The Maples Group is a standard bearer in financial and legal services, trusted by many of the world's largest hedge fund managers, private equity firms and international corporations. Our distinction flows from our carefully curated team: 2,500+ professionals characterised by tenacity, ethics and exacting excellence. Operating in key financial centres across the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, our international presence offers a unique springboard for career development and cross-cultural immersion.
The Maples Group has a proud history of innovation. We were founded as a traditional law firm and through constant evolution and innovation we have become one of the world's largest independent financial services groups. Innovation is part of our DNA and a key strategic pillar for the Group. We pride ourselves on nurturing innovative people and ideas across our global offices.
About the Role
The Head of Innovation will report to the Chief Information Officer and the Innovation Partner Sponsor to develop, manage and lead key strategic innovation programmes, agendas and initiatives. You will work with key clients and internal stakeholders to develop a critical understanding of our client's key strategic and operational challenges while also building out the innovation activities at Maples through our Innovation Hub.
The Innovation Hub's mission is to devise novel ideas to disrupt or evolve the existing organisation's business models, products, processes, cultures and deliver business-relevant outcomes specifically in the legal market.
Primary Responsibilities:
* Developing and implementing an Innovation Hub along with an innovation strategy and roadmap, aligned with the vision, mission, and values of Maples.
* Developing, coordinating, project managing and successfully delivering a suite of new and emerging innovation projects of differing stages and sizes aligned to the innovation strategy.
* Working with key clients to identify emerging opportunities to grow, develop and refine innovation programmes.
* Developing and maintaining relationships with senior stakeholders across the business to ensure delivery on outcomes agreed and build opportunities for future engagements.
* Overseeing an innovation hub governance framework, including processes, policies, and standards for ideas, prioritisation, execution, and evaluation of innovation projects.
* Liaising closely with a cross-functional innovation team, comprising of fee earners and business support functions.
* Managing and allocating an innovation budget, ensuring optimal and transparent use of resources and return on investment.
* Fostering a culture of innovation across the group, by promoting awareness, engagement, recognition, and collaboration among staff, clients, and other stakeholders.
* Monitoring and reporting on the progress and performance of innovation projects, using relevant metrics and indicators, and ensuring alignment with the group's strategic objectives and client needs.
* Working with Group legal, Information Services, Risk, Compliance and other key stakeholders to ensure that innovation projects are managed in an efficient and responsible manner.
* Tracking innovation impact via inputs (funding, staffing, culture, etc.), processes (number of ideas, speed of the process, etc.) and business outcomes or leading indicators (revenue, cost saved, time, etc.).
* Evaluating and incorporating feedback and lessons learned from innovation projects, and ensuring continuous improvement and scalability of innovation solutions.
* Representing and positioning the group as an innovation leader and partner in the legal market, by showcasing and sharing innovation achievements, insights, and best practices, and by participating in relevant events, speaking opportunities, networks, and platforms.
Experience
What You Bring
* A proven track record of leading and delivering innovation projects in a professional services or legal environment, or a relevant industry sector.
* A strategic and creative mindset, with the ability to generate and evaluate new ideas, solutions, and business models.
* A collaborative and inclusive approach, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally.
* A hands-on and agile attitude, with the ability to manage multiple projects, resources, and risks in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
* A data-driven and analytical orientation, with the ability to measure and communicate the impact and value of innovation initiatives.
* A passion for learning and staying abreast of emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in innovation and legal service delivery.
Benefits & Rewards
The most enduring professional relationships are reciprocal relationships. The Maples Group prioritises employee health and wellbeing. Depending on your location, we offer a range of benefits, including:
* Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental and optical).
* Competitive vacation packages.
* Hybrid working.
* Educational assistance and professional development programmes.
* Savings or pension plan.
* Life insurance.
* Travel insurance.
* Global mental wellness programme.
* Sports clubs and social events.