Assistant Secretarial Services Manager

About the role

Owen Reed is seeking an experienced, resilient and people‑focused Assistant Secretarial Services Manager for a top law firm in London. The role combines day‑to‑day management of secretarial staff with strategic support for partners, fee earners and the Practice Group Leader.

Key responsibilities

• Manage office‑based and home‑working secretarial staff, ensuring coverage for holidays, sickness and changing business priorities.
• Oversee workflow, allocate resources, and coordinate new‑joiner processes including induction, seating and buddy allocation.
• Conduct performance reviews, probation assessments and contribute to salary‑moderation discussions.
• Lead change initiatives, introduce new processes, technologies and AI‑driven solutions to improve efficiency.
• Support HR functions such as return‑to‑work interviews, disciplinary meetings and ongoing absence monitoring.
• Assist the Practice Group Leader and Manager with operational activities, business‑development travel and trainee rotations.

Required profile

• Minimum three years of supervisory and management experience in a professional services environment, preferably a law firm.
• Proven ability to lead teams, mentor staff and drive continuous improvement.
• Relevant professional development through diplomas, NVQs or workplace courses.
• Strong PA, workflow‑management and organisational experience.

Required skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience with Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft Teams.
• Familiarity with Workday for leave and absence management.