Legal Operations

Resource Manager

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DLA Piper operates a comprehensive resource management framework designed to drive efficiency, support effective workload allocation, and ensure our people are deployed in a way that maximises both client service and individual development. As part of this continued evolution, we are seeking an experienced Resource Manager to act as the dedicated point of contact for our Real Estate and IPT practice groups.

In this role, you will oversee day‑to‑day resourcing activity and play a central part in delivering a seamless operational resourcing service. You will work closely with partners, lawyers, and wider business teams to ensure work is allocated appropriately, balancing capability, capacity, career development, and commercial priorities. The role is integral to ensuring that the right people are working on the right matters at the right time.

While your primary focus will be on embedding robust business‑as‑usual resourcing processes within the practice groups, you will also contribute to the ongoing development of a cohesive, firm‑wide resource management approach. As the function continues to grow and mature, you will have strong opportunities to further develop your skills, take on broader responsibilities, and help shape the future direction of resource management within the firm.

Main duties and responsibilities

  • Be accountable for the successful delivery of resourcing requests in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Monitor current and anticipated activity levels, capacity and matter staffing; and help smooth utilisation levels where required.
  • Work with lawyers to help ensure work is aligned to individual associate development needs and interests where possible.
  • Build strong relationships with stakeholders within the practice group, at all levels including Partners and Business Services leads, acting as a trusted advisor.
  • Manage resourcing data, generate insights and assist with resourcing decisions.
  • Provide forecast and actual utilisation and availability reports and other management information, as required.
  • Oversee analysis of business forecasting e.g., chargeable hours, utilisation, and proactively drive resourcing decisions.
  • Understand and maintain knowledge of individual skills, development needs, experiences and personal / professional aspirations and apply this knowledge in resourcing decisions.
  • Support the ongoing development of the resourcing framework and implementation of the concept across the firm as part of the overall Resourcing strategy.
  • Collaborating with other areas of the business and promoting Service Delivery offerings, such as, Legal Delivery Centre.
  • Proactivity in seeking opportunities to further promote and enhance the resourcing framework.
  • Contribute to conversations surrounding innovations to the framework including new solutions being discussed with both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Input into the strategic development of resource management firmwide, meeting RM specific KPIs

About you

  • Strong experience of dealing with resource allocation, ideally within a professional services environment.
  • Able to handle multiple priorities, working to sometimes conflicting timescales in a fast-paced and challenging environment.
  • Take a proactive approach to improving the RM function and independently drive forward new, innovative initiatives.Ability to respond to change and bring others along the change journey.
  • Able to build trust and rapport to develop effective relationships.
  • Able to learn the language of the business and apply this to resourcing conversations.
  • Resilient and pragmatic with strong commercial acumen.
  • Experience of working with financial systems.
  • Ability to influence and promote change in line with strategy.
  • Ability to commercially articulate the impact of resource management.

About Us

We're a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services. With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.

At DLA Piper, we understand that inclusion is not a one-size-fits-all concept. We embrace and celebrate the range of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences that each individual brings to our firm. By fostering a culture that welcomes and appreciates all aspects of our individuality, we ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Our commitment to inclusion and positive social impact enables us to provide exceptional service to our clients and communities, while nurturing a unique and inclusive culture for all our people. 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.

We are committed to being accessible and accommodating any reasonable adjustments needed throughout the recruitment process to ensure an inclusive experience for all. If you need any support or adjustments, please let us know.

Where local legislation permits, we will conduct relevant pre-engagement screening checks prior to your first day.

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Requesting Adjustments

At DLA Piper, we aim to make meaningful progress and build an inclusive culture where anyone affected by disability, neurodiversity or a long-term health condition has an equitable and accessible chance of success. If you think you may need adjustments or additional support to enable you to participate in our recruitment process, please contact our Recruitment team and we will be happy to support you.

Agile 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, 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 references from previous employers. 

Our hiring approach

Our hiring approach enables us to learn about the professional and person you are, and gives you the opportunity to learn about us. Your recruitment experience can differ depending on the type of role you are interviewing for. You will always meet your direct Line Manager for your role, as well as peers and close collaborators for the position. For some of our roles we may also use assessment tools, practical exercises, and panel presentations. Your Recruitment Business Partner will inform you of the recruitment process at the start of any recruitment process, but please let us know if you have any questions prior to making an application.

Our hiring approach
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