Practice Development Manager
| Posting date: | 22 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 21 February 2026 |
| Location: | Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1BD |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 4763748_1769077220 |
Summary
An established and fast‑growing accountancy group is seeking a Practice Development Manager to join its central operations function. This is a highly visible, influential role supporting a national network of accountancy practices, with a focus on commercial performance, client experience, and shared success.
This position will suit a practice‑trained accountant who enjoys working with people, improving systems, and driving meaningful, sustainable change-rather than being measured purely on personal chargeable time.
Role
Overview
Working closely with senior stakeholders and practice owners, you will help shape and deliver initiatives designed to improve profitability, enhance client service, and strengthen the long‑term success of the network.
Your work will span three core pillars:
- Improving profitability through better pricing strategies, sales processes, cross‑selling opportunities, margin improvement, and the adoption of technology and automation.
- Client centricity, ensuring practices are supported to deliver exceptional client outcomes and consistently high service standards.
- Shared success, empowering teams across the network through training, support, and best‑practice implementation.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and communicate best‑practice initiatives across the network using a range of engagement methods.
- Act as a central point of expertise for practice systems and technology, supporting adoption, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
- Develop and maintain process documentation, user guides, and operational best practice.
- Design and deliver training sessions focused on software, workflows, and commercial effectiveness.
- Manage relationships with outsourcing and technology partners to support capacity planning and operational efficiency.
- Support practice owners and teams with commercially focused advice and practical solutions.
Candidate Profile
- Experience working within an accountancy practice
- ACA or ACCA qualified
- Strong understanding of how accountancy practices operate commercially and operationally
Key attributes:
- An excellent communicator with the ability to build trust and influence at all levels
- Commercially minded, pragmatic, and process‑driven
- Comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with a wider team
- Organised, adaptable, and proactive in identifying and solving problems
- Confident delivering training and engaging diverse stakeholders
Why Consider This Role?
- A rare opportunity to influence and support multiple accountancy practices at a strategic level
- Varied, people‑focused role with real impact
- Supportive, values‑led culture with a strong emphasis on development and collaboration
- Hybrid working and strong investment in professional growth
- Opportunity to step away from pure fee‑earning without leaving the profession
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
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