Personal Assistant Manager

Allen & Overy is a leading global law firm operating in over thirty countries. We work on some of the most challenging and important deals and have built a reputation for delivering exceptional legal solutions that help our clients grow, innovate and thrive. The legal industry is changing, and we're committed to leading that change, putting our people first, embracing new ways of thinking and integrating technology into our everyday work. Our business teams work hand-in-hand with our lawyers, Consultants and other specialist teams, and are ambitious, driven and leaders in their field.
- With us, you will constantly be learning and growing. We invest in you by offering exceptional professional and personal development - providing training, mentoring and practical support. We offer rewarding careers that are built around your strengths and designed to ensure you can achieve your personal and professional goals, recognising that those may look different for everyone.
- We have a powerful commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We’re determined to play our part in advancing a workplace where progress is made by harnessing our differences - whatever defines you, we ask you to bring your whole self to work. What truly defines a career at Allen & Overy? We recruit the best and ask for the best of you. We provide challenge, support and a place for you to belong. And together we excel, working on meaningful projects of global significance.**Role purpose**
The PA Manager will work closely with Practice Group Managers, Partners, PAs, all other support departments and HR to ensure the PA operation in each practice group runs smoothly. Whilst managing the continuing development of a professional and efficient PA service to all clients, the PA Manager will develop relationships with Practice Group Managers in order to contribute to relevant departmental issues.
- The role will report into the Office Managing Partner and the Head of HR for Belgium.**Role and responsibilities**
- Management of all the Belgian PA Teams with a focus on service delivery and excellence;
- Actively coaching and mentoring the PAs and responsible PAs to ensure best performance;
- Responsible for the performance and talent management, development, training and support of the Belgian PA teams ensuring that an appropriate level of skills and positive behaviours are applied to good effect;
- Responsible for the PA and administrative business professionals recruitment processes and liaising with external agencies and our internal HR recruitment team;
- Manage departmental absences such as annual leave administration and/or authorisation, running regular absence reports and reviewing for potential issues, periodic identification of high holiday balances, managing absences across teams to ensure sustainable lawyer/partner leverage, conducting return to work interviews with PAs after periods of sickness;
- Budgets and manpower: Manage and report on PA headcount and PA to lawyer ratios to ensure optimum utilisation and cost effective solutions;
- Operational management: establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders across the business, manage workload allocation and busyness reports, prepare for the arrival of new joiners and the departure of leavers;
- Project management: Involvement in firm wide initiatives and change management, liaising with Business Services, Finance and Training etc to ensure wider issues are resolved, consider and recommend improvements within the teams.

**Who are we looking for**
- You are an experienced manager with a focus on continuous improvement;
- You have previous experience as a PA in a similar environment;
- You are adept at building relationships across teams and at all levels of seniority;
- You have experience with change management and influencing behaviour;
- You have strong coaching and interpersonal skills as well as project management skills;
- You have excellent communication skills in English, French and Dutch (oral and written);
- You are organised, efficient, able to prioritise and work to tight deadlines;
- You demonstrate flexibility in a varied and continually evolving role;
- You have a collaborative working style and a proactive approach with 'can do' attitude.

**Rewards & Benefits**
You will work in a dynamic and challenging environment with an international dimension. We greatly value our unique culture, which combines high-quality client service with a real focus on people and teamwork. In our firm, positive attitude matters. We believe it defines the way in which we work, both with clients and with colleagues. You will have a challenging professional support role with room to develop your skills. We offer a competitive remuneration package commensurate with your qualifications and experience.**How to apply