Reed Smith LLP

Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions.. Working with firm management, in particular the Global Managing Partner (GMP), U.S. Regional Managing Partner (RMP), the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and other key stakeholders, the DS&E will identify, develop and implement initiatives at the core of the strategic development of the firm.. Works with Chiefs, in particular the COO, Chief Innovation Officer (CINO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) to identify and deliver meaningful and impactful progress against objectives.. Works with COO and Chief of Legal Operations to develop strategy for volume delivery teams such as staff attorneys.. Previous experience in an international law firm, professional services firm or in an environment known for leading edge thinking in strategy and operations preferred.

director of strategy

US Job Description 

      
      Firm Information    

   Reed Smith is a global relationship law firm with more than 1,700 lawyers in 30 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.  

   Founded in 1877, the firm represents leading international businesses, from Fortune 100 corporations to mid-market and emerging enterprises. Its lawyers provide litigation and other dispute resolution services in multi-jurisdictional and other high-stakes matters; deliver regulatory counsel; and execute the full range of strategic domestic and cross-border transactions. Reed Smith is a preeminent advisor to industries including financial services, life sciences, health care, advertising, entertainment and media, shipping and transport, energy and natural resources, real estate, manufacturing, technology, and education. For more information, visit reedsmith.com.  

    Position Summary   

         The U.S. Director of Strategy and Execution (DS&E) will play a key leadership role in helping to shape the development of the firm’s strategy and will lead the execution to achieve the agreed strategic objectives. Working with firm management, in particular the Global Managing Partner (GMP), U.S. Regional Managing Partner (RMP), the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and other key stakeholders, the DS&E will identify, develop and implement initiatives at the core of the strategic development of the firm.        
  
  The DS&E will be expected to work in conjunction with the Innovation and Strategy sub-committee of the Executive Committee (I&S Committee) to share ideas, report progress and to understand the views of this committee. In preparing for such meetings, the DS&E will be expected to liaise with the Chair of the I&S Committee. 
 
    Essential Functions   

       Assist in Defining Strategy and lead the Strategic Planning Process      

     Works with firm management to identify and develop initiatives and projects that both align with and help to deliver the firm’s strategies (generally established in three-year terms).   
    Leads all aspects of strategic planning, including goal setting, resource allocation and implementation.    
    Develops metrics against which progress towards achieving the identified strategic objectives are measured.   
    Monitors and reports on the progress of strategies, plans and initiatives.   
    Works with Department Chairs and Practice/Industry Group Leaders to analyze market status and design departmental strategy.   
    Works with Chiefs, in particular the COO, Chief Innovation Officer (CINO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) to identify and deliver meaningful and impactful progress against objectives.   
    Works with the RMPs and COO in the delivery of the strategic planning process to identify and assess potential strategic geographic, business line and adjacency opportunities.   
    Works with COO and Chief of Legal Operations to develop strategy for volume delivery teams such as staff attorneys.   
    Researches and analyzes the competitive landscape to identify future trends and challenges in the business environment which may create opportunities in line with the firm’s strategy.   
    Acts as a spokesperson for the firm in relation to trends in the legal services industry.   
 
     Lead Change Management    

     Plans and leads the short- and long-term change management approaches to achieve strategic objectives, including:   
    Evolution of culture and incentives: Work with senior leadership and HR to ensure incentives, policies, culture, and actions of leaders align with agreed objectives.   
    Communications strategies: Engaging those impacted by change to win support for strategies and acceptance of the changes that either impact them directly or impact those who report to them.   
    Performance management: Alongside HR, define and measure how those impacted by change have modified their behavior and if these modifications are supportive of the agreed strategies.   
    Feedback and advocacy: Maintain a feedback loop by learning from those impacted by change and providing feedback to firm management on how they can evolve current strategies or the development of future strategies.   
    Provides expertise and input to the Program Management Office to help establish, align and deploy effective change management strategies to assist in the successful delivery of initiatives.   
 
     Lead Legal Design    

     Working with the CINO, the Global DS&E is expected to create and lead a new Legal Design team, which is an internal business and process consulting unit.    
    The Legal Design team will prepare and undertake design workshops with practice and business leadership to re-imagine how work is done in their areas.    
    The Legal Design will produce playbooks that define a future state and the transitions to achieve it, which are to be endorsed by firm management.   
 
     Incubate New Areas in Special Circumstances and RMP Special Projects    

     When appropriate, incubates certain key initiatives to introduce, accelerate, and gain acceptance of them before they are moved under their long-term operational home.    
    When required, supports RMPs for special circumstance projects such as macroecomic and political state forecasting, analysis and recommendations.    
 
       Leadership in General      

     Establishes and maintains credibility among firm leadership and partners regarding strategic initiatives.   
    Brings a mix of creative, critical and objective thinking to challenge accepted norms and approaches.   
    Provides effective leadership to ensure the delivery of complex and high-profile programs in a timely manner.   
    Provides effective and influential communication and leadership, overcoming objections to deliver initiatives in a timely manner.   
    Represents the firm with vendors, peers and others in the professional community as required.    
    Volunteers or is selected to serve on special committees, work groups, project teams, or escalation teams related to various firmwide initiatives. Initiatives may be specific one-time events or ongoing activities. In particular, the Global DS&E will be expected to present to and attend I & S Committee meetings to discuss strategic planning and initiatives.   
    Keeps abreast of developments in the business and legal industry through regular reading, contact with vendors and peers, attendance at seminars, expositions, classes, and professional meetings.   
 
       Other      

     Responsible for annual preparation of budgets relevant to the objectives and projects in his/her remit, as well as subsequent forecasts, allocations and fiscal actions.    
   Performs miscellaneous job duties and tasks as required.  
 
     Job functions included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job functions at any time.    

    Requirements   

    Education: Bachelor's degree in a professional discipline such as business administration, finance and/or related discipline.  

    Experience:  At least 10 years of management experience preferred. Previous experience in an international law firm, professional services firm or in an environment known for leading edge thinking in strategy and operations preferred.   

    Skills:   

     Strong leadership, teaming, management, problem-solving and organizational skills.    
    Must be able to represent the firm effectively internally and externally.   
    Proven track record of developing and executing successful strategies.   
    Knowledge of market research and data analysis techniques.   
    Able to create clarity from a wide range of data sources   
    The ability to resolve issues quickly and effectively and determine appropriate courses of action for the organization.    
    Demonstrable success creating, articulating, developing and implementing strategies geared to legal support operations.    
    Fostering a client service-oriented approach to provide top tier support to internal and external clients.   
    Commitment to continuous development of best practices and innovation in all areas.   
    Experience operating successfully in an international environment.   
   Multi-lingual capabilities are valued, but not essential.  
 
     Management Skills:    

     A motivated leader who can engage his/her team in the pursuit of the highest level of work and productivity.   
    Experience effectively managing a geographically dispersed team and ensuring both individual and team objectives are met.   
    A track record of developing, mentoring and recruiting team members.   
    Ability to lead as well as serve as a team member of cross-departmental initiatives.   
    Project management expertise.   
    Excellent communication, critical thinking, problem solving and decision-making skills.   
    Creative and willing to challenge the status quo.   
   Demonstrated ability to drive innovation and change while enhancing employee productivity and work ethic.  
 
    Other   

    Pay Range: This represents the presently-anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith’s pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience.  
    For California: $236,000 - $303,000  
   For NYC: $224,000 - $289,000  
 
    Supervisory Responsibilities: The Director of Stategy and Execution will manage resources, both directly and through the delivery of complex global initiatives and projects.  

    Essential Job Duties:    

     Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.    
    Ability to make judgment decisions and adapt to changing situations.   
    Ability to effectively communicate with various personalities at all levels.   
    Exceptional organizational and time management skills.   
    Keen problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities and solutions-oriented thinking.   
    Must be able to travel for meetings and training as required.   
   Must be able to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.  
 
    Equipment To Be Used:  Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, fax, machine, copier, scanner, etc.  

    Typical Physical Demands: Manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment.  

    Typical Mental Demands: Able to work effectively in a fast paced environment. Make judgment decisions and adapt to changing work situations. Grasp and apply new ideas. Communicate with various personalities at all levels.  

    Working Conditions:    You will be required to work in the office at minimum 3 days per week. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. 

    Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401 (k) plan.   

    Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reed Smith's success depends heavily on the effective utilization of qualified people, regardless of their race, ancestry, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, veteran's status, or any characteristic protected by law. As a firm, we adhere to and promote equal employment opportunity for all.  

    Reed Smith provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including in the application and interview process.   

    Qualified candidates only. No search firms.

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