earners while fostering regional collaboration.
- Act as a key liaison between the region and Business Services, ensuring alignment and continuous improvement.
- Oversee business support functions and champion innovation and operational improvements.
Business Development
- Build a deep understanding of the region's sectors, clients, and strategic goals.
- Provide commercial insights on market trends and business opportunities.
- Support leadership in executing strategic and operational business development initiatives.
- Work with key stakeholders to ensure optimal return on business opportunities.
People, Culture & Values
- Promote and role-model the firm's culture, values, and collaborative ways of working.
- Support the people strategy, including talent management, diversity, and inclusion.
- Oversee key people processes (e.g., pay, promotions, training) and partner performance management.
- Manage lateral integration and partner exits in collaboration with HR and Business Services.
Financial
- Develop commercial insights into the region's markets, sectors, and business models.
- Work with leadership and Finance to set budgets, performance goals, and profitability initiatives.
- Identify and implement strategies to enhance financial performance and operational efficiency.
- Drive financial discussions and initiatives to support regional growth.
About you
We will invest in your ongoing training and development to support your professional goals and help you to thrive in your role from day one. Our opportunities are open to all suitably qualified applicants, so to be considered for this role, you must meet the following skills and experience:
- MBA-level education or relevant leadership experience in a legal or professional services environment.
- Commercially astute with strong business acumen, financial literacy, and experience in budget management.
- Proven track record in delivering operational solutions within international, complex, and matrix-management environments (preferably partnerships).
- Experience managing large-scale change projects and programmes.
- High levels of discretion, business ethics, and integrity.
- Dynamic, proactive self-starter with excellent interpersonal, communication, and client service skills.
- Ability to influence a diverse group of global stakeholders while managing day-to-day pressures.
- Comfortable in ambiguous situations, demonstrating flexibility and collaboration.
- Role model for driving collaboration across business support teams.
