Description
The Assistant Secretarial Services Manager (ASSM) role is a key position within the practice group, primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of secretaries. The successful candidate will ensure the Secretarial Model supports all partners and fee earners in receiving an exceptional and efficient service.
Key Responsibilities:
- Line management responsibilities for all secretarial staff within the Practice Group
- Support mentoring within the team and identify development opportunities
- Manage day-to-day workflow requirements and ensure sufficient secretarial resources
- Develop and encourage cross-practice working across the secretarial population
- Arrange secretarial cover for absences and manage new joiner processes
- Undertake annual, interim, and probationary reviews for the secretarial population
- Understand the strategic plans of the practice group and make recommendations to the Practice Group Leader (PGL)
- Review and propose secretarial/fee earner allocations and headcount recommendations
- Lead and champion change initiatives across the secretarial function
Assisting the SSM/HoSS and/or HR:
- Return to work interviews and absence monitoring
- Reviewing performance issues with fee earners/partners
- Attending first-line disciplinary and performance issue meetings
- Recommending team or individual development and refresher training
Assisting PGL/PGM in PG Operational Tasks:
- Supporting day-to-day operational management of the Practice Group
Key Performance Indicators:
- Builds productive relationships internally and externally
- Ensures own and team's knowledge and skills are current
- Deals with day-to-day people management issues effectively
- Manages performance and continuous improvement of secretarial staff
- Creates and develops procedures, projects, and systems for workflow improvements
Requirements:
- Proven supervisory and management experience within a similar role for at least 3 years
- Demonstrated knowledge by having undertaken courses such as excellence programs, diplomas, NVQs
- Experience within a professional services environment, ideally within a law firm
- Excellent IT skills, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Copilot, MS Teams
- Ability to relate to people at all levels and maintain confidentiality
- Proven ability to design and implement new processes and manage workflow
What We Offer:
- Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
- Flexible, hybrid working policy
- Generous bonus scheme
- Up to 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days with service)
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced parental leave
- Reasonable adjustments and accommodation for disabled talent