Practice Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Practice Manager to join our global team based in Riyadh. This pivotal role will involve close collaboration with the M&BD Director – EMEA, Partners in Riyadh and Dubai, and the wider Middle East Practice Group (MEPG). The successful candidate will play a critical role in driving business growth, enhancing client development, and elevating the firm’s profile across the Middle East and international markets. By aligning with the firm’s global strategic goals and regional business plans, you will contribute to the delivery of key objectives, revenue growth, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Business Planning and Execution: Partner with the M&BD Director – EMEA and local Partners to develop and implement the Riyadh office’s business plan. Design and execute targeted programs to achieve operational goals, foster innovation, and uphold best practices in line with the firm’s vision.
• Financial Management and Performance: Work closely with Partners and the Finance department to monitor the financial health of the practice. Collaborate with the pricing team and Legal Project Management to ensure accurate capacity planning, workload distribution, and profitability improvements. Regularly review financial performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Staffing and Workload Optimization: Implement systems to assess lawyer availability and workload distribution. Oversee the assignment allocation process, address staffing challenges, and manage performance and productivity issues. Coordinate staffing efforts across offices to ensure optimal resource utilization.
• Office Administration and Operations: Develop and manage the operational calendar for the Riyadh office, including setting agendas, facilitating meetings, and tracking progress against agreed priorities. Ensure seamless coordination with internal teams to maintain operational efficiency.
• Internal Communications: Facilitate transparent communication of developments and progress against office priorities. Collaborate with the internal communications team to ensure alignment and address feedback effectively. Implement mechanisms to encourage open dialogue and continuous improvement.
• Market Awareness and Strategic Alignment: Maintain a deep understanding of market drivers within the legal sector and the specific industries served by the practice. Align the Riyadh office’s global strategy with local approaches to client value delivery, efficiency enhancement, and knowledge management.

Working Hours and Commitment

The role operates on a Sunday to Thursday schedule, totaling 42.5 hours per week. Additional hours may be required to meet business demands and project deadlines.

Skills and Experience

To excel in this role, candidates must possess the following qualifications and attributes:

• Professional Experience: Minimum of five years in a professional services environment, with prior experience in a law firm highly desirable. A strong understanding of the legal sector, legal products, and market drivers is essential.
• Core Competencies:
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.
  • Proven ability to build and nurture strong professional relationships and networks.
  • Capacity to influence stakeholders across business functions without direct management authority.
  • Proficiency in IT tools, particularly Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Demonstrated gravitas, credibility, and the ability to instill trust in all interactions.
  • Unwavering discretion and integrity in handling sensitive information.
  • Collaborative mindset with outstanding interpersonal skills.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a globally recognized firm while shaping the strategic direction of our Middle East practice. If you are a proactive leader with a passion for operational excellence and business growth, we invite you to apply.