Director of Administration

Ryder Reid are working with a successful and growing US law firm to recruit a Director of Administration for their London office. The Director of Administration will manage the day to day administration of all office operations to ensure smooth running of the office. The Director of Administration will work closely with the Partners, and key responsibilities will include:

• Recruiting, selection, training and development
• Projects and anticipates personnel needs
• Provide guidance and leadership to staff to ensure effective and efficient work flow
• Administers staff performance evaluations
• Responsible for employee relations, motivating, counselling, discipline and discharge of subordinate staff
• Management of Personnel records, keeps a record of attendance and leave for all staff members
• Communicating and discussing Firm guidelines and procedures with employees to ensure that responsibilities, authorities and accountabilities are defined and understood
• Office Space Lease/Real Estate
• Monitors management of the office records, storage, facilities, library, reception and supplies
• Overall responsibility for reproduction/copy, mail, messenger and delivery services of the office
• Maintains the movement of general office furniture and other items in personal offices and work areas as requested by the occupants
• Management of Secretary/Lawyer Share Group Assignments
• Paralegal Support and allocation of resources
• Ensures that the workload of staff is equitably assigned, reassigns work when necessary, and may determine work priorities
• Provides assistance to complete special projects that involve the operations of the firm
• Liaison with the Solicitors Regulation Authority to ensure full compliance of the London office with local requirements
• Prepares and manages the annual office budget
• Responsible for planning, forecasting and variance analysis
• Oversees financial reporting and general ledger accounting
• Review of office expenses, invoice processing, and petty cash
• General knowledge of billing and client invoicing
• Preparation and management of payroll for associates, staff and expatriates
• Liaison with HMRC and other local organisations to ensure full compliance with local requirements

The ideal candidate for the Director of Administration role will have strong relevant experience from a legal or professional services firm, and will be of degree calibre. You must have strong communication and organisational skills, and the ability to liaise and influence at all levels. It is essential that you have a flexible and hands-on approach. The ability to multitask and work effectively to deadlines is required, and you must be able to act with the utmost discretion. You will have an analytical mind-set, as well as being an effective people manager. You must be a strong team player, with a confident and proactive personality who enjoys the variety and challenges of working within a high performing environment. Experience of VAT returns and knowledge of the billing process is highly beneficial, as is an understanding of the SRA rules. To be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please contact Ryder Reid today.