Operations Manager (2009)

Operations Manager (2009)

QEB Hollis Whiteman

Salary: £Competitive

Type: Full time

Location: London

About Chambers:

QEB Hollis Whiteman is one of the UK's leading sets of barristers' chambers, specialising in crime, corporate and financial crime, professional regulation, public law, private prosecutions, inquests and inquiries. Chambers is recognised for the quality of its advocacy and client service and is instructed in many of the country's most significant and high-profile cases.

Chambers is now seeking to appoint an experienced Operations Manager to join its senior management team. Working closely with the Senior Clerk, Management Committee, Members and staff, the successful candidate will be responsible for the effective day-to-day administration, governance, operational management and business support functions of Chambers.

Operations Manager Job Description:

The Operations Manager is responsible for the effective day-to-day administration, governance, operational management and business support functions of Chambers.

The role ensures that Chambers operates efficiently, professionally and in compliance with all regulatory, statutory and internal governance requirements. The post holder provides leadership across administrative, HR, facilities, compliance and member support functions and works closely with the Senior Clerk, Management Committee, Members and staff to support the strategic and operational objectives of Chambers.

The Chambers Manager acts as a central point of coordination across Chambers, ensuring that processes, systems, policies and resources are effectively managed and continuously developed to meet the needs of Members, staff and clients.

Governance & Committee Support

• Organise and coordinate Management Committee meetings and other Chambers committees.
• Prepare agendas, reports and supporting papers in consultation with committee members.
• Attend meetings, produce accurate minutes and maintain action logs.
• Monitor progress against agreed actions and ensure timely follow-up.
• Maintain governance records, membership records and associated documentation.
• Ensure Chambers' policies and procedures are regularly reviewed, updated and effectively communicated.

Chambers Administration & Operations

• Manage the day-to-day administration and operational management of Chambers.
• Develop, implement and maintain effective administrative systems, policies and procedures.
• Ensure the efficient delivery of administrative services across Chambers.
• Manage onboarding and departure processes for Members and staff.
• Support the Marketing Manager in maintaining accurate website content and operational information.
• Lead and deliver operational improvement projects to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Chambers.

Human Resources

• Lead the administration of Chambers' HR function.
• Coordinate recruitment, induction and onboarding of staff.
• Maintain accurate personnel records and employment documentation.
• Manage annual leave, sickness records and other HR administration.
• Support employee wellbeing initiatives and staff engagement.
• Assist with disciplinary, grievance and performance management procedures.
• Ensure HR policies comply with employment legislation and best practice.
• Line manage reception, administration and housekeeping staff, supporting their development, wellbeing and performance.

Finance & Business Administration

• Assist in preparing and monitoring Chambers' annual budgets.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts and financial reports for the Management Committee.
• Monitor expenditure and income against budget.
• Oversee Members' contributions, recharges, aged debt and credit control.
• Support financial controls, banking arrangements and payment authorisation procedures.
• Liaise with Chambers' accountants regarding annual accounts, Companies House filings, corporation tax and statutory returns.
• Oversee payroll administration and HMRC-related processes.
• Coordinate annual business planning and provide management information to support strategic decision-making.

Regulatory Compliance & Member Services

• Ensure Chambers maintains compliance with all relevant regulatory and professional obligations.
• Administer practising certificate renewals and maintain associated records.
• Coordinate professional indemnity and other insurance arrangements.
• Maintain complaints records and support complaints handling procedures.
• Monitor CPD compliance requirements.
• Maintain and review Chambers' compliance policies and procedures.
• Coordinate annual legal directory submissions.
• Lead the administration of Chambers' pupillage policies, procedures and recruitment.
• Support wellbeing initiatives and provide operational support to Members.
• Respond to Member enquiries and support practice meetings where required.

Facilities & Premises Management

• Manage the day-to-day operation of Chambers' premises.
• Liaise with landlords, managing agents, contractors and service providers.
• Coordinate maintenance, repairs, refurbishments and accommodation projects.
• Monitor lease obligations and support lease renewals and rent reviews.
• Manage facilities budgets and planned maintenance programmes.
• Oversee cleaning, housekeeping, document storage, archiving, DX, post and courier services.
• Manage office equipment, printing and copying facilities.
• Ensure Chambers' premises remain safe, professional and fully operational.

Health, Safety & Risk Management

• Lead Chambers' health and safety arrangements.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, fire safety and security requirements.
• Maintain risk assessments and associated documentation.
• Promote a safe and secure working environment for Members, staff and visitors.
• Maintain and regularly review business continuity and operational resilience plans.

Information Technology & Infrastructure

• Work closely with Chambers' IT providers to maintain operational systems and infrastructure.
• Support the effective operation of networks, cloud-hosted services, practice management systems and communication platforms.
• Coordinate technology suppliers and service providers.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and information governance requirements.
• Support cyber security initiatives and information security best practice.
• Maintain secure information management and communication systems, including CJSM where appropriate.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Significant experience in a senior administration, operations or practice management role.
• Experience supporting senior management teams, boards or committees.
• Demonstrable experience of governance, compliance and policy administration.
• Experience of staff management and HR administration.
• Strong budgetary, financial and business administration skills.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with Members, staff and external stakeholders.
• High levels of discretion, professionalism and judgement.
• Strong IT and systems skills.
• Ability to work independently, proactively and collaboratively.

Desirable:

• Experience within barristers' chambers, the legal sector or professional services.
• Knowledge of Bar Standards Board requirements and Chambers governance.
• Experience of facilities management and health and safety compliance.
• Experience supporting pupillage or professional training programmes.

All applicants are requested to complete an Equality, Diversity & Inclusion form, available here.

Closing date for applications: Thursday 6th August 2026.

For all enquiries please contact:

ABC Partnership - 0203 890 8190 – enquiries@abcllp.com

To apply for this role please email a comprehensive CV and covering letter to Sarah Willshee – Sarah@abcllp.com & Hudson Brewer - Hudson@abcllp.com

All third-party applications will be forwarded to ABC Partnership Ltd.

ABC are committed to equality and to fostering diversity in our profession.

We will treat everyone equally and irrespective of their age, background, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Please advise us in advance of the interview if you have any access needs (including those arising from neurodiversity) and/or require reasonable adjustments for the interview so that we can make appropriate arrangements.