We're excited to offer a newly created opportunity for a Legal Operations Manager to join our Research & Innovation Legal team. This is a pivotal role with real scope to make a meaningful impact, shaping how we deliver legal services that support life‑changing research. In this role, you'll lead continuous improvement across our Research & Innovation legal operations and systems. You'll play a key part in reviewing and developing our legal operating model and strategy, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, optimise existing technologies, and explore innovative new technical solutions. Working closely with the Director of Legal, Lead Senior Solicitors, and stakeholders across the organisation, you'll design, deliver, and communicate transformative change. Together, you'll redefine how we deliver legal services, establish best practice, and embed smarter, more effective ways of working across the function. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on improvement, collaboration, and making a tangible difference within a purpose‑driven organisation.
Responsibilities
* Review, develop, and innovate the legal service model to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
* Lead process mapping, workflow design, and implementation of best practices, including contracting and approval processes, playbooks and operating procedures.
* Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and operational excellence across legal services.
* Oversee design, development, and maintenance of process documentation, governance strategies, and workflows.
* Develop and implement a long‑term roadmap for legal technology and AI adoption and optimisation, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and R&I Legal needs.
* Manage integration of legal technology and AI tools within existing systems, working closely with suppliers and internal technology teams to ensure smooth deployment and interoperability.
* Evaluate, pilot, and roll out new technologies – such as case management systems, intake portals, automation, document‑intelligence tools, knowledge‑management and other AI‑enabled solutions – addressing operational challenges across R&I Legal and the wider organisation.
* Design and prototype lightweight custom AI solutions where required, lead responsible implementation (including governance, risk and compliance considerations), deliver stakeholder training, and monitor emerging AI capabilities to drive continuous improvement.
* Develop high‑quality management information and reporting processes.
* Work with senior team members to collect, analyse, and present relevant metrics to inform strategic decision‑making.
* Use AI‑assisted analytics tools where appropriate to enhance reporting, trend analysis and decision‑support insights.
* Facilitate knowledge hubs, templates, and best‑practice materials to prevent knowledge loss.
* Work with Learning & Development to deliver training, presentations, and demonstrations on legal tech and new processes.
* Collaborate with senior leaders and cross‑functional teams to design and communicate transformative changes.
* Assist the Director of Legal in preparing and delivering impactful communications to foster collaboration, ensure consistency and build user confidence, including roll‑out plans, service updates, and training materials.
* Build and maintain good working relationships across the organisation.
* Coordinate internal team operations – including regular team meetings, documentation, scheduling, and action‑tracking – and support governance of the departmental budget through structured monitoring, reporting, and alignment with Finance.
Qualifications
* Significant experience in legal operations or project/change management.
* Experience identifying, piloting or implementing AI or automation tools within in‑house legal teams or comparable environments.
* Ability to design or customise AI‑based solutions (e.g., utilising LLMs, prompt‑engineering, automation platforms, or basic scripting) is a plus.
* Strong understanding of legal technology and its application to improve workflows, including knowledge of market‑leading vendors and core use cases.
* Excellent project management, prioritisation, and organisational skills.
* Ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels, including leadership.
* Analytical and problem‑solving skills with experience in business intelligence and data‑driven decision‑making.
* Strategic thinker with a genuine interest in solution design and innovation.
* Commitment to Cancer Research UK's mission and values.
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