HR - Office Manager; Director of Operations

We are seeking an HR – Office Manager (Director of Operations) with at least 5 years’ experience to join our management team. The Director of Operations is responsible for managing the operations and professional staff in their assigned offices. All Taft employees operate under a “Client First” philosophy—in all things, we seek to provide exceptional services to our clients.

• Lead and manage legal assistants, paralegals, and operations staff in the Cleveland office, ensuring accountability, engagement, and alignment with Taft standards.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, and development of professional staff; ensure headcount aligns with office needs and strategic priorities.
• Conduct performance evaluations of assigned professional staff, set goals, and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Manage the onboarding of lateral partners and associates joining the Cleveland office, working collaboratively with HR, practice group leaders, training team, IT, and other administrative departments as needed to develop and implement orientation schedules that support seamless integration.
• Monitor paralegal billable hour performance; conduct regular reviews and direct conversations to address shortfalls and drive improvement.
• Partner with Cleveland practice group leaders to increase paralegal productivity and optimize resource allocation across matters and teams.
• Recommend and execute decisions on promotions, compensation adjustments, and terminations in collaboration with HR.
• Collaborate with HR on employee relations matters and organizational development efforts.
• Support special projects and initiatives as directed by the COO or CHRO.
• Facilitate regular professional staff meetings to communicate priorities, share updates, and reinforce Firm culture.
• Partner with Taft’s Facilities and Workplace Delivery and Services Strategy Teams. Serve as the local facilities leader for the Cleveland office, developing good working relationships with each office’s landlord team and ensuring facility standards are maintained and issues are resolved promptly.
• Ensure smooth daily operations of the Cleveland office, maintaining high standards of service to attorneys, clients, and internal stakeholders.
• Manage office budget in coordination with Taft’s finance and accounting team; monitor expenditures and ensure responsible use of resources.
• Partner with the Taft Procurement team to maintain vendor relationships and oversee procurement of office supplies, furniture, and services.
• Coordinate office events, professional staff appreciation initiatives, and community engagement activities.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Cleveland PiC, supporting execution of office-specific strategies and initiatives.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage performance, and drive operational improvements.
• Strong understanding of law firm dynamics, including billable hour models and legal support workflows.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel).
• Strategic thinking with a hands‑on approach to execution, including critical thinking skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• High social and emotional intelligence and ability to navigate sensitive performance conversations.
• Commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture.

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Communications, Business Administration, Organizational Development, or equivalent required.
• Minimum 5 years of management…