Central Services Manager

Job Title

Central Services Manager

Location

Greater Manchester

Job Type

Permanent, Full-Time 40 hours per week (office based)

About Us

Tuckers Solicitors is one of the UK’s leading criminal defence firms. Established in 1980, we have a nationwide team of experienced lawyers providing immediate and expert support.

Renowned and recommended by Chambers & Partners, The Legal 500, Spears 500 and The Times Best Law Firms, Tuckers Solicitors has a history of delivering top-tier legal services. Our team has earned numerous awards, including - Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year, Justice Human Rights Lawyer of the Year and The Law Society's Solicitor of the Year Award.

While we are a mature business, we are currently undergoing an exciting period of transformation and growth, which gives us the dynamic energy of a start-up.

We seek a dedicated and process-driven Central Services Manager to join our Manchester team and drive our mission forward.

This role requires hands-on presence in our office and cannot be performed remotely.

Job Summary

As a Central Services Manager at Tuckers Solicitors, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and enhancing our central operations. This is a unique opportunity for a proactive and experienced professional to make a significant impact by streamlining processes, managing a dedicated team, and fostering a positive work environment. Your key responsibilities will be to support the Shared Services Team and assist in the implementation of process improvements, ensuring the effectiveness of administrative operations. You will work closely with senior management and finance.

Key Responsibilities

Team Management:

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of central services staff including the Police Admin Team, Court Diary Management, The Booking Team, Call Handling, and Central Print & Post.
• Foster a collaborative and high-morale work environment.
• Support the Shared Services Supervisor and understand the entire team’s roles.

Process Improvement:

• Analyse existing processes, identify gaps, and implement efficient and effective procedures.
• Design and implement process improvements and best practices.
• Improve operational management systems.

Operational Oversight:

• Manage daily operations, ensuring all administrative functions run smoothly.
• Ensure all operations are carried out in a cost-effective and timely manner.
• Perform quality controls and monitor production KPIs.
• Manage procurement processes and allocate resources effectively.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Address and resolve operational issues promptly.
• Report to senior management and evaluate business and operational efficiency.
• Oversee the day-to-day services used by both Tuckers and external Case Management services.
• Build and maintain firsthand experience of all roles within Case Management Services.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build strong relationships with internal teams and stakeholders.
• Liaise with legal management nationally to address staffing, performance, and feedback on Case Management Services.
• Work closely with HR, Finance, and the Management team to ensure consistent approaches to contract negotiations and timescales.

Project Management:

• Take ownership of various projects aimed at rebuilding and enhancing our central services.
• Develop and oversee training programmes designed to support team development.
• Conduct periodic reviews of business estate and facilities to ensure cost-effectiveness and meet SRA contract requirements.
• Collaborate with IT Services to ensure IT infrastructure compliance with building regulations.

Health and Safety:

• Update, develop, and implement health and safety programmes.
• Oversee and maintain facilities in the Manchester office.
• Maintain central records and reminders for contract renewals and facility costs reporting.

Ideal Candidate

Experience: Preferably with experience in the criminal legal sector, though not essential. Proven experience in people management and process-driven roles.

Skills: Excellent soft skills and people management capabilities. Adept at building team morale and instilling a positive, can-do attitude.

Mindset: A proactive and reactive approach to challenges. Ability to identify gaps and build effective processes.

Commitment: Willingness to spend time getting to know the business and its people. Supportive and dedicated to fostering a productive and positive workplace.

What We Offer

Competitive salary

Opportunity to work in a dynamic and evolving business environment

Career growth and development opportunities

A supportive and collaborative work culture

How To Apply

If you are a motivated and experienced professional looking to make a meaningful impact in a thriving law firm, we want to hear from you. Please complete the application through linkedin.

Equal Opportunities

Tuckers Solicitors is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Join Us

Join us on our journey of transformation and be a part of a team that values excellence, collaboration, and innovation.