Process Improvement Lead – 12 month fixed term contract

The role

The Process Improvement Lead will become an integral member of the broader Process Excellence team, assuming a pivotal role in advancing operational excellence through process standardisation, simplification, and automation. This position is instrumental in aligning recent technology investments, including SuccessFactors, SAP, and ServiceNow, with streamlined processes, ultimately elevating organisational efficiency and effectiveness.

The selected candidate will oversee and manage a comprehensive program of project activities aimed at enhancing overall business operations, showcasing significant stakeholder management responsibilities. This presents a compelling and hands-on opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s premier international law firms, spearheading the delivery of heightened process excellence throughout the firm’s key customer journeys.

Essential qualifications for this role include change management expertise and exposure to a diverse array of IT tools and systems, encompassing proficiency in key RPA tools and process automation. Effective communication with internal stakeholders is a regular component of this role. We seek a self-starter comfortable navigating ambiguity and leading change proactively.
While the preferred location for this role is in London, the Process Improvement Lead may be required to travel as part of their responsibilities.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Process Standardisation and Simplification:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess existing processes and identify opportunities for standardisation.
• Develop and implement consistent process frameworks across the organisation.
• Streamline complex workflows, reducing process inefficiencies and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Process Automation:

• Lead efforts to automate manual tasks and repetitive processes.
• Evaluate available tools (including SuccessFactors, SAP, and ServiceNow) to optimise automation capabilities.
• Work closely with IT teams to design and deploy automated solutions.

Six Sigma and Lean Process Expertise:

• Apply Six Sigma and Lean principles to analyse, improve, and optimise business processes.
• Implement a culture of continuous improvement, focusing on efficiency and waste reduction.

Change Management and Adoption:

• Champion process changes and ensure successful adoption by stakeholders.
• Develop communication plans, training materials, and user guides to facilitate smooth transitions.
• Monitor adoption rates and address any resistance to change.

Project Management:

• Plan, execute, and monitor process improvement initiatives.
• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets.

Metrics and Continuous Improvement:

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure process effectiveness.
• Regularly assess process performance and identify areas for enhancement.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement within the organisation.

ABOUT YOU

Six Sigma and Lean Process Expertise:

• Certification in Six Sigma (Green Belt, Black Belt, or Master Black Belt).
• Proficiency in Lean methodologies and tools.
• Ability to apply data-driven approaches to process improvement.
• Track record of successful integration of technology into business processes.

Project Management Skills:

• Proven experience in leading process improvement projects.
• Familiarity with project management methodologies (e.g., PMBOK, Agile).
• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities.
• Experience in driving process automation projects.

Change Management Acumen:

• Ability to navigate organisational change and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills to articulate the benefits of process improvements.

Analytical Thinking:

• Capable of analysing complex processes, identifying bottlenecks, and proposing solutions.
• Comfortable working with data and metrics.

Collaborative Mindset:

• Works effectively with cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders.
• Builds strong relationships to drive collaboration.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in process improvement, preferably in a shared services and technology-driven environment.
• Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) is a plus.
• Lean Six Sigma certification is highly desireable for this position (consideration given to Agile, Lean, and other certifications)
• A legal background is desireable

ABOUT US

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers and business service professionals located in more than 40 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Our global reach ensures that we can help businesses with their legal needs anywhere in the world. We strive to be the leading global business law firm by delivering quality, service excellence and value to our clients and offering practical and innovative legal solutions to help them succeed. Our clients range from multinational, Global 1000, and Fortune 500 enterprises to emerging companies developing industry-leading technologies, as well as government and public sector bodies.

OUR VALUES

In everything we do connected with our People, our Clients and our Communities, we live by these values:

• Be Supportive – we are compassionate and inclusive, valuing diversity and acting thoughtfully
• Be Collaborative – we are proactive, passionate team players investing in our relationships
• Be Bold – we are fearless and inquisitive, challenging ourselves to think big and find creative new solutions
• Be Exceptional – we are strategic and driven, exceeding standards and expectations

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

At DLA Piper, diversity and inclusion underpins how we live our values and everything we do. We believe that everyone has a voice, and that everyone’s voice counts. We know that the rich diversity across our firm makes us stronger, more innovative and creative, which helps us to better serve our clients and communities. We are committed to providing an inclusive working environment and culture across our global firm, where everyone can bring their authentic self to work.

Diversity of perspective, thought, background and culture combine to make us the leading global law firm; that’s why we actively seek to build balanced teams. We welcome the unique contribution that you will bring to our firm and actively encourage applications from all talented people – however your talent is packaged, whatever your background or circumstance and regardless of how you identify.

HYBRID WORKING

We recognise that people have responsibilities and interests outside of their career and that as a business, we all benefit from working flexibly. That’s why we are open to discussing with candidates the different ways in which we are able to support requests for agile working arrangements.

PRE-ENGAGEMENT SCREENING

In the event that we make an offer to you, and where local legislation permits and where relevant, we will conduct pre-engagement screening checks that may include but are not limited to your professional and academic qualifications, your eligibility to work in the relevant jurisdiction, any criminal records, your financial stability and work-related references.