Office Operations Manager

Overview

This opportunity is with the Belfast office of a leading international law firm recognised for its innovative approach to legal services. The firm works with major global clients and combines legal expertise, technology, and process improvement to deliver complex legal projects and solutions.

We are seeking an experienced Office Operations Manager to oversee Office Operations and Legal Support Services in Belfast. This role ensures smooth day-to-day office running, high-quality service delivery, and effective team and budget management.

Primary Objectives

• Manage all office operations including reception, meeting rooms, video conferencing, hospitality, events, facilities, supplier management, and office moves.
• Oversee Legal Support Services to ensure efficient and high-quality administrative support.
• Set and manage operational budgets and financial spend.
• Coordinate activities to maintain seamless office operations and high service levels.
• Support regional or global initiatives and act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders.

Key Relationships

• Digital Legal Delivery Partners (UK, US & EMEA)
• Practice Management and Belfast Senior Management teams
• UK Senior Office Services Manager, Senior Premises Manager, Senior Building Operations Manager (London)
• Global Office Operations Leadership team
• Third-party contractors, suppliers, and building management company

Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead Office Operations and Legal Support teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Manage staff development, performance, career progression, recruitment, and absence.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to implement improvements and operational initiatives.
• Represent Belfast in local, regional, or global strategic projects.

Legal Support

• Recruit, develop, and manage Practice Executives and Assistants.
• Allocate resources effectively and monitor quality of services.
• Maintain strong relationships with Partners and Senior Managers.

Office Operations & Events

• Oversee client services, meeting rooms, video conferencing, hospitality, and events.
• Manage third-party contracts, office facilities, space planning, and office moves.
• Plan and coordinate office-wide events, ensuring strategic oversight and ROI.

Premises & Risk Management

• Support lease management and property initiatives.
• Manage security, office improvements, and maintenance projects.
• Ensure business continuity, workplace health & safety, and compliance with policies.

Other Responsibilities

• Act as regional travel lead and maintain office documentation.
• Assist with implementation of new processes, tools, and services.
• Some responsibilities may require work outside normal hours.

Key Performance Indicators

• Trusted advisor to senior management.
• High-performing, engaged, and motivated teams delivering excellent service.
• Efficient resource management and budget adherence.
• Effective communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability.
• Compliance with policies and implementation of new ways of working.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Proven Office Manager experience in a fast-paced professional services environment.
• Leadership experience, managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience managing service contracts and operational budgets.
• Commercial awareness and operational expertise.

Desirable

• Experience managing PA teams.
• Project management skills and innovative mindset.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and adaptability.
• Interest in emerging technologies, AI, and process improvement.

Team

• Senior Office Operations Coordinator
• 2 x Office Operations Assistants
• 4 x Practice Executives & 3 x Practice Team Assistants

Working Pattern

• 4 days in office, 1 day remote

Benefits

Core Benefits

• Health Screening with Bupa
• Income Protection (50% of salary)
• Life Assurance (4 x salary)
• Private Medical Insurance with Bupa (Single, Couple, Family, or Partner levels funded)

Voluntary Benefits

• Flexible benefits scheme tailored to individual needs
• Opportunities for tax and National Insurance savings
• Access to bulk-buying discounts and lifestyle benefits

For further information, please contact Orla Milligan at Pathway Legal.