Executive Director of Finance and Operations

The Law Society has a unique role in Scotland. We are a regulator that sets and enforces standards for a profession which helps people in need. We support and care for our 12,000 hard-working members. We provide a voice that represents our members and wider society when it speaks out on human rights and the rule of law. We are an influencer on changes to legislation and the operation of our justice system. We also work with our schools and universities on legal education.

Like every part of society, the global spread of COVID 19 has impacted the legal sector and the solicitor profession deeply. For the Law Society, we worked to act quickly in response, with an unprecedented package of financial support for our members, coupled with a major recast of our work. Given the level of uncertainty, coupled with limits on our own finances from our proactive decision to reduce membership fees, we have created a shorter than normal two-year strategy that takes us to the end of 2022 and creates space for us to consider our longer-term ambitions and plans. To support the delivery of that plan, as well as crucially contributing to the innovation and strategic design of the Strategy beyond 2022, The Law Society is looking to fill a forthcoming vacancy for an Executive Director of Finance and Operations.

This role reports to the Chief Executive, will be a key member of the Executive Team which collectively has responsibility for the ongoing evolution and development of the organisation, as well as having personal accountability and responsibility for the Finance & Operations directorate.

The Finance and Operations directorate includes the Finance, Technology (IT and Digital), HR, Facilities, Central Operations and Registrar’s teams.

This senior role will focus on delivering the parts of our strategy which describes our ambitions to be inclusive with strong values, secure and digitally enabled, whilst delivering efficiency and value for money through our disciplined financial plan. The role will lead on organisation-wide annual and long-term business and financial planning in support of the organisation’s strategic ambitions.

In addition to future proofing the delivery of the strategic Finance, Operations and HR services, this individual will be instrumental in leading the ongoing delivery of digital change that drives internal efficiency and market and regulatory insight, to support the entire organisation.

Responsibilities will include:

• Planning and execution of the long-term financial strategies for the Society and leadership of the finance function ensuring robust financial control, treasury management and compliance with regulatory and auditing standards.
• Planning and oversight of all directorate budgets (including income and costs)
• Leading on the organisation’s identification and management of risk and compliance
• Setting, monitoring and reporting on Key Performance Indicators across all areas of the organisation
• Working with colleagues to evolve the governance structure and ensure that it fits with the organisations mission, purpose and values
• Providing dynamic leadership to eight team heads within the directorate.
• Engaging with the Society’s strategic suppliers and representing the Society in other relevant networks and forums

This role represents a unique opportunity to contribute to the ongoing transformation of a successful, ambitious and world renowned professional body at a time of exciting opportunity and change.

A strong leader with significant people skills, a commercial focus and experience of working closely with a complex governance structure will be required. A background in finance is critical alongside a strong track-record of leading strategic change and technological advancement and improvements.

This will therefore suit a motivated and driven commercial finance professional with broader business and technology acumen who is looking to make a real lasting impact on an organisation and sector as part of their career achievements and development.

For further details please download the full candidate brochure.

To apply please send your CV and current remuneration details to Ailsa Sutherland at FWB Park Brown at fwb@fwbparkbrown.com, or call us to confidentially discuss further on 0131 539 7087.