The role
The SAP Manager is responsible for leading the day-to-day operation, stability, and optimisation of Shoosmiths' SAP S/4HANA estate. The role ensures high-quality service delivery, manages incident and change demand, co-ordinates enhancements, and supports strategic transformation activities — including readiness for SAP RISE. Managing a team of SAP analysts and developers.
The Team
The IS team at Shoosmiths plays a pivotal role in enabling the firm's digital transformation and operational excellence. With a team of 76 professionals, the department is structured into two core functions: Technical and Applications. The Technical team covers Service Desk, 3rd Line Support, Business Systems Training, Compliance, Networks, and Security, while the Applications team manages platforms such as SAP, iManage and other core legal systems. The team is committed to collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on wellbeing, development opportunities, and delivering secure, scalable, and user-centric solutions that support the firm's strategic goals
The Firm
Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world's most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve 'Platinum Standard' Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. Shoosmiths is also on a pathway to net zero across the value chain by 2040.
We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.
To discover more about our benefits, please visit: Benefits Package.
Our Strategy
Shoosmiths strategy is to transform Shoosmiths from being a really good firm with a really solid reputation, into an excellent firm with a reputation for excellence. So that by 2030, we will excel in our chosen markets. At the heart of our new strategy is focus. Intense focus on what we do well. And a bold commitment to doing it even better.
Main Responsibilities
* Manage, coach, and support a team of SAP specialists, ensuring clear priorities and accountability.
* Allocate resources across BAU, projects, enhancements, and audit/compliance activities.
* Foster cross-skilling across Finance, HR, MM, Integration, and Basis-related areas.
* Own end-to-end SAP service availability and performance for S/4HANA.
* Oversee month-end, year-end, and critical business event support.
* Manage vendor relationships (AMS partners, hosting partners, auditors).
* Ensure robust documentation: system landscape, integrations, functional specs, data flows.
* Prioritise and approve configuration, enhancements, technical fixes, and transports.
* Govern change and transport management in line with CAB processes.
* Provide leadership input on system health, patching, upgrades, and performance tuning.
Skills & Qualifications
* Demonstrable experience managing an SAP team in a complex environment.
* Strong knowledge of SAP S/4HANA (on-prem) operations, FICO & HCM modules.
* Experience in high-availability service environments with strict audit requirements.
* Excellent leadership, prioritisation, and stakeholder-management skills.
* Understanding of integration technologies (PI/PO or equivalent), authorisations, and workflows.
* Proven experience with structured methodologies (e.g., ITIL, CAB, release cycles).
* Experience in Legal industry would be an advantage but not necessary
Equal opportunities
Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.
This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.