Practice Manager

Practice Manager – Multi-Site Legal Practice | East Sussex (Primarily Hastings-based)
Permanent | Competitive Salary + Benefits

My client, a respected and long-established legal practice with a strong presence across East Sussex, is seeking an experienced and highly capable  Practice Manager   to join their leadership team. This vacancy arises due to the planned retirement of the current postholder, offering a rare and exciting opportunity to step into a broad operational leadership role within a collaborative and professional environment.

This is a varied and fast-paced position, requiring someone who thrives on multi-tasking and can adapt quickly to changing priorities. The successful candidate will work closely with the Managing Partner and support functions including HR, IT, Compliance, Accounts, Marketing, and Facilities Management.

Key Responsibilities:

Human Resources

• Oversee end-to-end recruitment, onboarding (including DBS, Right to Work, SRA checks), induction and exit processes
• Manage performance reviews and appraisals for support staff
• Oversee holiday/sickness reporting and provide cover planning for absences
• Line manage all support and reception staff

Operations & Facilities

• Manage office refurbishments and repairs
• Maintain effective supplier and stakeholder relationships
• Oversee desk allocation and hot desk arrangements
• Manage stationery and office resources

Procurement & Financial Oversight

• Ensure value for money across services and supplies
• Support selection and implementation of new systems/software
• Prepare payroll data and manage company pension scheme
• Report on expenditure to senior finance stakeholders

Health & Safety & Insurance

• Coordinate office insurance and private health cover renewals
• Ensure compliance with health and safety policies, including fire safety and workstation assessments
• Maintain coverage of trained first aiders and fire marshals

Strategic Planning

• Attend bi-weekly operations meetings with senior management
• Work alongside the Managing Partner on firm-wide planning and software rollouts

Training & Wellbeing

• Oversee induction, ongoing training programmes, and professional development
• Manage relationships with external training providers
• Champion internal wellbeing initiatives and accreditation programmes

Events

• Support the coordination of internal events such as the annual conference and staff functions

Key Skills & Attributes:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High level of discretion and professionalism in handling confidential matters
• Proven experience in operational or practice management roles (legal sector experience preferred but not essential)
• Flexible, solutions-oriented, and able to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously

This is an outstanding opportunity for a proactive and people-focused leader to join a forward-thinking firm at a pivotal moment of transition.

If you’re looking for a role where your operational, strategic, and people management skills can make a tangible impact, I’d love to hear from you.

Apply now for immediate consideration or to discuss the role in confidence, please get in touch on 01892 540 054.