Commercial Business Manager (fixed-term contract/maternity cover)

The Firm

HFW is a sector focused global law firm.  We have over 500 lawyers working across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.  We take a progressive approach to our roles in commercial business – thinking creatively and pragmatically to support our clients.

Whether we are solving complex issues within the construction, aviation or shipping industries, or providing advice across insurance, commodities and energy we are specialist lawyers here to add value to our clients.  We think about the commercial solution first, and then underpin our advice with a solid foundation of legal expertise. 

The Role

●          To provide analysis and insight into the key issues facing the business which impact performance and profitability, and support the industry groups to gain a better understanding of the key drivers of their groups' profitability.

●          To work with the Finance Department on projects that increase efficiency and provide transparency into the firm's operational performance.

●          To support the CFO and Finance team on appraisal of strategic projects.

Key Responsibilities

●          Work with the CFO to monitor profitability of industry groups, and support them to achieve budget and maximise profitability.

●          Work with the Finance team and more widely with the business as necessary on key strategic projects, to include financial modelling and project/investment appraisal.

●          Lead the firm's pilot on pricing, develop the roadmap to educate the firm on better pricing practices, support key pricing decisions.

●          Input into the development of Cognos reporting project, working with the Group Financial Controller.

●          Develop business models/products with the business for future fee income and profitability.

●          Prepare ad hoc financial reports and analyses in relation to partner/group performance as well as preparing business cases and financial forecasts for lateral hires.

●          Assist with any ad hoc projects aimed at improving the firm's financial performance.

●          Any other ad hoc duties as may be required.

Key Skills & Experience Required

●          Qualified accountant or MBA.

●          Previous relevant experience within a professional services firm essential.

●          Business partnering experience.

●          Project-based experience beneficial.

●          Good communication skills.

●          Professional demeanour.

●          High levels of discretion, confidentiality and diplomacy.

●          Flexible with regard to working hours (normal working hours are seven working hours between 9.30am and 5.30pm).

Additional Information

Kindly note that this job description is not contractual.  It will be reviewed periodically and may be amended or altered to meet the needs of the firm.

HFW aims to ensure equality of opportunity and we are actively working towards improving the diversity of our staff.  All applications will be considered only on merit and the applicant's suitability to meet the requirements of the role.

Please note that, due to the volume of applications, only those candidates shortlisted for interview will be contacted.

HFW collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants to manage its recruitment process.  The firm is committed to being transparent about how it collects and uses that data and to meeting its data protection obligations.  For information on how the firm will process your data, please see our Privacy Notice on our website (www.hfw.com/Privacy-Notice), in the section "What we collect and how we use it".