Compliance & Office Manager

To lead and manage the firm’s compliance framework, office operations and health & safety requirements, ensuring the business operates efficiently, remains compliant with regulatory obligations, and maintains a safe and well-organised working environment.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance and Risk Management 

• Act as the firm’s central point of contact for regulatory compliance (SRA, AML, GDPR where relevant).
• Develop, implement and maintain policies, procedures and controls.
• Monitor ongoing compliance and identify risks, gaps or areas for improvement.
• Lead internal audits and support external audits (e.g. Lexcel / ISO if applicable).
• Maintain compliance registers (complaints, breaches, conflicts, etc.).
• Ensure staff training is up to date (including AML, GDPR, code of conduct).
• Provide practical, solutions-focused advice to partners and staff on compliance matters.
• Report regularly to the Managing Partner on compliance performance and risks.

Office and Operations Management

• Oversee the day-to-day running of the office across departments.
• Manage office resources, suppliers, and service contracts (e.g. cleaning, facilities, IT coordination).
• Ensure systems and processes are efficient and support business operations.
• Work closely with HR and IT to support onboarding, office setup, and staff needs.
• Maintain business continuity processes and operational resilience planning.
• Support implementation of new systems and process improvements.

Health and Safety (H&S)

• Act as the firm’s Health and Safety lead.
• Ensure compliance with all H&S legislation and best practice.
• Maintain and regularly review H&S policies and risk assessments.
• Conduct office risk assessments (including DSE, fire safety, etc.).
• Oversee incident/accident reporting and investigation processes.
• Coordinate fire drills, first aid provision, and emergency procedures.

Ensure appropriate training is completed (e.g. fire marshals, first aiders).

Data Protection and Information Governance

• Support GDPR compliance alongside existing processes.
• Oversee data protection practices, breaches, and reporting where required.
• Work with HR on DSAR responses and data governance standards.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships across the firm and act as a trusted advisor.
• Liaise with external bodies, auditors, and regulators.
• Promote a culture of compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Person Specification

Experience

• Proven experience in a Compliance role, ideally within a legal environment.
• Experience managing office operations or facilities (or willingness to take on this element).
• Experience of H&S responsibilities within a professional services setting is desirable.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong knowledge of legal/regulatory compliance (SRA, AML, GDPR).
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commercially aware with a practical, solutions-led approach.
• Confident communicator, able to influence at all levels.
• Proactive and capable of working independently in a standalone role.

Technical

• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office.
• Experience with legal systems (e.g. Tikit) desirable.

Key Relationships

• Managing Partner / Partners
• HR Manager
• IT and Finance teams
• External auditors, suppliers, and regulators