Transition Manager (Technology)

Purpose of role

Linklaters is delivering an ambitious transformational change programme to reimagine the way that our Business Teams work with the practice to deliver an exceptional client experience. The programme is central to achieving the firms strategic ambitions.

As a key member of our programme team the Transition Manager is responsible for managing the implementation of a new operating model for one of our key Business Teams functions.

As we transform the structure and ways of working in our team we are looking for the right person to help us plan for the possible transition of some of our key services to a 3rd party service provider. The Transition Manager will need experience of an agile product-based model as well as a track record of working with global 3rd party service providers.

You will work closely with our programme leadership team workstream leads third parties senior management and leaders across our Business Teams functions.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Partner with the Function Chief and Leadership Team: Collaborate closely to design and drive the execution of a detailed transition roadmap that integrates function-level implementation plans. Define track and manage benefits realisation to ensure value delivery throughout the transition.
• Establish Transition and Future-State Governance: Set up effective governance frameworks that provide clear structure decision-making authority and accountability. Ensure alignment and coordinated issue resolution across internal stakeholders the managed service provider and any other third parties during the transition period.
• Comprehensive Transition Planning and Dependency Management: Develop and maintain a robust detailed transition plan that sequences activities logically aligns resources effectively and maps out critical dependencies. Prioritise tasks to manage complex regulated workflows typical in legal environments reducing risks linked to delays or misalignment.
• Process and Handover Management: Lead the planning and execution of handovers for data documentation and processes ensuring the managed service provider receives complete accurate and well-structured information. This prevents compliance breaches and costly rework caused by gaps or inaccuracies which are especially critical in legal outsourcing.
• Risk Identification and Mitigation: Proactively identify and manage risks related to service continuity vendor lock-in compliance adherence supplier performance and stakeholder impact. Implement mitigation strategies early to avoid disruption and ensure the transition stays on time and within budget.
• Dual Running and Operational Pressure Management: Navigate the challenges of dual running periods by maintaining clear operational processes and monitoring peak demand impacts. Anticipate and resolve emerging bottlenecks resource constraints and risks to critical service delivery throughout the transition.
• Relationship and Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with the managed service provider internal teams and third parties. Facilitate transparent communication and issue resolution to sustain trust and partnership effectiveness.
• Integrated Programme Support and Reporting: Contribute to overall programme planning by coordinating transition activities within the broader transformation. Support the generation of timely data-driven reports that inform leadership decision-making and promote accountability across all stakeholders.

Characteristics skills and experience required:

• A minimum of five years partnering with leaders to implement new target operating models in complex global organisations preferably in legal services or professional services partnership environments.
• A proven track record of transitioning Technology & Data business services in a Global Business Services (GBS) Shared Services Centre (SSC) or Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) environment.
• A solid understanding of project management approaches tools and phases of the project and programme lifecycle.
• Familiarity with change management; knowledge of change management principles methodologies and tools.
• An ability to understand different cultural / local issues whilst maintaining a focus on globally scalable solutions.
• A proactive and outcome-oriented mindset driving clarity from ambiguity and progress via self-leadership and effective collaboration with others.
• Excellent attention to detail and able to communicate effectively at all levels - clearly and succinctly conveying ideas and options.
• An inclusive leadership style aware of the needs of and supportive of team members.

Technical Skills

This list of duties and responsibilities above is not exhaustive. It is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. As such the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Application Policy

Applications and CVs (direct or via agency) areonlyaccepted online via the related to this role must be directed to the recruitment team ( ) andnotpartners practices or stakeholders.