Practice Manager

The firm Dentons is the world's first polycentric global law firm. A top 20 firm on the Acritas 2015 Global Elite Brand Index, the Firm is committed to challenging the status quo in delivering consistent and uncompromising quality and value in new and inventive ways. Driven to provide clients a competitive edge, and connected to the communities where its clients want to do business, Dentons knows that understanding local cultures is crucial to successfully completing a deal, resolving a dispute or solving a business challenge. Now the world's largest law firm, Dentons' global team builds agile, tailored solutions to meet the local, national and global needs of private and public clients of any size in more than 125 locations serving 50-plus countries. . Purpose of role Our Practice Managers are key to the firm's continued growth. You will work alongside senior stakeholders supporting practice development, performance and financial management. You will be a key contributor supporting Divisional Leaders (DLs), Practice Heads (PHs) and partners in the implementation of the firm's strategy. This is an exciting hands-on opportunity to further develop your skills by joining the world's largest law firm and play an integral role in divisional growth and development. Responsibilities To closely work with senior stakeholders, DLs, PHs and partners to ensure optimum financial performance in each department Support the implementation of the divisional strategies Monitor, analyse and report upon billing, billing targets and time recording, providing insight and taking appropriate action where required Assist with the preparation and creation of annual budgets, liaising and supporting PHs in the creation of their departmental budgets Regular monitoring of individual financial performances, identifying issues and propose remedies where necessary, including extensive involvement with partner appraisals Attend Division/PH partner meetings and ensure follow-up of agreed actions Act as the Division's liaison point with functional departments providing coordinated input and direction as necessary Work with Human Resources to support recruitment activity, ensuring hiring needs are justified Working closely with the Human Resources Advisory team providing support in relation to the annual appraisal, salaries and promotion processes and people agenda Work in tandem with the Legal Project Management team to improve the efficiency oflegal service deliveryto internal and external clients, with the overall aim of improving margins Ensure proactive and effective internal communications across all groups in the Division, and across divisions and regions where necessary Any other ad hoc duties and support as required from the Head of Practice Management, DLs or PHs Required experience, skills and attributes Previous experience of working within a law firm, professional services or corporate environment Experience of managing/leading department discussions/negotiations Ability to drive and influence at a senior level Ability to develop and build strong relationships with stakeholders and works collaboratively across all departments within the firm Proven experience delivering business targets in an analytical environment Excellent presentation skills and an effective communicator Strong academics, with a Degree or equivalent Highly numerate Proactive Highly flexible in order to meet business needs Language Capabilities We are a truly global law firm and as such, always welcome hearing from those with foreign language capabilities. In light of our recent combination, Mandarin language fluency would be particularly advantageous given that China is now core to our strategy. Equal opportunities Dentons is committed to providing equal opportunities for all. If, as a result of a disability, you believe that there are aspects of the recruitment process or job that you would find more difficult than a non-disabled person, please tell us as soon as possible. We will then be able to discuss with you any reasonable adjustments that could be made to the recruitment process or the job itself.