Description
Role overview
The team
RPC's resource management function has been firmly established for several years and now operates across almost the entire firm. Originally introduced within the Insurance Group, it has since grown and been extended into the Commercial Group and other practice areas.
The team oversees all aspects of resource allocation, managing the day-to-day deployment of lawyers to matters to meet business objectives, balance client needs and support individual career aspirations. Working closely with finance and senior management, the function enhances efficiency and agility, and in partnership with HR and leadership it plays a key role in supporting individual performance and career development.
The role
We are currently seeking an experienced, proactive Resource Manager to support our associates, Team Leaders, Group Leaders, and Operations teams. In this role, you will operate with a high degree of autonomy while helping drive the firm's commitment to strong organisational performance and a diverse, inclusive culture.
Reporting directly to the Head of Resource Management, you will support teams within the Insurance Group. Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Work Allocation -
1. Act as the visible, go-to owner for work allocation and resourcing, with a strong understanding of departmental priorities and demand.
2. Partner closely with Partners and associates to understand client requirements and business needs, enabling effective, timely resourcing decisions.
3. Maintain in-depth knowledge of individual skills, development needs, and career aspirations to inform smart, future-focused allocation.
4. Take full accountability for department-wide work allocation on behalf of the Partners, ensuring fair, consistent distribution aligned to diversity objectives.
5. Apply commercial judgement to allocation decisions, promoting appropriate staffing models and alternative delivery options where required.
6. Lead regular one-to-one discussions with Partners and associates to manage workloads, balance, and capacity.
7. Track, monitor, and maintain accurate capacity data on a weekly basis, with ad-hoc updates as required.
8. Proactively manage and continuously improve work allocation tools, including the BigHand Resource Management system.
9. Analyse individual activity and time recording, identifying discrepancies and escalating issues where necessary.
Productivity -
10. Monitor chargeable hours and utilisation across individuals, levels, and teams to maximise performance.
11. Support individuals in improving productivity while balancing commercial demands and equitable workload distribution.
12. Enforce timesheet policy and best practice, providing guidance and training as needed.
13. Coordinate absences (annual leave, special leave, unpaid leave) to ensure resourcing continuity.
14. Partner with stakeholders to manage non-billable commitments effectively.
15. Support joiner, leaver, and returner processes, including work reallocation and onboarding.
16. Produce accurate, commercially focused management information, identifying trends, opportunities, and risks.
Other Duties -
17. Drive continuous improvement and innovation to enhance resourcing effectiveness and firm-wide performance.
18. Develop scalable, efficient systems, tools, and processes to support the firm's current and future needs.
19. Promote collaboration across the firm, sharing knowledge and best practices across teams and departments.
20. Work closely with Finance, HR, Business Development, and other functions to support business performance, resourcing, and recruitment.
Knowledge, skills and experience
21. Demonstrates a growth mindset and commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
22. Significant experience in resource management, work allocation, or planning, ideally within a large professional or corporate environment.
23. Experience within a mid- to large-sized law firm is preferred, though not essential.
24. Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build strong relationships and adapt to different audiences quickly.
25. Comfortable operating with autonomy, including launching new roles or services and working without a predefined structure.
26. Strong focus on day-to-day resource management, delivering measurable and sustained impact on business performance.
27. Highly effective influencer with strong problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
28. Sound judgement, including knowing when and how to escalate issues appropriately.
29. Proven ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
30. Exceptional organisational and time management skills.
31. Confident, resilient, and experienced in managing challenge and resolving conflict.
32. Commercially minded, with strong business acumen and risk awareness.
33. A trusted advisor, providing balanced, pragmatic resourcing advice.
34. Integrity-driven, with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters discreetly.
35. Proactive, positive, assertive, and flexible in approach.
36. Agile and adaptable, with the ability to support other Resource Managers during periods of leave or absence.
37. Strong IT capability, including data analysis in Excel; experience with resource management systems is desirable, with BigHand experience an advantage.
38. A collaborative and influential team member who coaches and develops junior colleagues.
39. Committed to contributing to a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative firm culture.