What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Manager, Practice Group Management position at Baker McKenzie?
Internal Candidates - This role is open internally to any Baker Office or Center
The Senior Manager, Practice Group Management will work with the Director of Practice Group Management, Practice Group Leaders and the Practice Group Business Managers to support the Global Management Committee and Practice Group Leaders on financial matters and analytical reports/commentary, identifying issues for Practice Groups to address to achieve the Firm’s collective objectives and performance associated with the success of the Practice Groups. The role-holder will develop collaborative relationships with all Functions, and in particular, the Finance Function and the Practice Group Business Managers.
Main responsibilities:
Practice Group metrics and performance:
- Work closely with the Director of Practice Management to support the design and delivery of timely and accurate data consistently relating to Practice Group metrics and performance
- Assist with the review, presentation and development of key themes to support overall Practice performance
Engage directly with Practice Group leaders and other key stakeholders:
- Demonstrate ability to effectively articulate messaging to a diverse audience with varying levels of financial acumen
- Participate in substantive and potentially confidential discussions regarding performance at both the practice group and individual levels
- Identify themes through in-depth discussions on various markets
- Foster cross-functional collaboration as needed among Business Managers, Finance, BD, HR, etc.
- Be able to lead discussions, as necessary, with various Leadership levels
Data analytics:
- Analyze key metrics and levers to manage, and improve, performance and convey succinctly to all stakeholders the means and manner to reach high performance
- Provide detailed analysis and information needed to explain and drive financial initiatives and priorities within and across Practice Groups
Insights and commentary:
- Through the data analysis, assist in developing clear insights, trends and commentary to highlight the key messages
- Present data and analysis in a compelling and impactful way to drive change as necessary
Internal and external connection:
- Build strong internal working relationships with key stakeholders to ensure understanding of the broader context across Practices and key functions, such as Finance
- Stay current on external trends across the legal sector
Skills and experience:
- A bachelor’s degree focusing on Finance and/or other related areas
- Extensive experience in financial/practice management, preferably in a professional services firm environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact and influence at the appropriate levels of the Firm
- Fluent written and spoken English is required
- Able to create an environment of trust with key relationships and others with whom you engage
- Able to solve problems and drive results with a sense of urgency in advocating strategies, obtaining buy-in and executing against the objective
- Able to influence and interact with strong collaboration skills
- Strong business acumen and overall communication skills
Location: Chicago, New York, Belfast or Tampa Centers; or Hong Kong
Reports to: Director of Practice Group Management
Travel requirements: Unlikely to require travel to the Firm's Member Firms
Position type: Specialist
Development framework: Senior Manager