Director of SBU Operations

Role Description

The Director of Operations is responsible for driving operational excellence and supporting the strategic growth of the Strategic Business Unit ("SBU"). Reporting to the Managing Director, this role partners with SBU leadership, attorneys, and operations functions—including conflicts, pricing, business intake, integration, and other key departments—to implement strategy, optimize processes, and ensure effective financial and human capital management. The Director of Operations is an operational leader who ensures the SBU achieves its business objectives and delivers exceptional client service.

• Strategy Implementation
  • Partner with the Managing Director and SBU leadership to implement and execute the SBU’s strategic plan, including business growth, client development, and market positioning initiatives.
  • Coordinate and report on the implementation of strategic projects, ensuring objectives are met and key results are delivered.
  • Monitor industry trends and competitive landscape to inform SBU strategy.
  • Support cross-functional projects that enhance SBU effectiveness.
• Operational Excellence & Process Improvement
  • Identify, design, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, quality, and consistency across the SBU.
  • Develop and maintain best practices, policies, and procedures to support operational excellence.
  • Serve as a liaison between the SBU and firm-wide operations functions (e.g., conflicts, pricing, business intake, integration) as well as other departments (e.g., IT, Business Development, Finance, P&C) to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Financial Management
  • Support the MD on the SBU’s financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
  • Collaborate with Finance to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide actionable insights to SBU leadership.
  • Review attorney requests for write-downs, write-offs, and new business intake to support pricing, profitability, and client-matter management initiatives.
  • Ensure compliance with firm policies and client requirements.
• Human Capital Management
  • Partner with SBU leadership on attorney and staff recruitment, onboarding, integration, and talent development.
  • Collaborate with People Business Partners to facilitate feedback and performance management processes within the SBU, including but not limited to managing improvement plans with underperforming timekeepers.
  • Monitor workload allocation and utilization; recommend staffing solutions to balance client needs and professional development.
  • Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Prepare and present regular reports and updates to the Managing Director and SBU leadership.
  • Support business development, client relationship management, and other special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 8+ years of experience in legal operations, practice management, or professional services leadership.
• Strong understanding of law firm economics, attorney workflows, and client service delivery.
• Exceptional communication, analytical, and project management skills.
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate across functions and levels.

Requirements

• Experience in an AmLaw 100 or similarly complex law firm environment.
• Familiarity with legal technology platforms and data analytics tools.
• Strategic mindset with a hands-on approach to execution.

Benefits

• Employees are entitled to compensation commensurate with skill and experience.
• The exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, location, and other factors permitted by law.
• The expected compensation ranges for this position in various states and jurisdictions are as follows:
  • State of Colorado: $161,000 - $287,000
  • State of Illinois: $158,000 - $307,000
  • State of Minnesota: $175,000 - $290,000
• The above salaries do not include a discretionary bonus; however, bonus opportunities are non-guaranteed and are dependent upon individual and firm performance.
• Full-time employees receive benefits including:
  • Medical and dental coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Pre-tax flexible spending account for certain medical and dependent care expenses
  • An employee assistance program
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid holidays
  • Participation in a retirement plan program after meeting eligibility requirements
  • And more.