Director of Office Operations & Real Estate

Michael Best is seeking a Director of Office Operations & Real Estate to ensure the attorneys and professional staff at Michael Best have the local platform they need to deliver world-class legal services to our clients. Leading a national organization of 35+ team members, including 6–8 direct reports who supervise the local office teams, this role is responsible for efficient delivery of professional office services to 20+ offices across the country (approximately 350,000 SF).

As the firm continues to expand, adding new offices and operations team members each year, this leader will play a critical role in shaping and executing a national office operations strategy. Key responsibilities include driving efficiency through process improvement and standardization, managing a Class A real estate portfolio, and developing a high-performing team to support the firm's continued growth.

• Manage a team of Administrative Office Managers (AOMs) and Office Administrators (OAs) who directly supervise administrative support staff (office services and reception, records and filing specialists, facilities and maintenance) within each office.
• In alignment with Firm leadership and the Strategic Plan, establish, maintain and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• In partnership with AOMs and Office Managing Partners (OMPs), manage and oversee expenditures (P&L Statements), assuring financial performance to budgets for each office location.
• Provide analysis on and recommendation for improving administrative and support operations; including staffing, administrative workload, cost reduction, work allocation, performance of administrative teams.
• In partnership with the Talent/HR team and within firm hiring processes, lead workforce planning and drive the interviewing and hiring of administrative support staff for the respective offices, recommending selection decisions.
• Assure onboarding training and cross-training, provided by direct line managers, are effective, sufficient, and align with the evolving needs of the Firm.
• Hold AOMs and administrative staff accountable for performance expectations and development that support Firm objectives.
• Travel to Firm offices on a regular basis to inspect operations, conduct listening tours, and build relationships with OMPs, AOMs, administrative staff, and timekeepers.
• In conjunction with the local OMP and AOM, and under the direction of the COO, manage the day-to-day administration of all office leases on behalf of the firm, acting as a steward of its finances and in accordance with its objectives.
• In the event that additional office space is needed, lead the search for new office accommodations, provide analysis and recommendations to firm leadership
• Manage relationships with the firm’s leasing agents, landlords, property management and other related vendors
• Oversee the execution of new office build outs, expansion and renovations
• Monitor employee usage of the office space and its resources

• Lead planning and budgeting processes for all Office Operations, lease & vendor agreements, and office build outs / renovations.
• In partnership with OMPs and Finance leadership, establish reasonable budgets for internal firm-sponsored events (e.g.: holiday observances, employee recognition events) and oversee planning and implementation of office event plans.
• Maintain the integrity, organization, and confidentiality of facilities, lease, vendor, and other firm records, both in paper and electronic formats.
• Assist with and conduct internal process audits, tests and evaluations, as needed.
• All other duties, as assigned and/or recommended.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Real Estate, Human Resources, or related field) is minimally required.
  * Comparable work experience may be considered
• Preferred: professional certification such as IFMA (FMP or CFM), BOMA (RPA), or PMP

• 7+ years’ progressively responsible office management & administrative leadership experience is minimally required
• 5+ years with Real Estate Facilities Management and Lease Management
• 5+ years with direct…