Operational Project Manager (Legal)

Job Description

Bold change and innovation. Smooth operations. Impacting the future.

Operational Project Manager (Legal)

*Internally, this role is known as a Legal Operational Manager.

£65,000 - £75,000 (+ Benefits)

Reports to: Head of Legal

Department: Chief Operating Office

Contract: 18 month fixed-term contract

Hours: Full time 35 hours per week

Location: Stratford, London. Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office).

Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

Closing date: 28 March 2025 23:55

This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. If you require more time to apply as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact us as soon as possible.

Recruitment process: Two competency-based interviews.

Interview date: From the week commencing 07 April 2025.

How do I apply? We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.

At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.

We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That's why we're looking for someone talented, someone who wants to develop their skills, someone like you.

This is an opportunity to join Cancer Research UK's Legal Service team which is essential to our Sustain Strategy. The Legal Service's purpose is to provide credible legal advice and compliance across our workforce of over 600+ shops and 2,500+ office staff that enables us to be an inclusive, sustainable, and agile organisation. This involves legally safeguarding the charity, maximising efficiency and effectiveness, and leveraging external legal partners to optimise pro bono and low bono support for the charity.

As Legal Operational Manager, you will be pivotal in advancing our mission by driving strategic, operational, and technological change and innovation across our Legal Service. In this role, you will lead efforts to drive continuous improvements in our legal operations and systems, while reviewing and developing the Legal Operational Model Review and Strategy. This will involve identifying opportunities for process improvements, maximising the efficiency of existing technologies, and exploring the potential of new technical solutions. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with the Head of Legal and stakeholders across the organisation to design, deliver, and communicate transformative changes. Together, you will redefine how we deliver and continuously enhance our legal services, establish best practices, and embed new, more effective ways of working.

If you are an experienced Project or Change Management professional with significant experience delivering operational and technical transformation within large, complex organisations, we'd love for you to join our mission.

What will I be doing?

• Reviewing, developing, and innovating Cancer Research UK's Legal service model and technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Evaluating the design, implementation, and management of Legal's intake portal, enabling users to request legal services, access signed contracts, and utilise self-service tools efficiently.
• Developing a plan for the phased roll-out of new technologies (e.g., case management system).
• Seeking support from, and consulting with, the Legal and Client teams across the business to inform operational decisions and approaches.
• Identifying resource needs and creating business cases in collaboration with the Legal team and wider business.
• Leading on process mapping, developing consistent and high-quality management information, and setting up processes (e.g. contracting and approval workflows, Statements of Works [SOWs], and playbook development).
• Identifying where cross-functional co-operation may mitigate risk and improve the Legal service.
• Reviewing and documenting technology systems used to deliver legal services, while planning and managing system changes to support Cancer Research UK's legal offering.
• Assisting the Head of Legal in preparing and delivering impactful user and stakeholder communications to foster collaboration, ensure consistency, and build user confidence.
• This includes strategies such as roll-out plans, service information, training materials (e.g., user videos), drop-in sessions, and regular updates.
• Taking the lead in triaging and handling system-related issues, escalations, and complaints.

What skills will I need?

• Project or Change Management background with a track record of delivering operational and technical transformation within large, complex organisations.
• While legal operations or transformation experience is advantageous, it is not essential, and applicants without a legal background are encouraged to apply.
• Excellent prioritisation and organisational skills, with demonstrated success in managing and delivering multiple projects on time and within budget.
• A strategic and innovative leader, adept at integrating technical, operational, and commercial considerations to guide decision-making and drive effective change.
• Has built credible and collaborative stakeholder relationships with experience influencing at all levels (including leadership) and clear verbal and written communication.
• Strong problem-solving capabilities with analytical and business intelligence skills.
• Able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.

Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination

Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people

Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively

We're looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.

If you're interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we'd still love to hear from you.

What will I gain?

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.

You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.

Additional Information

For more information about working with us please visit our website or contact us.

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