Project Manager

Project Manager at J A Kemp

J A Kemp is a firm packed with patent and trade mark attorneys at the top of their game, renowned for their technical excellence, human engagement and trusted advice. Our multi-disciplinary IP practice is built on technical and scientific excellence – we are proud to advise clients at the cutting edge of technology and at the forefront of new and successful brands.

J A Kemp LLP is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status.

About The Team

We are inviting applications for a Project Manager to join the Central (Management) team, reporting into the Head of Strategic Delivery for the firm (who reports to the Chair of the Management Committee) to form a tight-knit team of two.

Purpose of the Role

With an accelerated pace of change across all areas of J A Kemp, we are looking for a driven, output-oriented Project Manager to lead key strategic projects whilst working in collaboration with all areas of the business to bring tangible business value.

Key Responsibilities

• Work positively, confidently, and effectively with a large variety of cross-functional (Business Support) stakeholders and Partners/Fee-Earners to lead and manage the full project life cycle (inception to implementation).
• Bring momentum to project teams by flexibly using a broad toolkit of skills, tools and communication styles/strategies.
• Carry out key project management responsibilities to a high standard e.g. create and maintain relevant (proportionate) project documentation, lead meetings/workshops effectively and authoritatively to provide clear direction to project teams.
• Confidently and effectively manage multiple projects/initiatives concurrently.
• Introduce change effectively by drawing on past career experience and the practical (and selective) application of a broad toolkit of change management skills.
• Complete high-quality stakeholder reporting (to Equity Partner level) with an appropriate level of detail, based on readership and interest.
• Support the Head of Strategic Delivery as needed and proactively contribute ideas for the continuous improvement of the Strategic Delivery team and project management maturity at the firm (e.g. project reporting, governance, methodology etc.).
• Flexibility to travel to our two UK regional offices, as desired/needed.

Technical Skills

Key Skills & Attributes

• Proven project management skills gained over c. 5 years, ideally within a small to mid-sized professional services environment.
• Proven experience of running a diverse range of Business Support projects (to include Finance projects).
• Experience of running Partner or Fee Earner-led projects/initiatives and exposure to a range of Partner-level stakeholders.
• A broad and well-rounded project management skillset to include business analyst, change management and process improvement skills; as well as the confidence and capability to use these skills flexibly, depending on the needs of the project/initiative.
• Devising and maintaining project documentation as necessary to retain control and drive outcomes.
• Producing high quality reporting tailored to perspective/level of readership (to Equity Partner level).
• Ability to create effective project teams and confidently provide them with a clear direction of travel, whilst being cognisant of the demands of their ‘day jobs’.
• Excellent MS Office skills (to include (minimum) Intermediate Excel and M365).

General Business Skills

• Outcome-focussed with a capability to prioritise workload demands to meet the needs of the business, quickly pivoting priorities as required and retaining poise under pressure.
• Previous exposure to a range of Partner-level stakeholders with successful outcomes.
• Ability to work comfortably with uncertainty/ambiguity to bring clarity and forward momentum.
• Strong delivery capability with a ‘Completer Finisher’ mentality, happy to roll their sleeves up to drive outcomes.
• Excellent assimilation, critical thinking and questioning skills to get to ‘the heart of the matter’ quickly and efficiently, sensitively challenging stakeholders as needed.
• Naturally motivated to deliver to high standards, with a sense of pride, pace and proportionality in their deliverables.
• Capability and confidence to be self-starting and work autonomously, whilst welcoming direction, professional advice and feedback.
• Driven, determined, able to retain tenacity and resilience in the face of challenge and obstacles.
• Capability to adapt and flex as required by the project or business environment.

Stakeholder Management And Communication

• Ability to demonstrate highly developed stakeholder management/people skills and relationship building at all levels of the firm and especially with the firm’s Partners.
• Established communications techniques with the ability to adapt and confidently persuade and influence across all levels of the organisation to achieve good levels of project engagement.
• Keenness and capability to build and maintain trust, respect, credibility, and positive personal branding at all levels of the firm, especially with the firm’s Partners.
• Solid presentation and facilitation skills to small/medium audiences.
• Ability to quickly understand the political landscape of the organisation and respond/operate accordingly.
• Previous experience of working in a small project management team or as a sole resource within an organisation.

Qualifications

• Educated to minimum degree level with excellent written and oral skills (i.e. capability to clearly articulate intention to and distil complexity for a wide variety of audiences).
• Professional project management qualification (with capability to adapt effective use to a given project/initiative).

Desirable Skills

• Experience of market-leading project/programme management tools such as Jira, Monday.com or Asana.
• Commercial awareness and knowledge of law sector economics.
• Keen interest in the law sector and staying informed about industry trends/directions of travel.

Team Working

All staff should work towards developing positive working relationships with their colleagues and be prepared to help whenever necessary. Be willing to adapt to change and be pro-active in offering suggestions/solutions to problems and/or queries. All staff are required to maintain a professional image at all times.

Benefits

The salary for the Project Manager role will be determined with reference to the particular skills and competencies of the successful candidate.

In Addition, The Firm Will Offer The Following Benefits

• 25 days annual holiday (with an additional day in December or January at Partners’ discretion).
• Flex scheme allowing for an additional 8 days’ leave per year (1 day per month). You will need to accrue 7 hours flex time in advance for each flex day.
• Flexible working around core/shift hours including up to 40% remote working (subject to business needs).
• Group Income Protection (after three months’ probation).
• Life assurance scheme (4 x annual salary).
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Pension scheme (with contributions up to 6% of salary matched by the firm).
• Travel and personal accident insurance for business and pleasure.
• Performance related bonus scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Annual season ticket loan (after three months).
• Staff Introduction Bonus.
• Long Term Service Award scheme.
• Enhanced maternity/paternity package (after 1 year).
• Annual social team budget and firmwide events including; Christmas party, summer party and quiz night.
• Employee Assistance Programme covering wellbeing benefits.
• Open plan London office which includes; a large café area and rooftop garden, high spec coffee machines, toast served at breakfast time and bike storage with showers and a towel service.

Key skills/competency

• Project Management
• Stakeholder Management
• Change Management
• Process Improvement
• Business Analysis
• MS Office
• Strategic Delivery
• Communication
• Leadership
• Professional Services