Senior Manager, Research Services

With 11 offices across the United States, 450+ professionals and 350+ staff professionals, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP is a multidisciplinary, integrated national professional services firm known for quality and an extraordinary commitment to clients. The firm’s groundbreaking approach—bringing together legal services, advocacy and business strategy—differentiates Manatt from its competitors and positions the firm to provide a unique and compelling value proposition.

We are currently seeking a Senior Manager, Research Services to help us build a Research Services department sitting at the intersection of research, business development, AI and knowledge management.  More specifically, the Senior Manager will assist the Director of Research Services in managing all aspects of Manatt’s Research Services operations, including overseeing daily Research Services functions, prioritizing projects, supervising Research Services staff, managing electronic and print resources, and contributing to strategic planning initiatives.  This role is pivotal in ensuring that attorneys, consultants, clients and staff have access to comprehensive legal research resources and support. This role will require occasional travel as needed.

Responsibilities

Research Services Management

Operational Oversight:

• Assist in planning, developing, and implementing Research Services policies, procedures, and services.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality service delivery.
• Manage the Research Services Department’s budget in collaboration with the Director.

Resource Management:

• Evaluate and select new resources to meet the evolving needs of the firm.
• Ensure compliance with licensing agreements and copyright laws.

Technology Integration:

• Implement and manage Research Services technologies and systems to improve access to information.
• Stay current with emerging technologies relevant to Research Services and legal/consulting research, especially around AI.

Research and Reference Services

Legal Research Support:

• Provide advanced competitive intelligence research assistance to attorneys, consultants, clients and staff.
• Develop and maintain research guides and tools for efficient information retrieval.

Training and Development:

• Design and conduct training sessions on legal research techniques and the effective use of Research Services resources.
• Create instructional materials and user guides for Research Services patrons.

Staff Supervision – In support and/or absence of the Director

• Share in supervising of Research Services staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, and professional development.
• Coordinate staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage and service levels.
• Assign tasks and projects aligned with individual’s strengths and development needs.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Strategic Planning and Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Director to develop long-term strategies for Research Services growth and improvement.
• Assist with vendors and negotiate contracts for Research Services and resources.
• Evaluate vendor performance and cost-effectiveness of resources.

Qualifications:

• Master of Library & Information Science or related degree
• 10+ years of proven experience in legal and business research and resource management
• Demonstrated leadership experience, ideally in a library or research setting
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to mentor and train staff on research methods and best practices
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Familiarity with current legal and business research tools, technologies, and trends

Key Competencies:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align Research Services with the firm's objectives, to analyze and to prioritize.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in a rapidly changing legal/consulting and technological environment.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying issues and implementing effective solutions.
• Client Service Orientation: Commitment to providing high-quality support to internal clients.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in managing resources and information accuracy.

The base annual pay range for this role is between $130,000-$155,000. The base pay to be offered will vary and depend on skills and qualifications, experience, location and will also take into account internal equity.  A full range of medical, financial and/or ot