Knowledge Manager - Johannesburg at Baker McKenzie

Main Responsibilities

• Work with the Director of Knowledge, Markets & Research to devise a local Knowledge strategy for the jurisdiction that is fully aligned with the Firm's global strategy; design policies, procedures, and standards to ensure quality parameters are met
• In consultation with the country's Knowledge Partner, drive the implementation of the Knowledge strategy and development of the Knowledge culture in the jurisdiction; appoint Knowledge Champions and recruit practicing lawyers to support where necessary
• Build strong relationships with the clients and local Knowledge community; act as a single point of contact for any queries or issues, and ensure satisfactory resolution on time; provide all client-facing teams with Knowledge and technical support, within the scope of his/her legal expertise and in line with agreed prioritization
• Manage and take accountability for the development and collection of Knowledge content across all practice and industry groups; ensure that matter reviews are conducted at the end of significant projects to capture potential knowhow; work with Specialist Functions to ensure all material is stored in appropriate Knowledge systems
• Ensure that an excellent set of core precedents – automated where possible – is in place across all practice groups to meet lawyer needs; identify resources to draft them where necessary
• Identify industry, practice group, and client-specific hot topics for internal and external current awareness and thought leadership; write or commission content in consultation with the Specialist Functions
• Ensure that all Knowledge resources are made available to all lawyers in the jurisdiction and provide training and guidance as appropriate; regularly review usage statistics and gather feedback to ensure that lawyers' needs are being met
• Take ownership within the jurisdiction of all Knowledge Systems and drive awareness and adoption; create and maintain appropriate intranet pages to make key resources readily available to users
• Ascertain local legal training needs; plan and execute training programs accordingly, in consultation with the Specialist Legal Training Function; co-ordinate the delivery of client training where required
• Ensure timely fulfilment of all information and research requests and proper workflow management, including effective management of appropriate work priorities and effective communications with clients
• In consultation with the Information Product Management Specialist Function, manage the relationships with local vendors to ensure the information needs of the Firm are met
• Monitor developments in knowledge systems and content trends, identify areas for improvement, and work with key stakeholders to implement these

Technical skills, qualifications, and experience

• Relevant undergraduate degree, law degree preferred
• Significant relevant experience with extensive experience of Knowledge in a professional services environment
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, build strong relationships virtually, communicate effectively, comfortable working in large, complex environments, highly credible and persuasive
• Demonstrated ability to drive results and a sense of urgency in setting strategies and executing against the objectives
• Proven ability to influence, interact, and consult with senior leaders, strong collaboration skills, and effective stakeholder management
• Excellent English language skills (verbal and written) are a must and the confidence to communicate in a multi-cultural, multi-level environment
• Strong communication skills, and highly credible presentation skills