Head of Business Systems

ROLE OVERVIEW//

We are seeking an accomplished Head of Business Systems to join the Technology Team at our leading global law firm. This pivotal role is accountable for building, designing, and deploying technology solutions across the firm, with a specific focus on optimising and transforming core business systems.

Reporting to the Chief Information Officer (CIO), this role is a key member of the Technology Leadership Team. The Head of Business Systems will oversee the design, build and deployment of several major applications and grow data and AI capabilities and numerous other cloud and on-premise applications.

The role holder will also lead the integration strategy for these systems. There is a significant opportunity to migrate many existing applications which will require careful planning, leadership, and execution. The transition programme is positioned as an ongoing initiative and the Head of Business Systems will play a pivotal role in driving this evolution.

With responsibility for leading a team, the role holder will collaborate with other Heads of technology to ensure the strategic road map is effectively translated into detailed executable plans.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES //

The key responsibilities of this role are set out below and there may be others which are not listed. You may be required on occasion to work outside our normal working hours of 9:30am to 5:30pm.

• Accountable for the high and low-level design of business systems, ensuring alignment with strategic architecture led by the Head of Strategy and Architecture.
• Oversight of the full delivery lifecycle from design through to testing and deployment.
• Collaborate closely with the team who will be responsible for the ongoing running and delivery of the systems.
• Lead the ongoing migration of core systems from on premise to cloud ensuring the transformation is aligned with the firm’s strategic objectives.
• Lead and inspire a diverse team of technology professionals including technology product owners, developers, quality assurance and delivery experts.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, growth, excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain relationships with key technology vendors and systems integrators.
• Collaborate with the procurement team to manage contract performance, support with key projects to exploit investments made and ensure value for money.
• Evaluate the best mix of internal and external resources to support project delivery, ensuring optimal service levels and commercial terms.
• Accountable for the integration technologies underpinning the firm’s systems.
• Leverage new technology solutions as required.
• Provide 2nd and 3rd line support and act as an escalation point for related critical issues.
• Collaboration with the other technology heads of to ensure systems are reliable, resilient, and fully supported.
• Drive user adoption and experience through structured change management, training programmes, and engagement plans to maximise the value of the technology solutions and ensure they are fit for purpose.
• Work closely with other heads within technology to deliver cross functional initiatives and align on strategic priorities.
• Evaluate emerging technologies (including AI and automation tools) to improve operational efficiency, reduce manual effort and enhance system capabilities.
• Ensure systems meet resilience, security, and compliance standards, mitigating risk and aligning with regulatory requirements.

CANDIDATE PROFILE//

Qualifications and Experience:

• Education: We are open-minded about academic qualifications for this role and welcome applications from candidates with a broad range of educational backgrounds.
• Professional Experience: 10+ years in technology and digital transformation, ideally within
• professional services or a legal environment. Proven success implementing impactful technology solutions and managing complex, matrixed projects in global organisations.
• Technical Knowledge: deep knowledge of Microsoft Technologies including familiarity with Microsoft Office 365, Dynamics CRM, Azure Integration Services, Power Platform, Power BI and Master Data management is required. Experience with both cloud and on premises systems is essential.
• Experience with other legal applications (e.g. Elite, 3E, Intapp, Carpe Diem) would be advantageous.

Skills and Competencies:

• Leadership and Strategy: Exceptional leadership and strategic thinking to align technology with business goals, inspire teams, and deliver transformative results. Comfortable balancing long-term vision with short term operational requirements.
• Collaboration and Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to engage stakeholders across all levels and simplify complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Innovation and Problem-Solving: A process to systems mindset with the ability to help find the right mix of process change and technology change to achieve optimal performance.
• Forward-thinking approach: Identifying and implementing creative solutions to drive business improvement. Ability to translate strategic architecture plans into detailed designs and oversee the hands-on delivery of those plans.
• Vendor Management: Proven experience of effectively managing third party vendors including system integrators. Ability to determine and manage the correct blend of outsourced and in house capabilities.
• Project and Change Management: Experienced in leading multiple priorities, fostering organisational change, and ensuring smooth adoption of new technologies.

Personal Attributes:

• Client-focused, collaborative, and adaptable, with a passion for innovation and delivering measurable results.
• High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to excellence, with strong attention to detail and resilience in dynamic environments.

Desirable Attributes:

• Background in the legal or professional services sector and knowledge of ethical and regulatory considerations related to technology and AI.
• An agile pragmatist would be desirable.
• Established network and insights into technology trends and best practices.