Legal Operations Analyst
We are currently recruiting for an experienced analyst with a keen eye for detail and a passion for improving legal services. The analyst will play a critical role in supporting the efficiency, financial oversight, and strategic development of our Legal Services Department.
Now is the perfect time to join us as we deliver our ambitions to be the best place to practice law in local government; being close to our customers, recruiting the best talent, successfully deploying legal technology and ensuring the continued growth of the business to new customers.
Reading’s Legal Service provides the Council and its partners with the highest quality professional legal advice and representation which allows them to run their organisations well, and to serve our community.
We host a Joint Legal Team, a long-standing shared legal service for all the Berkshire councils and a recognised centre of excellence for childcare, adults and education law. As well as leading a highly regarded internal Corporate Legal Team, serving the needs of the Council across a wide range of functions.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service.
About the role
As a Legal Operations Analyst, you will be responsible for conducting in-depth analysis, producing insightful reports, and identifying trends to support decision-making at all levels. You will work closely with senior leaders, finance teams, and legal service manager to improve efficiency, optimise processes, and ensure financial sustainability.
Key Responsibilities:
Conduct detailed analysis across all aspects of Legal Services, producing reports and recommendations for senior stakeholders, JLT Board and Finance Commissioning Committee.Monitor and analyse spend via the London Borough Legal Alliance (LBLA) frameworks, reconciling data with case and finance management systems
Work closely with the Finance Business Partner to assess budget impacts, forecast trends, and track cost variations
Support budget monitoring and financial planning for the department
Conduct benchmarking exercises to evaluate cost-effectiveness, productivity, and areas for improvement
Identify opportunities to reduce partner expenditure
Analyse business development opportunities, assessing financial and structural impacts in the short, medium, and long term
Work with legal managers and team leaders to review processes and identify efficiency improvements
Partner with the Systems & Data Officer to streamline workflows and optimise legal service delivery
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.
About you
We are looking for a highly analytical, detail-oriented professional with experience in financial analysis, data reporting, and process improvement and ideally within a legal or corporate services environment. You should have strong skills in working with financial and case management systems and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leaveA wide range of flexible working opportunities
Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
For more information on this position please contact Shaidah Ramzan, Legal Services Manager at Shaidah.Ramzan@reading.gov.uk
Closing Date: 9th March 2025Interview Date: To be confirmed
Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.