Head of Regional Operations (International)

As the Head of Regional Operations (International), you will be a key leader in driving the strategic direction and operational performance of the region, working directly with the Head of Regional Strategy and Operations and the Regional Managing Director(s). You will be accountable for ensuring the region performs in line with key budget metrics while executing a well-aligned strategy and business plan. 

This truly influential role will have a direct impact on shaping goals, priorities, and day-to-day operations.

About us

CMS is a Future Facing firm with more than 80 offices in over 45 countries and 5,800+ lawyers worldwide. We combine deep local market understanding with a global perspective. We are passionate about building strong relationships with our clients, our people, and the communities we work in.

We take a bold, dynamic, and agile approach to ensure our clients are able to face the future with confidence. We are driven by emerging technologies such as generative AI and readily embrace the possibilities it opens up for developing new and better ways of working.  Our aim is to inspire, impact and support our clients and our people, helping them to maximize their potential and thrive.

About the role

As the Head of Regional Operations, you will become a trusted business advisor, developing a deep understanding of the dynamics of the region(s) within your portfolio, the markets in which they operate, and how the firm’s strategy applies. You will build strong relationships with colleagues in business and practice support to help drive operations management across the region and act as the regional lead for business/practice management.

For each region within their portfolio, you will be accountable and responsible for the key areas set out under the headings below:

Strategic

• Shape and drive the regional strategy, business plans, and budget, ensuring alignment with the firm’s goals.

• Develop strategic communications and engage regional leaders to ensure clarity on priorities.

• Advise on key decisions impacting financial performance, people, business development, and resources.

• Lead strategic projects that support the region’s business plan.

Operational

• Develop a high-performing operational team to drive strategy and efficiency.

• Implement operational initiatives with Partners and Fee-Earners while fostering regional collaboration.

• Act as a key liaison between the region and Business Services, ensuring alignment and continuous improvement.

• Oversee business support functions and champion innovation and operational improvements.

Business Development

• Build a deep understanding of the region’s sectors, clients, and strategic goals.

• Provide commercial insights on market trends and business opportunities.

• Support leadership in executing strategic and operational business development initiatives.

• Work with key stakeholders to ensure optimal return on business opportunities.

People, Culture & Values

• Promote and role-model the firm’s culture, values, and collaborative ways of working.

• Support the people strategy, including talent management, diversity, and inclusion.

• Oversee key people processes (e.g., pay, promotions, training) and partner performance management.

• Manage lateral integration and partner exits in collaboration with HR and Business Services.

Financial

• Develop commercial insights into the region’s markets, sectors, and business models.

• Work with leadership and Finance to set budgets, performance goals, and profitability initiatives.

• Identify and implement strategies to enhance financial performance and operational efficiency.

• Drive financial discussions and initiatives to support regional growth.  

About you

We will invest in your ongoing training and development to support your professional goals and help you to thrive in your role from day one. Our opportunities are open to all suitably qualified applicants, so to be considered for this role, you must meet the following skills and experience:

• MBA-level education or relevant leadership experience in a legal or professional services environment.

• Commercially astute with strong business acumen, financial literacy, and experience in budget management.

• Proven track record in delivering operational solutions within international, complex, and matrix-management environments (preferably partnerships).

• Experience managing large-scale change projects and programmes.

• High levels of discretion, business ethics, and integrity.

• Dynamic, proactive self-starter with excellent interpersonal, communication, and client service skills.

• Ability to influence a diverse group of global stakeholders while managing day-to-day pressures.

• Comfortable in ambiguous situations, demonstrating flexibility and collaboration.

• Role model for driving collaboration across business support teams.  

What’s in it for you?

We want to reward you today and help you plan for tomorrow. We appreciate that everyone is different, therefore we have designed a benefits system that offers choice and flexibility based on individual needs and lifestyles. To name a few, these include:

•    Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
•    Flexible, hybrid working policy
•    Generous bonus scheme
•    Up to 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days with service)
•    Holiday exchange scheme
•    Private medical insurance
•    Enhanced parental leave
•    Reasonable adjustments and accommodation for disabled talent in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

If you would like to read more information regarding our range of benefits, please visit our Rewards & Benefits page on our website.

Equal opportunities

At CMS, we place diversity and inclusion at the centre of our culture and the heart of our organisation. As a firm we recognise, celebrate, and embrace the diverse talent our society has to offer because we know that to solve big problems, we need the best and brightest minds available to us.  In support of this goal, we commit to actively breaking down barriers which stand in the way of those from diverse backgrounds and play our part in levelling the playing field. 
 
As a Future Facing Firm, we strongly believe that a career in law should be open to people from all walks of life, because not only does diversity of thought and experience make our firm a stronger and more sustainable business, but it also makes it a more rewarding place to work.
 
When recruiting, we prioritise attracting talented people and we actively promote a flexible working environment which enables all our team members to thrive. If you see a role you are interested in, but don’t feel you meet 100% of the criteria we encourage you to still consider making an application. We also welcome applications from those who may be looking to return to the workforce after a career break. 
 
We are proud to say our leadership in creating an inclusive working culture has been celebrated and recognised externally, including being listed for a number of years in the Times Top 50 Employers for Women and the Social Mobility Index.
 
We are a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer, and we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities, whether visible or invisible. We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity throughout our recruitment process and in every element of the employee life cycle. If you require assistance, or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements or adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please contact Becky Lowe at TalentAcquisition@cms-cmno.com who will be happy to support you.

Ready to apply? Here are the next steps.

We look forward to receiving your application online via the CMS careers site. Please contact our Talent Acquisition team if you have any questions. 

Please note that we have a preferred agency panel in place. Only applications submitted via the portal at the point of instruction will be accepted.

#LI-EC2