Overview

Head of Research - Law - Bristol, Manchester, Glasgow or Birmingham. A exciting leadership opportunity has arisen for a senior research leader to take the helm of a high-performing team within one of the UK’s most forward-thinking law firms. With offices in Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester, and a flexible approach to hybrid working, this role offers opportunities to provide both strategic influence and operational impact.

As Head of Research, you’ll shape the direction of a well-established and motivated team that delivers legal and business research, current awareness, and horizon scanning services to a diverse internal client base. You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders across the business to align research delivery with firm-wide goals, while embedding a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and service excellence.

This is a leadership role with real breadth spanning team development, budget oversight, supplier management, and strategic planning. You’ll also play a key role in firm-wide initiatives around AI, risk, and compliance, and act as a trusted advisor to Knowledge Partners and other senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Research team to deliver legal and business research, current awareness, and horizon scanning services.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders to align research delivery with firm-wide goals and strategic initiatives.
• Drive innovation, continuous improvement, and service excellence across the research function.
• Manage budget, supplier relationships, subscriptions, and procurement related to research tools and services.
• Oversee risk, compliance, and firm-wide initiatives around AI where relevant to research services.
• Act as a trusted advisor to Knowledge Partners and other senior leaders.

Qualifications

• A proven track record in leading research, knowledge, or information services—ideally within legal or professional services.
• Refined line management skills and experience
• Strong commercial awareness and experience managing budgets, subscriptions, and supplier relationships.
• A collaborative leadership style, with the ability to coach, mentor and develop high-performing teams.
• A strategic mindset, with the confidence to influence at senior levels and drive innovation across services and systems.
• A deep understanding of legal and business research tools, methodologies, and technologies.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Research and Analyst

Industries

• Law Practice
• Legal Services
• Professional Services