Back to jobs

Divisional Business Manager

An international law firm is seeking an experienced Divisional Business Manager to support one of its core practice groups across the EMEA and US regions. This is a senior business partnering role, working closely with divisional leadership to drive strategy, operational effectiveness and financial performance.

You will take day‑to‑day ownership of the division's financial management, with a primary focus on the UK and CEMEA regions, and collaborate closely with an APAC‑based counterpart to ensure global alignment.

This role offers significant exposure to senior stakeholders within a highly commercial, fast‑paced and international environment.

The Role

You will act as a trusted commercial adviser to divisional and practice leadership, with responsibility for:

  • Owning divisional financial performance, including P&L management, budgeting, forecasting and long‑term planning
  • Providing commercial insight and challenge to senior stakeholders to support strategic decision‑making
  • Advising partners on matter pricing, profitability and fee proposals, working closely with Pricing, Finance and Business Development teams
  • Developing financial plans for complex client matters, including alternative pricing models, resourcing assumptions and service delivery options
  • Monitoring performance post‑matter inception, challenging recovery rates and resourcing decisions where required
  • Tracking activity levels and capacity across the division, identifying risks, opportunities and inefficiencies
  • Overseeing working capital and lock‑up, partnering with central finance teams to manage exposure and resolve aged balances
  • Attending divisional and practice leadership meetings and ensuring follow‑through on agreed actions
  • Supporting recruitment and workforce planning in partnership with HR, ensuring hiring decisions are commercially robust
  • Ensuring compliance with global policies, governance standards and regulatory requirements

About You

  • Qualified finance professional (ACCA, CIMA, MBA or equivalent)
  • Strong commercial and financial acumen with a proven business‑partnering background
  • Experienced at influencing and advising senior leaders
  • Confident communicator with excellent stakeholder management skills
  • Professional services or legal sector experience needed

Why Apply?

  • Senior, visible role with real strategic influence
  • Exposure to global leadership and complex, high‑value work
  • Flexible, hybrid working and a strong benefits package
  • Inclusive, values‑driven culture with clear development pathways

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you know someone who would be great at this role, why not take advantage of our referral scheme? We offer £200 in shopping vouchers for every referred candidate who we place in a role. Terms & Conditions Apply. https://www.ambition.co.uk/refer-a-friend