The Chief of Staff – Gulf and Africa (MENA) at Baker McKenzie

• The Chief of Staff – Gulf and Africa (MENA) will provide first-class, senior-level support to the EMEA+ Chief Operating Officer (COO), EMEA+ CE, and Gulf and Egypt (the Region*) Country Managing Partners (CMPs), with a focus on delivering positive change and implementing our strategy and Firm vision. This includes operational and commercial efficiency, innovation for competitive advantage, and working together for a higher-performing and collaborative culture.
• To influence and align functions and business professionals in the Region and support EMEA+, to deliver exceptional service to internal and external clients, consistent with Firm standards and objectives; work closely with regional and local leadership to develop and drive implementation of strategic deliverables in the Region and across EMEA+

Responsibilities:

• Member of the senior operations team in EMEA+, trusted advisor to the EMEA+ COO and CMPs in the Region, providing best-in-class support to effectively implement Firm strategy and EMEA+ business priorities, operational initiatives, and processes, policies, and guidelines to support efficient, high-quality services in the Region as part of EMEA+
• Drive and coordinate strategic and operational agenda for various leadership bodies in the Region including office Management Committees, Practice Groups, Partners' meetings, and others to ensure engagement and cohesion of the partner group and wider teams
• Support to the Office Management Committees; ensure alignment with EMEA+ Management Committee and provide direction to and monitor the delivery of the key business priorities
• Engage with the office and practice group to lead and coordinate strategic priorities discussion, business planning, and budgeting as needed in coordination with relevant function leaders, business managers, and unit leadership
• Lead the continuing implementation of the Professional & Business Services (PBS) transformation project (PBS21 being defined as a programme of work designed to integrate and coordinate the Firm’s professional and business services functions) for offices in the Region ensuring a high-quality service model for the business to ensure continuous feedback and review of service levels. Play a key role, as required, in the implementation of wider Firm project deliverables, including acting as a change agent and the lead for the adoption of E2E and other new services
• Provide leadership and guidance to local PBS teams and ensure communication and collaboration across functions in the office, escalating issues to functional leadership as appropriate; provide input into the performance management process for office function leaders, working with EMEA+, COO, CMPs, ROO and global function leaders as appropriate
• Support procure-to-pay initiatives in the office; relationships with strategic partners, leasing companies, facilities managers, and suppliers as needed; and identify opportunities to improve efficiencies
• In conjunction with the GAD, COO, and in-market teams, continually review, align and evolve the secretarial services' function
• Engage with EMEA+ COO and functional leaders in the Region on operational improvements by monitoring and analyzing key performance indicators and ensuring alignment with targets; develop and continuously assess unit performance using effective management information and reporting across all areas of accountability
• Support local requirements about risk, regulations, and compliance, and act as a local representative for the Firm's Risk function
• Provide leadership and guidance to Office Managers, Head of Facilities, and Head of Secretarial Services across MENA offices
• Work closely with the EMEA+ COO, ROO, and other offices across the region in ensuring that business operations are aligned, efficient, and highly effective
• Work closely with leaders of the Global Africa Strategy Initiative to ensure coordination with EMEA+ priorities and effective implementation of the Africa Strategy in the Region and EMEA+
• Create and maintain a positive work environment, ensuring high levels of organizational effectiveness and communication and instilling a high-performance culture; play a role in influencing behavioral change across the offices
• Network with peers, act as an ambassador for the Firm, and keep up to date with market trends and developments, proactively sharing insights into the market and operational best practice to leadership
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned to deliver Firm strategy and operational effectiveness to the office and business as a whole

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in law, business administration, finance, or related field; MBA preferred
• Extensive relevant experience with office management and office administration skills, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment
• Management of a cross-functional group within a global, multi-office organization and/or experience is preferred
• Experience in effectively leading organizational change is preferred
• Proven track record of strong budgeting and financial skills
• Strong business acumen, operational excellence, client service, and cost management are a must
• Highly disciplined approach to executing strategies and programs to achieve Firm operational objectives
• Well-developed and sophisticated organization, communication, and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated ability to collaborate and build trust with partners and business professionals at all levels
• Strong ability to lead, motivate and mentor other professionals, inclusive of diligently addressing performance concerns
• Organized, detail-oriented individual with strong project management skills and the ability to balance competing priorities in a time-sensitive environment
• High level of discretion, diplomacy, and a commitment to maintaining the highest level of confidentiality;
• Strong entrepreneurial skills and business-focused mindset to effectively drive operations in a diverse and multicultural environment