Operations Manager – Public Law
The Opportunity
Harkaye Core Talent has been exclusively retained to appoint an experienced Operations Manager to lead the operational function of a growing and nationally recognised Public Law department within a well-established UK law firm.
This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who thrives on structure, performance, and impact. You will work directly with senior legal leadership to drive operational excellence, financial performance, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth across the department.
If you understand the complexity of Public Law work — particularly Legal Aid environments — and can translate strategy into operational delivery, this role offers genuine influence and autonomy.
The Role
You will take ownership of the operational infrastructure supporting the Public Law team, ensuring it performs efficiently, compliantly, and commercially.
This is both strategic and hands-on — ideal for someone who enjoys improving systems, analysing performance data, and leading change.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
* Oversee day-to-day operational management of the Public Law function
* Optimise case workflows and matter lifecycle processes
* Monitor productivity, utilisation, and file progression
* Implement robust KPI reporting frameworks
Financial & Commercial Oversight
* Manage budgets, forecasting, and cost control
* Analyse WIP, billing, recovery, and margin performance
* Identify operational efficiencies to improve profitability
* Deliver clear performance reporting to senior stakeholders
Compliance & Risk
* Ensure adherence to SRA and Legal Aid Agency requirements
* Maintain audit readiness and file quality standards
* Support regulatory audits and internal compliance processes
* Embed risk mitigation best practice across the department
Resource & Workforce Planning
* Align staffing levels with caseload demand
* Monitor utilisation and capacity
* Support recruitment planning and onboarding
* Drive accountability and performance culture
Process Improvement & Strategy
* Lead operational change initiatives
* Identify automation and system improvement opportunities
* Enhance client journey and service standards
* Contribute to long-term departmental growth strategy
About You
We are looking for:
* Proven experience in legal operations, practice management, or professional services operations
* Strong understanding of Public Law and ideally Legal Aid frameworks
* Experience managing KPIs, financial performance, and reporting
* Confidence working with senior legal stakeholders
* Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
* A commercially aware yet purpose-driven mindset
What’s on Offer
* Strategic leadership exposure
* Genuine autonomy to shape operational performance
* Competitive salary and benefits
* Hybrid working model
* Opportunity to contribute to access to justice through operational excellence
Apply
This search is being managed exclusively by Harkaye Core Talent.
If you would like a confidential discussion, please contact us directly.
Harkaye Core Talent
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