Description
The Opportunity
The Secretarial Services Manager ("SSM") will be responsible for the line management and development of 6 Assistant Secretarial Services Managers ("ASSMs") and Personal Assistants ("PAs") across our UK Offices (circa. 50 heads). As Secretarial Services Manager, you will be someone who can work collegiately with others achieving buy-in and support from all levels. You will be involved in firm wide projects, software roll outs and process reviews as well as dealing with day-to-day tasks that may arise to ensure the secretarial function is aligned with the firm's strategy and business needs as they evolve.
What you will be doing
Strategic
1. Understanding key business challenges working closely with HR Managers, Office Managers, DPC
2. Manager and business support functions
3. (Finance, IS, Marketing etc.)
4. Seeking opportunities and support from all offices to leverage the Apprenticeship Scheme for secretarial roles
5. Understanding and analysing strategic business requirements to identify solutions and improvements to the overall secretarial function
6. Identifying efficiencies and potential savings in relation to overall secretarial costs
7. Measuring ratios, assisting the recruitment team and redeploying resources to meet business needs
8. Building an external network to maintain a comprehensive overview of the market including benchmarking salaries and incentives against competitors
9. Championing changes as directed within the firm's management and acting as a positive force within the firm
10. Reinforcing the importance of each role in the national team of PAs
11. Taking responsibility for attracting and retaining secretarial services talent
Operational
12. Direct line management of ASSMs coaching and supporting their development to ensure they are equipped to manage and improve performance in their practice areas
13. Provide a point of escalation for ASSMs on all people-related issues helping them to identify and resolve any absence, performance, capability or conduct issues in a timely manner (in conjunction with HR)
14. Provide a point of escalation for ASSMs helping them to ensure practice areas receive proactive service delivery and excellence from their PAs
15. Take responsibility for overall performance/market salary reviews including moderation across national teams
16. Take proactive steps to address any concerns regarding the morale and wellbeing of PAs in the department(s)/office
17. Work with L&D to ensure the framework of Learning & Development for the PA function meets the practice area/firm needs
18. Support ASSMs to manage check-ins, three month and probationary reviews
19. Ensure sufficient consultation with the business to develop innovative business solutions
20. Review the role of the PA and continue to consult with the business to provide an effective business aligned administrative service
21. Provide detailed management reports to measure service levels and improvements against headcount targets
22. Manage secretarial capacity and utilisation encouraging teamworking and flexibility and agility in resource management
23. Provide a point of escalation for Heads of Section and Office Managers on any secretarial issues arising within the department(s)/office
24. Work with Section Heads/Office Manager/ASSMs to regularly review headcount and identify recruitment needs participating in interviews as required
25. Oversee the induction of all new PAs to the department(s)/office
26. Communicate and reinforce management messages and demonstrate support for firm values and policies
27. Support change and positively lead the PA team through any firm wide or department(s)/office changes
28. Encourage Fee earners to use the relevant technology and adapt their working practices to make most efficient use of PA support to enhance service delivery to clients
29. Keep abreast of firm wide changes and initiatives by maintaining excellent working relationships with all Business Services teams
30. Participate in other ad hoc projects and working parties as required by the firm
31. Share knowledge, best practice and successes
What you will need
32. Previous Secretarial Services Manager experience desired
33. Determined and results driven
34. Strong presentation, communication and interpersonal skills
35. Project and change management experience desirable
36. Proven persuasive, influencing and negotiation skills
37. Excellent people management skills and ability to build relationships at all levels
38. Strong business acumen and analytical skills
39. Ability to remain objective and professional at all times
40. Ability to gain trust and confidence of client groups
41. Ability to cope with pressure and conflicting demands on time and work under pressure to tight deadlines
You will work under the firm's hybrid policy, however, the responsibilities of the role may require you to come into the office more often, in accordance with business needs.
Trowers & Hamlins is an equal opportunities employer and values equity, diversity and inclusion. All applications will be considered on merit and the applicant's suitability to meet the requirements of the role and will be treated equally irrespective of Ethnicity, Gender (including Trans and non-binary) Race, Disability, Religion and sexual orientation.
As part of our firm recruitment policy our candidates are subject to employment screening background checks. These checks include personal details, education and employment history, professional qualifications and credit and criminal checks as appropriate.