Head of Department - Employment Law

Davies and Partners Solicitors; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000

Job description

Davies and Partners Solicitors is a well-established law firm with over 30 years experience. It has a national reputation for excellence in the Property sector and strength in depth in a wide selection of other legal services for businesses & individuals. There are 5 offices in Gloucester, Bristol, Birmingham, London and Devon. Davies and Partners Solicitors strongly believe that their staff are the heart of the company and are therefore driven to ensure that all employees experience and maintain a good work-life balance.

The Head Employment Law is a leadership role responsible for driving the continued development of the Employment Law department in the company.

This position involves overseeing Employment Law cases, providing expert legal advice, and ensuring exceptional client care is delivered across the department.

The role also focuses on identifying new business opportunities, enhancing the firm's market presence, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Department Leadership: Lead and manage the Employment Law department, ensuring effective case management and high-quality legal services. Set departmental goals and objectives and monitor performance against these targets.
• Budget Management: Work with the Chief Executive and Board of Management to set appropriate budgets for turnover and outgoings, including salary and bonus payments to department members.
• Business Planning: Develop and implement strategic business plans to grow the department, including identifying new business opportunities, expanding client relationships, and enhancing the firm's market presence.
• Business Review Meetings: Report and attend regularly to the Board of Management through Business Review Meetings.
• Case Management: Handle a personal caseload of Employment Law files from inception to resolution. Ensure cases are managed efficiently and effectively, with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for clients.
• Client Care: Provide expert legal advice and maintain a high level of client care. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, ensuring their needs and expectations are met.
• Team Supervision: Supervise, mentor, and support qualified staff, trainees, paralegals, and support staff within the department. Provide guidance and training to develop their skills and knowledge and foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Business Development: Identify business development opportunities to enhance the market presence of the department and company. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Deliver cross referral of work within the company and department as appropriate.
• Billing and Time Recording: Achieve legitimate billing and time recording in line with figures to be agreed with the Chief Executive.
• Support Senior Members: Assist senior members of the department with substantial case files and provide flexibility, particularly in times of holiday/sickness.
• Training and Development: Identify and meet job-related training and development targets for self and the department. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the law in your area(s) of specialisation and comply with continuing professional development requirements.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements, including the Solicitors Accounts Rules, Code of Conduct, and Money Laundering Regulations. Stay updated with developments in Employment Law and practice, and ensure the department adheres to best practices and professional standards.
• Technology: Use and assist in the development of relevant technology, IT and case management systems for the department.
• Client Indebtedness: Comply with all other departmental procedures, including the regulation and control of client indebtedness.
• Continuous Improvement: Continuously develop and improve the quality of your workload and level of expertise.
• Policy Compliance: Comply with the company's policies in the undertaking of its duties and assist the directors and staff in achieving efficient management of workflows.

Key Competencies

• Ability to develop and implement long-term plans for departmental growth and success.
• Strong skills in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities and building client relationships.
• Ability to lead and inspire a team, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Commitment to providing exceptional client service and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to handle complex legal issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective time management skills to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Performance Metrics

• Growth in departmental revenue and client base.
• Client satisfaction and feedback.
• Departmental reputation and market presence.
• Successful completion of client files.
• Compliance with regulatory and legal standards.
• Development and performance of junior staff.

This job description is a guide only and you may be required to perform tasks, which do not fall strictly within your job description. The job description may be used as a focus in appraisals and other work reviews. It is likely that your role within the firm will evolve over time.

Location: Gloucester/Bristol

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full time

Salary: Competitive