A leading professional body within the legal sector is seeking applications for a Head of Career & Practice Development. This senior management role offers the opportunity to lead a high impact programme of work with a small, dynamic team as part of a newly established professional services function.
The Head of Career & Practice Development will provide strategic leadership in the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of services supporting legal professionals across all career stages-from early career through to senior leadership. This is a new permanent position with a hybrid working model with a requirement to attend the office a minimum of three days per week with occasional evening and weekend work. The successful candidate will play a central role in delivering strategic initiatives and driving forward a modern, responsive offering to meet the evolving needs of the legal profession.
Key focus areas include:
- Business and practice development
- Leadership and management capability
- Technology and innovation in legal services
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a high-performing team, managing both performance and operational budgets
- Oversee the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of profession-facing services and projects
- Contribute to the implementation of organisational and departmental strategy
- Produce high-quality reports, resources, and communications
- Research and respond to emerging trends and needs within the legal profession
- Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across in-house teams, SMEs, and large legal organisations
- Represent the organisation through meetings, events, and regional engagement initiatives
Candidate Profile:
- A relevant third-level qualification and/or significant senior experience in a related field (e.g. professional services, leadership development, legal practice or management)
- Minimum of 5 years' management experience in professional development, legal practice, or talent development
- Proven experience managing teams, projects, and budgets
- Strong understanding of the evolving legal sector
- Excellent communication, organisational, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to influence and collaborate across a wide range of stakeholders
- A proactive, innovative, and strategic mindset
Desirable:
- Experience working with professional services organisations
- Experience developing and implementing operational and communication strategies
- Familiarity with AI and project management tools
