Senior Research Librarian - Law - London
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Research Librarian to join the global Knowledge and Research function of a leading international law firm with a strong UK, US and EMEA presence.
This is a highly visible, senior role within the Research team, sitting at the intersection of research delivery, content procurement and stakeholder engagement. Alongside supporting complex legal and business research, the role plays a key part in how information resources are sourced, managed, optimised and promoted across the firm. A significant proportion of the position focuses on procurement and vendor management, working in close partnership with a dedicated Vendor and Subscription Manager covering the UK, EMEA and US.
The primary objectives and responsibilities of theSenior Research Librarian include, but are not limited to:
- Playing a senior role in content procurement, including contract negotiations, renewals and supplier performance
- Working closely with the Vendor and Subscription Manager on strategic supplier discussions and budget submissions
- Managing financial reporting, usage analysis and invoice processing for research resources
- Partnering with the central Procurement team to ensure compliance with firmwide policies
- Evaluating, promoting and optimising information resources to drive value and return on investment
- Delivering high‑quality legal, business, market and company research across jurisdictions
- Supporting business development and client pitching through targeted research
- Producing usage and research activity reports to inform future resource decisions
- Acting as a senior contributor to Research strategy, policies and service development
- Contributing to internal working groups focused on content, procurement and innovation
- Supporting the Senior Research Manager with strategic initiatives and team leadership
- Building strong relationships with lawyers and business services stakeholders
- Identifying training needs and contributing to research skills development programmes
- Supporting users in developing effective research strategies and approaches
- Maintaining and improving research workflows through library systems and intranet tools
- Liaising with suppliers to resolve access, technical or content issues
- Representing the Research team in meetings and firmwide initiatives
- Contributing flexibly to wider Research projects as required
To be a suitable candidate for this Senior Research Librarian requirement, the following skills and experience are required:
- A recognised postgraduate or graduate qualification in Library or Information Studies (or equivalent)
- At least five years’ experience in a library, research or information role, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment
- Strong working knowledge of core legal, business and news research platforms
- Proven experience of content procurement, subscription management and vendor negotiation
- Confidence managing budgets, financial reporting and usage analysis
- Experience working with library management systems and SharePoint‑based environments
- The ability to operate comfortably in a global, stakeholder‑rich organisation