Practice Director – Visual Information (VI) role in Lagos
We are looking for a seasoned Practice Director to oversee the daily functions of a top-tier law firm and act as the Founding Partner’s primary operational deputy.
Oversee a range of critical duties, including the management of daily operations to ensure seamless workflow, the development and implementation of strategic initiatives to drive organizational growth, and the coordination of team efforts to meet project deadlines. Additionally, collaborate with cross-functional departments to align objectives, monitor performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, and maintain compliance with company policies and industry regulations. This role requires strong leadership, exceptional problem-solving skills, and the ability to adapt to evolving business needs while fostering a productive and inclusive work environment.
Responsibilities include managing the firm’s overall operations, administrative functions, information technology infrastructure, facilities management, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Oversee budget preparation, invoicing, receivables collection, financial statement preparation, and profit margin analysis.
We oversee recruitment initiatives, enhance employee performance, foster engagement, and cultivate staff development.
Enhance client satisfaction and address complex client issues at an advanced level to ensure superior service delivery.
Facilitate business development efforts, enhance firm branding strategies, organize and execute events, and drive strategic growth initiatives to strengthen market presence and expand opportunities.
Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with regulatory bodies, governmental entities, institutional clients, and essential stakeholders to ensure effective communication and alignment of interests.
* Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar role, with at least 2 years in a leadership position.
* Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field; MBA preferred.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and ERP systems.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to collaborate across departments.
* Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high attention to detail.
* Proven track record of implementing process improvements and driving operational efficiency.
* Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
* Leadership in cross-functional project delivery and stakeholder management.
* Familiarity with industry regulations and compliance standards.
With at least a decade of hands-on experience in overseeing law firm operations, delivering professional services, or holding senior leadership roles in operational management, the ideal candidate will bring extensive expertise to this position.
Demonstrates a successful track record of independently overseeing financial operations and profit-and-loss management.
Accomplished leadership in directing teams comprising 15 or more individuals.
A Bachelor’s degree in Law, Business Administration, or Finance, or in a closely related discipline, is required for this position.
Proficiency in legal practice management software, billing solutions, and document management systems is essential for this role.
Preferred
Holders of a Master of Laws (LL.M.) degree, an advanced academic qualification in law, are expected to demonstrate comprehensive expertise in specialized legal domains. Candidates should possess a thorough understanding of complex legal principles, frameworks, and precedents, enabling them to analyze intricate legal issues with precision. This advanced degree signifies a commitment to deep legal scholarship, critical analysis, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to legal discourse, policy development, or professional practice.
Experience gained within a prestigious Nigerian or global law firm is required.
Possesses a comprehensive grasp of governance frameworks, regulatory compliance standards, and board-level operational dynamics.
Demonstrates proficiency in critical competencies essential for driving organizational success, including strategic thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Exhibits strong leadership abilities to inspire and guide teams toward achieving business objectives. Shows adaptability in dynamic environments, thriving under pressure while maintaining a focus on results. Maintains a customer-centric mindset, prioritizing satisfaction and building long-term relationships. Possesses robust analytical skills to interpret data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Ensures compliance with industry regulations and upholds ethical standards in all professional interactions. Fosters a collaborative culture that encourages innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement. Manages time efficiently to meet deadlines and deliver high-quality outcomes consistently.
Experienced leaders are sought to guide and mentor teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment. This role demands proficiency in overseeing staff performance, resolving conflicts, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Candidates must demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and a proven ability to drive employee engagement and development. Responsibilities include setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and implementing initiatives to enhance team productivity and morale. Exceptional communication and decision-making abilities are essential to inspire and motivate teams toward achieving shared objectives.
Demonstrates a strong grasp of financial principles, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, ensuring informed decision-making and strategic planning. Requires expertise in interpreting financial statements, managing expenditures, and optimizing resource allocation to drive organizational efficiency. Additionally, the role involves assessing financial risks, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and aligning financial strategies with overarching business objectives.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to drive Operational Excellence, ensuring our processes are streamlined, efficient, and consistently deliver high-quality results. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills to identify inefficiencies and implement data-driven solutions, along with the ability to lead cross-functional teams toward continuous improvement. Responsibilities include optimizing workflows, reducing waste, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. A bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, or a related field is required, along with at least five years of experience in operations management or a similar role. Proficiency in Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies, as well as advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, is essential. Exceptional communication and leadership abilities are necessary to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Demonstrates adeptness in engaging and aligning with key stakeholders to ensure their needs and expectations are met, fostering productive partnerships and communication channels across all levels of the organization.
We seek a dedicated professional committed to delivering outstanding client service, ensuring each client interaction is handled with the utmost care and efficiency. The ideal candidate must possess exceptional communication skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a deep understanding of client needs. Responsibilities include addressing client inquiries promptly, resolving issues with tact and professionalism, and maintaining accurate records of all interactions. A strong focus on building long-term client relationships and exceeding expectations is essential. Proficiency in client management software and a proven track record in a client-facing role are required.
Maintains the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality at all times.
A highly effective operations leader is sought for this position, capable of autonomously enhancing firm performance while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and service excellence.
Interested candidates meeting the required qualifications are encouraged to submit their CV to talent@smartpartnersng.com, with the position clearly indicated in the email subject line.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 - 12 years
