Head of Research

We are recruiting for a Head of Research role in our Research Team, based at our Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow or Manchester office, with flexible working.

As Head of Research, you will lead the strategic direction and operational delivery of the Research team within the MLS Group. You will ensure the team delivers high-quality, timely, and business-aligned services that support the firm’s legal and business objectives. You will also play a key role in shaping the future of knowledge and research services, driving innovation, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Define and implement the strategic vision for the Research team in alignment with the firm 2030 Strategy, the Knowledge 2030 framework and MLS Group goals, contributing to the firm’s long-term vision and innovation agenda.
• In collaboration with the Knowledge Partners champion the value of the Knowledge 2030 framework and research services across the firm, ensuring visibility and engagement with key stakeholders.
• Lead on innovation and service development, identifying opportunities to enhance delivery through technology, process improvement, and collaboration.

Team Management

• Provide line management and leadership to the Business and Legal Research Managers and the Horizon Scanning Delivery Officer.
• Lead on team recruitment and foster a high-performance culture through coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
• Ensure effective resource planning, workload management, and succession planning across both teams.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee the delivery of legal and business research, current awareness, and horizon scanning services to internal and external clients.
• Monitor service performance, client satisfaction, and operational metrics to drive continuous improvement. Ensure the team understands and adheres to the Research RATA (Relevant, Accurate, Timely and Actionable) Quality Framework, embedding it into daily practice to uphold high standards of service delivery.
• Develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive team policies to support consistent and effective service delivery.
• Manage the research budget, including annual planning, forecasting, and monitoring of the firm’s subscription services. Collaborate (as subject matter expert) with the Procurement and Supplier Management teams on contract negotiations to ensure best value, strategic resource allocation, robust financial hygiene, and demonstrable return on investment.
• Input to supplier relationship management for key research and information providers, fostering value-driven partnerships and ensuring service quality and continuity.
• Work with internal teams to ensure they have access to the right research tools and subscriptions to deliver effectively. Prepare business cases for new subscription services and work with IT Services to ensure seamless, user-friendly access to research resources across the firm.
• Oversee the management of the firm’s copyright licenses, ensuring full compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, provide training as required.
• Lead the research onboarding experience for new partners (lateral hires), delivering tailored 1:1 inductions that introduce key research tools, services, and support structures. Ensure each partner is equipped to leverage the full value of the Research team from day one.
• Maintain and regularly review the MLS Risk Register items that pertain to the Research Team, ensuring timely updates and proactive risk management.
• Work collaboratively with the Risk Team to ensure Research-related risks are identified, monitored, and mitigated in alignment with compliance requirements.
• Act as the Research lead for internal and client audits, overseeing the evaluation of policies and processes to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with the Head of MLS, Knowledge Partners, Business Development, IT Services, Procurement and Early Careers and other internal teams to align services with business needs.
• Represent the Research function in cross-functional initiatives and governance forums including Project Maui, GenAi Committee.
• Act as an escalation point for complex or sensitive issues.

Skills, Experience and Attributes

• Proven leadership experience in a research, knowledge, or information services environment, ideally within legal or professional services.
• Strong understanding of legal and business research methodologies, tools, and technologies.
• Experience in successfully managing budgets to achieve best value.
• Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and delivering services at scale.
• Experience in leading with empathy, understanding wellbeing issues and growing and developing teams.
• Strategic thinker with excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercially aware, client-focused, and committed to service excellence.
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and drive innovation, with a focus on data and technology-enabled transformation.

About TLT 

Fast paced, fast growing and forward thinking, TLT is the law firm that helps clients stay one step ahead, and we do the same for our people.

We work with high profile clients in innovative sectors. With local, national and international reach, we have over 1,800 people in offices across the UK and a network of partner firms across Europe, India and the US. TLT was named Law Firm of the Year at the Legal Business Awards 2023. This marks the third year in a row the firm has taken away this accolade in industry awards - having previously been named Law Firm of the Year at The Lawyer Awards in 2021 and the British Legal Awards in 2022.

Our purpose is to protect, prepare and progress our clients for what comes next and it’s essential that we do the same for our people, our planet and our communities too. In our open and collaborative culture, we encourage everyone to be their whole self, to have a voice and to contribute.

Our Benefits

We value our employees highly and we want you to feel valued. You’ll receive a competitive salary with an annual pay review. You will also have access to an extensive range of benefits via our flexible benefits scheme including 25 days holiday (which will increase to 30 days based upon length of service) and private medical insurance. 

At TLT we have a progressive fully flexible working approach. We empower our people to work in a place and at a time that meets their needs, those of their clients and of the wider team and firm. Part of this agile approach is a focus on hybrid working and supporting the work/life balance of our people. We’re happy to talk about how flexible working can work for you and this role. 

TLT is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment and encourages applications from all suitably qualified people, regardless of disability, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by the laws in the locations in which we operate.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments, where necessary, to make interviews and jobs more accessible. Should you have any difficulty during the recruitment process, require any reasonable adjustments or an application to Access to work please contact the recruitment team on Recruitment.Operations@TLT.com