Chief Executive officer

Our client, a leading law firm, has undergone recent expansion and has the ambition to achieve further growth. As a result of their plans, they have a new opportunity for a CEO to inject energy, clear guidance and strong leadership to deliver desired results. They have already built strong foundations to enable this to happen and are excited about their next stage of planning.

The CEO will be responsible for defining the long-term vision and will have a clear mandate to implement change. Their ultimate remit will be to drive positive growth and increase profits, working closely with the managing partner, management team and Board. They will be expected to:

• Set the overall direction of the firm and have overall accountability for the firm’s business performance.
• Evaluate the current corporate and internal structure of the business, outlining a clear strategy for growth which sets out achievable milestones.
• Improve departmental and partner performance management.
• Write the business plan and oversee the strategy for growth. This will include identifying strategic business opportunities, such as mergers and lateral hires, and evaluating their potential.
• Provide leadership, guidance and coaching to partners, fee-earners and support staff so that overall firm-wide performance continues to be enhanced.
• Encourage behavioural change by the equity partners and where appropriate instigate one to one coaching sessions.
• Ensure a culture of continuing improvement, engagement, education and training where innovation is encouraged in every aspect of the firm’s operation.

Suitable candidates will have the following skills and attributes:

• CEO/Managing Director level experience and ability. It is essential that candidates have extensive and recent experience within a law firm or professional services environment i.e. chartered accountants or property partnership.
• Credible from day one with equity partners, lawyers and support staff, able to engage, influence, and articulate plans at all levels.
• Strong financial, budgeting and analytical skills (but do not need to be a qualified accountant).
• It is essential that candidates have presence, credibility and personal integrity, with an easy ability to influence and drive change through the strength of relationships they build.
• The ability to identify, understand and strategise for the impact of technological changes on the firm’s services, clients and staff.
• Candidates must have strong communication skills and must be able to evidence that past initiatives have had a positive business impact.

This is a retained assignment and direct or third party applications will be directed to Jonson Beaumont.