Information Product Management Assistant

Location: Belfast

Workplace: Hybrid 

The Opportunity:

The Information Product Management (IPM) service manages the Firm's subscriptions to knowledge products, supporting client work through access to business and legal research tools and databases while leveraging market intelligence and vendor relationships to achieve a significant return on investment for the Firm. The service assists with information product access requests and problems, trials, procuring new print and online resources, renewal of existing subscriptions, usage data analysis, and licensing guidance.  The IPM service also supports the management of the Firm's Global Library Management System.

The Information Product Management Assistant will support all activities around product procurement and management, managing their portfolio of products in alignment with the global and regional Knowledge strategies and global Procurement guidelines. The role holder will assist the IPM Service Owner, Manager, and Specialist with the implementation of strategic vendor management initiatives, strengthening relationships with key vendors, with an increased focus on return on investment.

Working at Baker McKenzie:

Baker McKenzie is the world’s leading law firm with offices all over the world. Our Belfast Centre is home to over 400 teammates in both legal and professional services such as finance, IT, marketing, and business support.

We offer one of the best workplace benefits packages in the business with comprehensive private health cover, income protection, life assurance and a full employee assistance plan. These and a host of other benefits make us one of the most desirable companies to work for in Belfast.

We are committed to promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity for all and are confident we can provide a career as individual and as exceptional as you.

About the role:

As part of this role, the successful candidate will:

Responsibilities:

Service Orientation

• Build and nurture strong internal relationships across Knowledge, Procurement, Finance, Technology, and external relationships with suppliers of regional and global information resources and products.
• Together with the IPM Service Owner, Manager, and Specialist, support regional I&R Leads and teams, managing, negotiating, and reviewing supplier contracts per global Procurement guidelines and budget parameters, and achieving global, regional, and local office savings targets.
• Cultivate responsive, positive, and productive relationships, delivering value through effective communication with stakeholders and vendors.  
• Promote the I&R brand, services, and IPM policies firmwide.
• Contribute substantively to the provision of IPM services by working on Knowledge projects and initiatives as required.

Knowledge & Expertise

• Understands and articulates the suite of I&R resources and products offered by the Firm (globally, regionally, and locally), promoting their value, features, and functionality to other Knowledge colleagues, business professionals, and lawyers.
• Manage access requests and troubleshoot access issues for the Firm’s portfolio of products, escalating as appropriate.
• Answer questions relating to licensing issues and provide advice on the appropriate use.
• Assist with implementing global and regional guidelines for new product requests, curating business cases, conducting trials, product assessments, and gathering feedback, including product cancellations and rationalizations.
• Lead on trialling new products, engaging with stakeholders, budget managers, and potential users to include post-trial surveys and business decisions.
• Assist with the delivery of information resources and product outreach and training plans, including tailoring training to educate specific groups and meet specific needs.
• Co-ordinate effective product management, liaising with vendors' internal teams, and ensuring timely invoice processing to avoid interruption to service.
• Committed to continuous improvements of IPM policies and processes to incorporate efficiencies, new procedures, upgrades, and changes to best practice.

People Management

• Take direction from the IPM Service Owner and Specialist when required and works collaboratively with other I&R business professionals in achieving strategic goals.

Operational Efficiencies, Quality and Risk Mitigation

• Act as internal champion for Knowledge, I&R information and research systems, and research products, ensuring all I&R business professionals and lawyers engage with them effectively.
• Assist with planning, scheduling, prioritizing, and delivering all routine and non-routine work and effective delivery of IPM inquiries and requests.
• Champion the appropriate use of all products per agreed terms and conditions of use, mitigating reputational damage to the firm.

Essential Criteria:

To be successful in this role you will need:

Skills and Experience:

• Relevant undergraduate degree (library, information services, information management, etc. desirable)
• Relevant experience with library and information and research products in a professional services environment; familiarity with library management systems desirable
• Experience in negotiation with internal stakeholders and/or external bodies. 
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, build strong relationships virtually, communicate effectively, comfortable working in large, complex environments, credible and persuasive.