Owen Reed is looking for a Practice Support Manager (12 Month FTC) for a top law firm in London.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading international law firm during a period of evolving and increasingly sophisticated legal service delivery. The Practice Support Manager will play a key role in managing and developing high-performing support teams aligned to specific practice groups, ensuring exceptional support to fee earners and clients.
This role sits within the Practice Support Office (PSO) and reports directly to the Head of Practice Support.
The Role
You will be responsible for the strategic delivery, management and development of Practice Support Executives (PSEs) and aligned support teams. You will ensure support services operate at the highest standard, while driving innovation, resource optimisation and continuous improvement. There will also be hands-on involvement in providing PSE support where required.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage PSE support delivery aligned to the PSO model.
* Ensure fee earner support needs are met and service standards remain consistently high.
* Use data and reporting to assess resource needs, recruitment and future planning.
* Partner with the Head of Practice Support to deliver new initiatives, technology pilots and ways of working.
* Act as subject matter expert for support delivery within assigned practice groups.
* Manage recruitment, onboarding and performance reviews for support staff.
* Identify skills gaps and implement training and development plans.
* Handle employee relations matters in collaboration with HR and senior stakeholders.
* Promote best practice, collaboration and consistency across teams.
* Build strong relationships with Partners, fee earners and business services teams.
* Provide hands-on PSE support when required.
About You
* Proven experience managing teams within a legal or professional services environment.
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and inspire teams.
* Experience leading change and implementing new ways of working.
* Confident using data, reporting tools and technology to drive efficiency.
* Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.
* Highly professional, proactive and confident handling complex situations.
* Strong attention to detail and quality control mindset.
* Flexible to work outside contractual hours when required.
* Knowledge of HR policies is advantageous.
* Minimum 3+ years’ experience in a similar managerial support role.