General Manager

About CR Law
CR Law (Cooper Rapley Lawyers) is one of the Manawatū's leading law firms. From its base in Palmerston North, with a presence in Wellington, the firm provides a full range of legal services across commercial, local government and environment, agribusiness and rural, property, employment, disputes, and private client matters.

With more than 140 years of history behind it, CR Law remains firmly focused on the future. The firm has an ambitious, high-performing team, a strong reputation, superior profitability and clear opportunities to grow both locally and nationally.

The Role
CR Law is seeking a commercially astute General Manager to work closely with the partners. The General Manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of the firm and for helping shape and deliver its strategic direction. The role calls for someone equally comfortable with keeping the operation running smoothly and stepping back to consider where the firm is heading and how it gets there.

As the hub of the firm, the General Manager will be accessible and visible, building strong relationships across the partnership and wider team, setting a positive tone, and upholding performance and cultural standards. They will also bring energy and presence to the leadership table, playing an influential part in shaping the firm's culture and direction. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading people and culture, including HR policy and practice, recruitment, performance, development and remuneration
• Working with the partners on technology and AI strategies and overseeing implementation.
• Overseeing the firm's financial operations, including budgets, reporting, cash flow, Work in progress and debtor management, and trust account and AML compliance
• Ensuring efficient, well-run operations across administration, systems, technology and premises
• Working with the partners to identify and pursue new opportunities
• Contributing to brand, marketing, business development and client service
• Providing sound commercial advice and acting as a trusted sounding board to the partners

This is a broad role with genuine influence, and an opportunity to help shape the future of a well-established, highly-regarded firm with real ambition.

The Person
You are a well-rounded commercial generalist with a track record of making things happen. You are as comfortable getting stuck into day-to-day operations as you are contributing to strategy, and you move easily between the two.
You lead through influence rather than authority, and your style is collaborative, hands-on and low ego. You build trust quickly with professionals, understand the value of consensus, and bring warmth, energy and presence to the people around you. You are a confident communicator who engages well at all levels, with strong financial acumen, a practical understanding of business systems and technology, and the ability to turn plans into results.

The Manawatū offers a genuine blend of city and rural living, with shorter commutes, more affordable housing and a diverse regional economy. Good schooling options and career opportunities make it an easy move for partners and families too. A connection to the region, whether you already live there, have ties to it, or are genuinely committed to making the move, will be a significant advantage.

If you are looking for a leadership role with real breadth, the chance to shape culture, and the scope to help an ambitious firm grow, we invite you to explore this opportunity further.
This recruitment process is being managed by Takon Leadership Search & Recruitment on behalf of CR Law. Please apply through SEEK with a copy of your CV and cover letter. For a copy of the candidate information pack please email [email protected] or, alternatively, for a conversation in confidence, please contact Sean Brunner on [021 712 891](tel:021 712 891).