The Head of Legal Operations at Equity Bank (K) Ltd will oversee the operational, administrative, and strategic functions of the legal department. This role focuses on enhancing efficiency, ensuring compliance, managing audit processes, optimizing resource allocation, driving technology initiatives, and supporting the legal team in achieving departmental objectives. The Head of Legal Operations will collaborate closely with the legal, procurement, compliance, finance, and technology teams to streamline workflows, monitor budgets, implement technology solutions, and ensure effective legal service delivery across the bank.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Department Operations Management: 

• Oversee the daily operations of the legal department, ensuring efficient processes and effective service delivery.
• Develop and implement workflows, processes, and best practices to improve operational efficiency within the legal team.
• Ensure proper delegation of tasks within the legal team and monitor progress to ensure adherence to timelines and quality standards.

Resource and Budget Management:

• Develop and manage the department’s budget, including tracking expenditures, forecasting, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Optimize the allocation of resources within the legal department, including staffing, technology, and external counsel usage.
• Manage relationships with external law firms, including negotiating fee arrangements, tracking billable hours, and ensuring adherence to budgetary limits.

Technology and Systems Implementation:

• Lead the adoption of legal technology solutions, such as contract management systems, matter management platforms, e-billing, and document automation tools.
• Collaborate with the IT department to implement and maintain technology solutions that support legal operations.
• Ensure that legal data and documents are managed effectively, securely, and are accessible to relevant stakeholders.

Vendor and External Counsel Management:

• Oversee the selection, onboarding, and management of external legal service providers, including law firms and consultants.
• Develop and implement guidelines for engaging and managing external counsel to ensure value and cost-efficiency. 
• Monitor the performance of external service providers, ensuring they meet the bank’s quality and budget standards. 

Compliance and Risk Management Support:

• Ensure that all operational processes within the legal department comply with banking regulations, Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) guidelines, and internal policies.
• Collaborate with compliance and risk teams to support the legal team’s efforts in managing regulatory compliance and legal risk.
• Develop and maintain a risk management framework for legal operations, addressing operational risks and ensuring effective controls.

 Performance Metrics and Reporting:

• Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the performance of the legal team and track progress toward strategic objectives.
• Prepare and present regular reports to senior management on departmental performance, budget utilization, and operational improvements.
• Analyze and use data to identify trends, improve decision-making, and enhance the effectiveness of legal services. 

Process Improvement and Project Management:

• Identify areas for process improvement within the legal department and drive initiatives to increase productivity and reduce costs.
• Lead and manage projects within the legal department, including technology implementations, process redesigns, and policy updates.
• Establish project timelines, set objectives, and monitor progress to ensure projects are completed on time and within scope. 

Training and Development:

• Develop training programs and resources to upskill the legal team in technology, process improvements, and industry best practices.
• Coordinate professional development initiatives to ensure that the legal team remains current with new technologies and operational trends.
• Conduct orientation and training sessions on legal operational processes for new team members.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead and manage the bank’s legal advisory team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous learning.
• Conduct performance appraisals, provide mentorship, and identify development needs within the team.
• Promote effective collaboration within the legal team and other departments to enhance service delivery. 

Qualifications

Qualifications & Experience 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in law, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree or certification in Project Management, Legal Operations, or Business Process Management is an advantage.
• Professional Qualifications: Admitted as an advocate of the High Court of Kenya with a valid practicing certificate, with certifications in legal operations or project management being beneficial.
• Experience: Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in legal operations, project management, or a similar role within a legal or banking environment, with at least 3 years in a managerial position.