Senior Director of Operations

With eleven offices across the United States, 450+ attorney and consulting professionals and 350+ business and administrative professionals,
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips LLP is a multidisciplinary, integrated national professional services firm known for quality and an extraordinary commitment to clients. The firm’s groundbreaking approach—bringing together legal services, advocacy and business strategy—differentiates Manatt from its competitors and positions the firm to provide a unique and compelling value proposition.

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP is seeking a highly qualified Senior Director of Operations. Reporting to the Firm’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and a member of the Firm’s Business Professional Leadership Team, the Senior Director of Operations will be a strategic leader with proven expertise in project/initiative management, managing administrative, real estate/facilities and information services/knowledge management operations, driving organizational efficiency, managing special projects and fostering a culture of excellence in a legal, consulting or professional services environment.

Responsibilities

• Work with COO to streamline and optimize processes to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Work closely with COO, leadership and business teams to develop and implement strategies, initiatives and policies to ensure alignment with the firm’s strategy.
• Lead in the implementation of a firmwide project management team.
• Manage projects, initiatives and areas across administrative and business operations.
• Monitor project timelines and deliverable to ensure deadlines met.
• Identify bottlenecks and propose solutions to enhance workflow.
• Take ownership of special projects as needed and ensure project goals are met by coordinating resources and activities.
• Optimize technology, data and AI adoption, including ROI reporting, business intelligence, etc.
• Work closely with COO and the Information Services/Knowledge Management team ensuring that all aspects for the Firm’s library operations are running efficiently and that attorney, consulting and business professionals have access to comprehensive legal and other research resources and support.
• Works closely with COO, Director of Real Estate and Facilities and Directors of Administration in regard to leases, security, space planning, occupancy, new space, renovations, maintenance and other firm needs to ensure all strategic and operational needs are met.
• Works closely with COO, Director of Real Estate and Facilities and Business Professional Leaders to execute upon all procurement needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field is required; an MBA, master’s degree or law degree is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 12+ years relevant administrative, project and knowledge management experience in a legal, consultant or professional services environment with people-management experience.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate needs, identify opportunities and drive initiatives to completion.
• Proven leadership characteristics, including the ability to achieve results, manage multiple priorities and projects, handle complex relationships, and develop employees.
• Analytical skills including aptitude for detail, and logic with extensive office management and administration experience in order to fulfill expectations.
• Proven ability to unite and lead diverse team members effectively, fostering a cohesive and productive environment.
• Ability to work discreetly with confidential information and situations.
• Fundamental proficiency in planning, allocating and reconciling an operations budget.
• Knowledge of current facilities, office administration, reception, library, and legal support best practices and procedures.
• Experience…