Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a

Modern Work Manager

to join our growing IT team based in the A&O Shearman Belfast office.



The core of the global technology department's mission is to provide stable, reliable, and secure platforms and services to our partners, staff and clients and fulfil our regulatory obligations across 30+ countries. To ensure that a consistent and standardised IT service is delivered to all offices, IT is managed and led as a global function, enabling all offices to benefit from complete systems integration and economies of scale. We have around 400 technologists based predominantly in the UK, Singapore and increasingly in the US.

The Team - Enterprise Architecture and Technology Platforms

To develop and maintain the firm's technology strategy and enterprise architecture. In parallel, own, improve and simplify the firm's key technology 'building blocks' by designing, building and managing the core technology platforms which are fundamental to delivering strategic business goals.



Reporting to the Head of Knowledge Technology Platforms, this role leads the adoption and optimization of Microsoft 365 and Copilot as well as other related document applications and integrations across our legal and business teams. This role is pivotal in driving transformation in service delivery, enhancing productivity, and embedding automation and AI-powered workflows into the firm's day-to-day operations. The role will collaborate closely with lawyers, business teams, and IT to maximize the use of Microsoft and other tools (e.g. Intapp. Litera) tools, emphasizing productivity and workflows within a law firm setting.



This role will work closely with lawyers, business services teams, IT, and external vendors to ensure Copilot solutions meet the highest standards of security, compliance, and client service, while also ensuring governance and responsible AI practices are embedded throughout the lifecycle.

What you will do

Define and maintain the strategic roadmap and product vision for Copilot M365 and Microsoft Office Suite feature enablement, in alignment with business needs. Define and maintain the strategic roadnap for other tools either built by AOS or from other third parties that integrate with our core document services Partner with legal practice groups to understand workflows and pain points and to integrate AI-powered workflows into daily operations. Collaborate with the Document Services Manager, MIG product owners and Legal Technology Product Owners to align feature deployment with legal workflows and document lifecycle needs, and to identify and pursue opportunities for continuous improvement and to leverage AI tools in the modern workspace. Work with the M365 platform team to monitor Microsoft Message Centre and roadmap updates that relate to the Copilot and Microsoft Office suite and personal productivity applications of applications; assess relevance and impact for the firm. Lead configuration and rollout of M365 Copilot features across the office suite. Ensure solutions comply with data privacy, confidentiality, and ethical standards in all jurisdictions and collaborate with Risk and Compliance teams to proactively identify and mitigate AI-related risks. Ensure that solutions are applicable and robust for key usage scenarios so they can be effectively deployed globally Communicate product updates, benefits, and adoption strategies to senior leadership and end-users. Performance Monitoring: Track usage metrics, gather feedback, and continuously improve M365 and Copilot capabilities. Develop and deliver training, communications, and enablement materials to support adoption. Partner with InfoSec, Risk and Compliance teams to ensure secure-by-design implementation and adherence to governance frameworks. Act as a liaison between legal teams, IT, and Microsoft to gather feedback, resolve issues, and influence product direction. Track usage analytics and feedback to inform continuous improvement and feature optimisation. Support service provider reviews and contribute to budget planning and benefits realisation. Support the Enterprise Architecture & Technology Platforms leadership team to collectively define, implement and operate the firm's modern digital workspace. Act as the focal point for matters related to the modern digital workspace, providing expert guidance to other teams when required. Performance management of junior team members, providing mentorship and ensuring alignment with HR standards and policies. Support service provider reviews to assess performance against service targets, drive innovation and ensure any remediation activities are being delivered. Contribute to the management of the modern workspace budget and benefits delivery, developing estimates and tracking performance against plans.

What you will have

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business, Law, or related field. Direct or related experience in product management, preferably within the legal or professional services sector. Detailed knowledge and understanding of feature-sets and operational management of M365 Office Suite and M365 Copilot. Understanding of legal workflows, document management systems and legal drafting toolsets. Knowledge of IT strategic planning, design, and operations processes. Proven project management capabilities. Knowledge of current IT and data market trends and technology innovations. Proven track record of managing teams. At least 5 years background in the IT industry. Proven stakeholder engagement and communication skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced, global environment with multiple priorities. Proven business acumen and ability to understand how they add value the function, firm or clients. Ability to lead and develop team members. Promotes the firm's values at all times and is comfortable working with a wide range of people and departments.



A&O Shearman is a global industry-leading law firm, with nearly 50 offices in 28 countries worldwide. Our fluency in English law, US law, and the laws of the world's most dynamic markets, enables us to provide unmatched insight and seamless delivery to clients. We work on challenging and important deals and disputes that have the potential to shape the future.



We offer exceptional opportunities for our people; opportunities to work for the world's leading businesses; to transform the status quo, and to deliver your best work, helping you and your career to thrive, while delivering unparalleled outcomes for our clients.



Whether you're helping clients solve complex challenges, transforming the ways we manage our business, or ensuring the smooth running of our operations, this is an environment where you can belong and excel. We provide first-rate training and development; we are committed to an inclusive environment, and we provide support and ways of working that help you optimize your wellbeing.