Senior Manager, US Research and Library NEW

A&O Shearman is a new global industry-leading law firm, with 48 offices in 28 countries worldwide.

Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world’s most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.

We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world’s leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.

Whether you’re helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth-running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development, we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimise your wellbeing.

What truly defines a career with us? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. And together, we will redefine success.

Department Purpose and Structure
As part of the global Research and Library function, the US Research and Library group has primary responsibility for supporting US-based attorneys, management and support staff in respect of their research and resource requirements. Research work encompasses news, legal, business and financial work whilst Library tasks include the management of US office information budgets and ready access and delivery of resources. The team works closely with the global team based primarily in the UK to ensure seamless support to all US attorneys.

The global Research function also includes the Strategic Research Group with representation in the US who undertake bespoke research for Partners, BD and Knowledge. The Senior Manager is charged with collaborating with these staff to ensure seamless and consistent support is provided to our attorneys.

Role Purpose
The Senior Manager has a leadership role overseeing the direction and development of the US Research and Library Group. With a team of 9, the Senior Manager is responsible for the development and delivery of new services, the introduction of new products and the management of the US office information budgets.

As part of the wider global Research and Library function, it is incumbent on the Senior Manager to proactively encourage collaboration across the teams and both contribute and use the expertise of each team appropriately

Key Relationships
Global Head of Research and Library
US Management and Partners
US Research Team including the Litigation and Transactional Research Managers
Finance in the US, London and Belfast
Global Research and Library leadership team
Knowledge and Business Development
Procurement
Context
The Senior Manager of the US Research and Library group ensures attorneys and staff have access to the latest legal, business, and financial information, boosting the firm’s competitive edge. Responsibilities include training oversight, budget management, negotiating information contracts, and advising on data sources. The Senior Manager also supports the adoption of new technologies, aligning policies with global standards, and fostering relationships with team members, attorneys, and peers. Promoting the global Research and Library function within the Americas is crucial for collaboration. The Senior Manager must exhibit strong leadership and conflict resolution abilities, showing empathy and understanding towards diverse perspectives. Collaboration and teamwork are pivotal in maintaining a cohesive environment, while critical thinking and problem-solving skills are vital for navigating complex issues. This role drives efficiency, innovation, and excellence, significantly contributing to the firm’s success.

Role and Responsibilities
The Senior Manager leads the US Research and Library Group through:
Adopting a program of continuous improvement to ensure the efficient delivery and use of Research and Library resources.
Supporting the adoption, use and promotion of local and global research and library services, technology and systems.
Cultivating strong relationships with internal stakeholders and attorneys across the firm
Leading the evolution of the Research and Library team to meet the changing needs of the business and our client base.
Negotiating, influencing, and managing conflicts to ensure the appropriate deployment of Research and Library staff and resources.
Responsible for developing, implementing and championing policies across the US Practice.
Responsible for collaborating with other support teams to provide our attorneys with a seamless service.
Management responsibilities include:
Forecasting headcount needs and influencing management in the growth and deployment of Research and Library staff to support attorneys.
Recruiting, training and developing staff, including undertaking regular appraisals and salary reviews.
Ensuring staff are developed and trained to deliver an exemplary service to the business.
Overseeing training programmes to ensure a return on our investment in online products and systems.
Providing expert advice on the use of legal, business, and financial data sources to meet the firm’s objectives.
Working with attorneys on the adoption and use of new technologies.
Responsibility for preparing, authorizing, and managing all Research and Library budgets within the U.S.
Ensuring appropriate cost allocation in relation to our global budgeting policy and developing new approaches as the business requires.
The negotiation of information contracts for US information products and liaison with the global team.
Liaison with global staff to ensure policies and processes are aligned and adhered to.
Relationship management 
The Senior Manager must be a credible, capable professional, able to build and maintain productive relationships with the team, attorneys and peers.
The Senior Manager must promote and champion the work of the wider global Research and Library function within the Americas.
Key Requirements
Demonstrable ability to lead and motivate teams.
Ability to identify and implement change.
Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
Strong organizational and technical skills.
A commercial thinker who can negotiate effectively.
Able to take the initiative and deliver to deadlines.
Ability to build and develop relationships and command credibility at all levels of the organization.
Experience of digital tools, AI, and data visualization.
Ability to lead and foster a positive working environment.
A strategic, creative thinker who can both collaborate and influence.
At least 10 years’ management experience in a similar organization
Who We Are Looking For
Excellent all round communication skills, both oral and written.
Resourceful, creative and solutions orientated.
Resilient and adaptable with a flexible approach to work.
Possesses team orientation at all levels.
Enthusiasm and dedication to providing a quality service to clients.
Always demonstrates a professional standard of behavior.
Treats colleagues and clients with respect and courtesy.

Equal Employment Opportunity, including Veterans and Disability

A&O Shearman is an equal opportunity employer, including Veterans and Disability. Every individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination and harassment. This policy applies to all aspects of an individual’s relationship with A&O Shearman, including, without limitation, recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, compensation, discipline, termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment.

If you are vision-impaired or have another disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law and wish to discuss accommodations related to applying for employment at A&O Shearman, please contact US HR Transactions at US-HRTransactions@aoshearman.com or call +1 212 610 6300 and ask for HR Transactions.