Candidate Information Pack: IT Support Assistant

Transcription

1 Candidate Information Pack: IT Support Assistant 1. Background to the Role Historically, the first-line support of BHW s IT facilities has been carried out by the IT Manager and his deputy (both of whom are fee-earning staff) with more technically complex matters (or hardware and network issues) passed to an external IT solutions provider with whom the Firm has worked for many years. BHW has grown rapidly over the last 18 months and is heavily reliant on its IT facilities for its day-today operations. There is therefore now the need for a dedicated IT Support Assistant to provide firstline IT support to the Firm s employees and to assist the IT Manager with the monitoring of the Firm s IT facilities, the procurement of new equipment as necessary and liaising with IT suppliers and service providers. In addition, the Firm has recently developed a digital marketing strategy, which involves a far greater emphasis on the Firm s various websites as well as regular updates via LinkedIn and Twitter in order to promote the websites and ensure the Firm s SEO rating remains high. All updates to the Firm s websites are currently carried out by either an external contractor or one of the fee earners but as the Firm continues to increase its digital marketing, there is a need for a dedicated resource to deal with this work. The IT Support Assistant will therefore be required to work with the Managing Partner and other fee earners to ensure that newly-written articles are published promptly to the Firm s websites (and also publicised via LinkedIn and Twitter) and that other changes are made to the websites as directed by the Managing Partner from time to time. The IT Support Assistant will also be expected to provide general administrative support to the Firm, generally on a rota basis with the Firm s apprentices, paralegals and trainee solicitors. This is a new role and therefore an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to further define and develop the role in conjunction with the IT Manager and Managing Partner. 5 Grove Court, Grove Park, Enderby, Leicester LE19 1SA Tel Fax info@bhwsolicitors.com Web

2 2. Firm Profile BHW Solicitors is a specialist commercial law firm which provides the highest quality legal, commercial and strategic advice to businesses and organisations of all types and sizes. The Firm was established in 2003 and has grown during every successive year. We currently have 5 Partners and our total personnel count is 30 and rising. BHW s core practice areas are Mergers & Acquisitions (Corporate), Company and Commercial, Commercial Property, Dispute Resolution and Estate Planning. We also specialise in many industry sectors, including aerospace, agriculture, information technology, plant hire, retail and sport. BHW also operates a separate and highly successful conveyancing business which trades under the names BHW Residential, County Conveyancing and Simple Home Move. Our clients range from owner managed businesses to some of the UK s largest companies, including Next Plc, T-Systems, UK Mail, GEFCO UK, the National Farmers Union and Lavendon Group Plc. The Firm is Lexcel and CQS accredited and maintains industry leading systems to guarantee the highest levels of quality, client care and risk management, leading our Lexcel assessor to describe BHW as an exemplar to other firms in 2012 and in 2013 to summarise that the Firm is run to a high professional standard not often found in the legal sector or indeed in other professional services. BHW is based at Grove Park in Leicester (just off Junction 21 of the M1). The Park is home to major clearing banks, accountants and several high profile businesses such as British Gas, Topps Tiles & ESPO. 3. Training and Development at BHW We have always understood that the identity, ambition and success of any law firm are determined by the people who work in it. Our commitment to the training and development of our staff is unequalled as is our track record for identifying and realising opportunities for those who are keen to embrace them. Most of our Associates and Assistant Solicitors were trainees at the Firm, as were two of our equity Partners this despite the fact that the Firm is only 11 years old.

3 We are equally proud of our track record in respect of the development and training of non-fee earning staff, many of whom have gained qualifications and accreditations beyond the scope of their original appointment. We also operate a thriving apprentice scheme, several graduates of which have embarked on full time careers at the Firm, in areas as diverse as accounts, marketing and IT. Whatever the prospective role, we look for candidates who understand our client first approach and are excited by the opportunity to be part of a team focused on achieving a simple goal to be the best. 4. Job Description: IT Support Assistant Job title: Reports to: Salary: IT Support Assistant Managing Partner / IT Manager Commensurate with Experience Job Objectives 1. To ensure the smooth and uninterrupted operation of the Firm s IT facilities. 2. To provide first line IT support to the employees of the Firm. 3. To provide a liaison with the Firm s external IT solutions provider (or other third parties as appropriate) in respect of any IT issues which cannot be resolved by the IT Support Assistant or the IT Manager. 4. To ensure the non-obsolescence of the Firm s IT equipment. 5. To ensure the Firm is always aware of significant issues in the IT sector which may be of relevance to the Firm. 6. To ensure the smooth running of the Firm s digital and social media policies and to keep the Firm s websites updated.

4 Key tasks 1. To deal promptly and politely with all IT support queries from the Firm s employees. Where the IT Support Assistant and IT Manager are not able to resolve the relevant query, to refer the matter to the Firm s external IT solutions provider and to liaise with him in resolving the issue as soon as possible. 2. To carry out any routine maintenance tasks in respect of the Firm s IT as may be directed by the IT Manager and/or recommended by the Firm s external IT solutions provider. 3. To carry out reviews and audits of the Firm s hardware and software from time to time, as directed by the IT Manager or Managing Partner. 4. To procure new hardware and/or software as directed by the Managing Partner from time to time and to liaise with the relevant suppliers throughout the procurement process. 5. To maintain a keen awareness of current issues in the IT sector which may be relevant to the Firm (e.g. end of support dates) and to update the IT Manager and Managing Partner as necessary. 6. To apply updates to the Firm s websites as directed by the Managing Partner. 7. To upload new articles to the Firm s websites on a regular basis as directed by the Managing Partner and other fee earners and to ensure any such updates are published through LinkedIn and Twitter. 8. To carry out any other support of the Firm s digital and social media policies as may be directed by the Managing Partner from time to time. 9. To carry out all reasonable instructions from senior staff promptly and enthusiastically. 10. Shared general administrative duties undertaken with the Firm s apprentices, paralegals and trainees on a rota basis including: Opening and sorting incoming post. Franking external post. Ordering certain office supplies. Ensuring meeting rooms are set up and cleared before and after meetings.

5 Person specification Candidates must be or have: Strong IT literacy (including the ability to configure Microsoft Windows, change Windows settings as necessary and diagnose general IT issues). Ideally this should be demonstrated through an IT qualification (e.g. HNC) though this is not an absolute necessity. Some experience of website design and/or maintenance, ideally using Wordpress or similar tools, or alternatively be a quick learner. A strong desire to learn and an ability to self-educate. An interest in keeping abreast of current issues in the IT sector. Enthusiastic. Hardworking. Organised. The ability to complete assigned tasks effectively and promptly. A cheerful and polite personality. Adaptable and accommodating. A smart and tidy appearance. Excellent attention to detail. Strong Word and Excel skills. BHW Solicitors May 2014