Business Manager

We are a leading European intellectual property firm, advising some of the world’s most innovative and successful companies. Together, we help to improve lives by supporting innovation.

We hire talented and passionate people who think creatively and enjoy a challenge. Working collaboratively, we share our knowledge and experience across teams, actively learning from each other in a friendly and sociable environment.

We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Diversity of thought is vital to our business; it’s how we approach challenges differently and offer our clients creative and original solutions. Through our work with organisations such as IP Inclusive, Stonewall and Business in the Community via the Race at Work Charter, we are putting the right steps in place to make sure that all our people feel supported and empowered to be themselves.

Further information on our commitment to diversity and inclusion is available on our website.

A healthy work/life balance is very important to us, and we run regular wellbeing events in addition to the large number of clubs and social activities that are available to everyone at the firm. We are also enthusiastic supporters of our local community through partnerships with the Social Mobility Foundation and Holborn Community Association.

The Practice Management function provides seamless support to Practice Group Leaders, working with them to set strategic direction, deliver on goals and priorities, and manage the day-to-day operations of the Practice Group. The Business Manager acts as a trusted advisor to the PGL and partners, developing a deep understanding of practice group dynamics and supporting the achievement of objectives aligned with the firm’s strategy.

The role holder will build strong relationships with colleagues in Business Services and practice support to help drive operations management across the practice group and act as the lead for business and practice management initiatives.

Strategic Planning and Execution

• Project management of the three-year business planning process including coordination of the annual review of business plan objectives.
• Coordinate, and as required deliver, data analysis, information gathering, and coordination of key stakeholders to support the business planning process.
• Inform, advise and influence key decisions impacting the direction of the practice group relating to financial performance, people and business development.
• Ensure that Business Services Directors are actively engaged and fully integrated into the business planning process, leveraging their subject matter expertise to support the formulation of strategic objectives.
• Drive delivery of business plan objectives, partnering with Business Services teams to support the PGL and Partners in executing strategic priorities.
• Coordinate and prepare materials and insights for quarterly BP review meetings, ensuring progress is measured and communicated effectively.
• Take an active role—and when required, assume leadership—in firm-wide strategic projects that significantly influence practice group operations.

• Support Practice Group Leaders with the management of the practice group, working with Partners and Fee-Earners to aid the implementation of firm-wide projects within the PG, ensuring smooth adoption of initiatives and alignment with firm strategy.
• Prepare high-quality materials and reports for PG meetings, ensuring information is accurate, insightful, and aligned with firm priorities.
• Coordinate cyclical activities and submissions across the PG (e.g. pay reviews, promotion applications, PEP), preparing papers and business cases as required.
• Manage ad hoc reporting and analysis requests, collaborating with Business Services colleagues to deliver timely and meaningful outputs.
• Ensure new policies and processes are effectively communicated and embedded within the PG, driving consistency and compliance.
• Build strong relationships with business and practice support colleagues to help drive operations management across the practice group and act as the practice group lead for business / practice…