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Base pay range
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Location: Leeds (two to three days per week in the office) with UK and European responsibilities
Role
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Operations Director will act as a trusted strategic partner and notional Chief of Staff, responsible for leading major transformation initiatives while empowering a capable senior team to manage business‑as‑usual operations across PMO, Risk, Facilities, and Governance.
The focus will be on delivering enterprise‑wide change, driving digital transformation, and embedding a continuous improvement mindset across the organisation's operations in the UK and Europe.
Key Responsibilities
* Partner with the COO and senior leadership team to design and deliver the firm's transformation agenda with a focus on digital, automation, and AI‑enabled improvement.
* Lead enterprise‑wide programmes that simplify, standardise, and digitise operational processes to enhance scalability, transparency, and client experience.
* Champion a culture of continuous improvement using Lean Six Sigma, data‑led decision‑making, and agile methodologies.
* Collaborate with business and technology leaders to implement new platforms that modernise workflows and increase efficiency.
* Empower and develop a strong operational leadership team, ensuring business‑as‑usual functions perform effectively while transformation remains the primary focus.
* Strengthen governance, risk, and compliance frameworks to support innovation while maintaining professional standards.
* Build engagement and alignment across the organisation, inspiring teams through clarity, collaboration, and inclusive leadership.
* Lead effective change communication across multiple offices and practice areas.
* Embed ESG and sustainability principles within operational transformation plans.
Skills and Experience
* Proven experience leading large‑scale transformation in a professional services or consulting environment.
* Demonstrated expertise in digital enablement, AI, automation, and data‑driven process redesign.
* Strong background in Lean Six Sigma or operational excellence with hands‑on experience implementing continuous improvement.
* Collaborative leader who can mobilise cross‑functional teams and influence senior stakeholders.
* Deep understanding of professional services operations including governance, risk, compliance and client delivery.
* Strong change leadership skills with the ability to balance strategy and execution.
* Financially astute with experience managing complex budgets and transformation ROI.
* Previous experience as an Operations or Transformation Director in a partnership or consulting firm.
* Exposure to AI, automation or digital workflow technologies in a service‑led business.
* Certification in Lean Six Sigma, Agile or Change Management.
Leadership and Culture Fit
The organisation is seeking a collaborative and ego‑free leader who can inspire, align, and empower others rather than a technical doer. Success will depend on authenticity, communication, and the ability to build momentum and engagement across senior stakeholder groups.
Seniorities and Other Details
* Seniority level: Director
* Employment type: Full‑time
* Job function: Legal
* Industries: Law Practice
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