Construction Business Administrator

A leading UK law firm with a network of offices from the South Coast to Scotland, working together as one national team. An innovative practice and the first top 50 law firm to achieve “Platinum Standard” Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm. The lack of barriers between departments, a real lack of hierarchy, zero tolerance for arrogance makes Shoosmiths a fantastic place to work.

Our Real Estate group is one of the largest real estate teams in the UK, advising an impressive range of clients across a variety of sectors.  Our Construction team operate across sectors and are involved with fantastic clients and schemes in the UK.  The team is growing rapidly and with deals ongoing throughout the year the need for internal organisation and management of finances are essential for the high standard of delivery expected at Shoosmiths.

We are looking for a recent graduate, with experience or an interest in Business, Data Analysis and Team Management to join the team.  The role will be supporting our National Head of Construction by assisting with the day to day running of the business, whilst having complete financial oversight of the team.  A strong understanding of numbers is necessary as the candidate will be assisting in the delivery of KPIs across our Construction teams nationally.  Strong interpersonal skills are essential as this team is based across 4 office locations and you will be working alongside clients to establish best practice.

• Drive Financial discipline within the team, monitor financial performance and KPIs and report regularly on financial results to increase efficiency and profitability of the team.
• Financial reporting and data analysis within the team, looking to drive profitability.
• Review how Construction team members and support staff spend their time, to streamline and utilise the team efficiently across all locations and to monitor capacity levels.
• Work closely with the Head of Construction and Divisional Business Manager to support and monitor the team performance against budget and to provide guidance on potential improvement actions.
• Support and execute regular forecasting exercises for the team.
• Provide support with client management, service delivery, preparation of estimates, and client soundings to assist the Construction team in managing these client relationships.
• Proactive and concise internal communications with the team.
• Assistance in project delivery and implementation of systems into the teams alongside troubleshooting and problem-solving skills essential.
• Build strong working relationships with the whole of the Construction team and wider Real Estate Division where client relationships and work overlap.
• Have oversight of the administrative and secretarial function in the team.
• Organisation and management of team meetings and 121s.

• University undergraduate level minimum requirement – BSc/Ba
• Business experience and understanding from a professional service organisation.
• Financial Expertise and be skilled at grasping and articulating business drivers affecting the business and team
• Fluency in Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.
• Candidates should have a proven track record of supporting and working within a team.
• Project Management Skills
• Creative in approach to issues and ability to implement pragmatic solutions quickly and effectively.

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.