Business Operations Manager

About Harmans Lawyers Harmans is a leading Christchurch law firm with a proud history of providing trusted legal advice to individuals, families, and businesses across Canterbury and beyond. Known for our approachable, client-focused service, Harmans are committed to delivering exceptional outcomes while maintaining strong relationships built on integrity and respect. Their team of specialists work collaboratively to provide expertise across a wide range of legal services, ensuring that they continue to meet the evolving needs of their clients and community.
About the opportunity We are seeking a Business Operations Manager to lead the firm’s operational, financial, people, and administrative functions. Reporting to the Managing Partner and working closely with the Partnership Group, this pivotal role provides leadership and strategic oversight to ensure the smooth and effective running of the practice.
In this role, you will:

• Lead, coach, and develop the Business Operations team to foster high performance, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Oversee financial management, trust account oversight, and risk frameworks to ensure compliance, resilience, and sustainability
• Drive operational excellence across administration, systems, technology, and outsourced service contracts
• Provide strategic and governance support to the partnership group, enabling effective decision-making and execution of firm goals
• Champion people and capability initiatives, nurturing an engaged and inclusive culture that supports wellbeing and leadership growth

About you To succeed in this role, you will bring proven leadership experience and a strong track record of delivering results in a professional services or commercial environment. You will be a confident, approachable leader with the ability to build trust and credibility across all levels of the organisation.
Your key skills and attributes will include:

• Strong leadership capability with the ability to empower and inspire teams
• Commercial acumen and proven financial management skills
• Exceptional organisational ability, detail focus, and capacity to manage multiple priorities
• Sound judgement, resilience, and the ability to balance empathy with decisiveness
• Experience in legal or professional services is advantageous, supported by relevant tertiary qualifications in business, finance, or management

In return, you will enjoy a positive and flexible work environment that empowers you to impact across the organisation. Sound like you?
How to apply To learn more about Harmans Lawyers, visit them at https://harmans.co.nz/
For a confidential discussion about this role, contact Elise Elliott, Business Partner, on 021 243 7018 or at [email protected]