The Project Lead is responsible for the successful delivery of complex, cross-functional projects that enable the organisation’s strategic objectives. They implement best practice project management methodologies and standards on the initiatives to which they are assigned. In this role, you will work with a wide range of stakeholders of varying seniority from all parts of our business to implement some of the most significant change programmes in the firm.

Using your professional experience, you will help senior stakeholders to scope, plan and deliver change initiatives that yield a meaningful impact on our firm and our clients.

The Firm

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve 'Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. Shoosmiths is also on a pathway to net zero across the value chain by 2040.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

Our Strategy

Shoosmiths’ strategy is to transform Shoosmiths from being a really good firm with a really solid reputation, into an excellent firm with a reputation for excellence. So that by 2030, we will excel in our chosen markets. At the heart of our new strategy is focus. Intense focus on what we do well. And a bold commitment to doing it even better.

The Team

Shoosmiths’ Projects & Innovation (P&I) team is the primary delivery capability for all significant change programmes across the firm. Whether delivering projects themselves or supporting the wider firm to deliver their own change, the P&I team has oversight of all major change in the firm. The team drives efficiency and excellence in the way the firm operates, creates more competitive advantage in the delivery of legal services and maximises the impact and effective delivery of impactful change programmes in the firm.

Main Responsibilities

• Support the Director of P&I, the Heads of Operational Excellence and Legal Process Innovation and the Programme Management Office to implement their strategies and plans across the firm and to build the capability and profile of the P&I team.
• Help parts of our firm to understand and prioritise what should be on their change roadmap for the 12-24 months ahead.
• Deliver some of the most complex, strategically important change projects in our firm.
• Supporting the implementation of a project management framework that ensures the successful completion of projects within the firm.
• Manage project budgets, financial and project controls, ensuring projects are delivered within agreed constraints.
• Collaborate with the Information Systems (IS) team and other departments across the firm to implement change.
• Provide coaching, training and advice to colleagues who wish to run projects of their own.

Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a similar role, preferably within a UK-based law firm or professional services organisation.
• Strong understanding of project management methodologies and best practices.
• Proven track record in successfully managing complex projects and delivering operational efficiencies.
• Demonstrated experience in change management, particularly in the context of business transformation.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to organise resources to deliver against prioritised transformation programs.
• Proven ability to lead effectively, with strong skills in coordinating project activities, delegating responsibilities, and developing other team members through coaching, mentoring, or structured training.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• A relevant degree or professional qualification in business management, technology, or a related field is preferred.
• Qualifications such as the Association of Project Management, Prince2, Scrum, Managing Successful Programmes, Agile Project Management, or other equivalent certifications are desirable.