Who we are

Johnson Winter Slattery (JWS) is a leading Australian law firm known for advising corporates and funds on their most complex transactions, disputes and regulatory matters.

At JWS, we build authentic, long-term relationships and have a deep understanding of our clients and their industries. Our clients say we are pragmatic, strategic, commercial and easy to work with.

Our firm comprises more than 450 highly talented people, including 80+ partners, across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Canberra. JWS has also announced the opening of a representative office in New York, strengthening our ability to support US clients investing in Australia. We are globally connected and have strong relationships with major independent law firms around the world.

JWS was recognised as Australian Law Firm of the Year (Beaton Client Choice Awards 2025). Our lawyers are highly ranked in Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Lexology Index (formerly Who's Who Legal).

We are strongly committed to social justice, responsible business and our diverse communities. We are proud of our pro bono program, which focuses on supporting low-income, disadvantaged and marginalised people in the Australian community.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Office Manager to lead our Melbourne Practice Support team. Reporting to the National Practice Support Manager, you will be accountable for the day-to-day operational management of the Melbourne office and will lead a team of Legal Assistants, Reception and the Workroom Supervisor.

Working in partnership with Business Services and Practice Group leaders, you will align local service with national standards, develop team capability and support a resilient and sustainable Practice Support function within a professional, efficient and welcoming workplace.

Your responsibilities will include

- managing the daily operations of the Melbourne office and maintaining the presentation of the workplace to a high standard;
- leading, coaching and supporting the Practice Support team to ensure service continuity and effective workflow management;
- acting as the primary contact for office operational issues, including liaising with building management on security, access, parking, tenancy and fire warden matters;
- supporting a seamless Front of House experience, including client events, staff functions and firm events, in partnership with the National Events Manager;
- supporting workforce planning,



monitoring overtime and staffing costs and reviewing supplier and service expenditure;
- managing space allocation and overseeing office equipment, services and external providers;
- coordinating business continuity and emergency procedures, and championing safe work practices across the office; and
- collaborating with Practice Groups and Business Services to address local needs and support national initiatives, promoting a "one firm" culture.

About You

You are an experienced office management or legal practice support professional with at least five years' experience, together with proven people leadership experience, including performance management and team development, ideally gained within a legal or professional services environment. You bring a strong understanding of legal practice support workflows, service expectations and the operational requirements of a professional office.

You are service-oriented and committed to delivering an exceptional experience for colleagues, clients and visitors. Adaptable and proactive, you exercise initiative and maintain a high level of performance as priorities change in a dynamic environment.

With outstanding communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills, you are known for your attention to detail, sound judgement and ability to identify practical solutions and deliver high-quality outcomes within required timeframes. You have a growth mindset, embrace continuous improvement and new ideas, and take ownership and accountability for outcomes.

You are also comfortable undertaking the physical aspects of the role, including moving supplies and equipment, setting up and packing down meeting rooms and event spaces and assisting with office relocations, always with a strong commitment to workplace health and safety. Finally, you are digitally savvy, with strong Microsoft 365 skills and a willingness to embrace current technologies and business systems.

This is a full-time role with a minimum expectation of four days per week in the office.

About the Team

Our Practice Support team is critical to the firm's growth,



client experience and operational effectiveness. In Melbourne, the team brings together Legal Assistants, Reception and the Workroom to provide high-quality, proactive support to our practitioners and clients and to create a welcoming, productive and well-supported environment for our people and visitors.

This is an opportunity to lead a highly valued team at the heart of our business, where your leadership will have a meaningful impact across the Melbourne office and the firm.

Working at JWS

This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative and supportive team where people genuinely enjoy working together. You'll have the chance to build meaningful, long-lasting relationships through team lunches, Friday drinks and social events.

Collaboration is at the heart of how we work. We value shared success, encourage knowledge-sharing, and support one another to achieve the best outcomes for our clients and colleagues.

We're equally committed to the wellbeing and development of our people. We'll take the time to understand your career goals and provide the support, opportunities and guidance you need to grow and thrive. It's this people-first approach that has helped us become one of Australia's leading independent law firms and a place where talented people choose to build rewarding, long-term careers.

If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can contribute, grow, and build a long-term career with one of Australia's leading independent law firms, we'd love to hear from you.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, where our differences are also our strength. If you are interested in this role and our firm (but don't necessarily meet every single requirement in this advert), we encourage you to contact us to discuss potential opportunities.

We are committed to promoting a workplace that is diverse and inclusive. We encourage the best people – regardless of race, religion, or belief if any, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, or age – to fulfil their professional aspirations with us. In particular, we would welcome applications from First Nations candidates.

Johnson Winter Slattery pays respect to Elders past and present of our nation's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We honour the deep spiritual, cultural and customary connections of Traditional Owners to the Australian landscape, including Australia's waterways, land, and sea country.

📌 Office Manager (Melbourne)
🏢 Johnson Winter Slattery
📍 Melbourne