Business Operations Manager / People Manager

Overview Client: law firm Location: on-site 3 days a week in Greensboro NC, Raleigh NC, Albany NY, St Louis MO, Buffalo NY, or Rochester NY. Job Type: full-time/permanent Position Summary The Legal Operations Practice Group Manager is accountable for the day-to-day management and oversight of assigned attorney practice groups. This key leadership role drives operational excellence, compliance and business growth leading teams through change, and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. This position requires exceptional leadership skills, communication, relationship-building, and analytical skills, as well as the ability to inspire and develop others. Essential Job Functions Productivity & Capacity Management Manage productivity and oversee timekeeper performance to optimize resource allocation and support operational goals. Conduct regular capacity assessments and case list reviews to support effective work allocation and staffing decisions. Case Quality & Compliance Partner with the Audit team to monitor and enhance case quality, ensuring adherence to firm standards and compliance requirements. Support adherence to compliance, including Outside Counsel Guidelines (OCG) for billings and status reporting, draft bill reviews, and budget completion. Ensure compliance with document management policies and support training reinforcement and ongoing professional development. Attorney Engagement & Performance Conduct routine check-ins with attorneys to monitor progress, provide support, and address performance issues. Manage onboarding and departures, ensuring smooth transitions and compliance with firm policies. Provide full oversight of all performance management processes, including performance improvement plans and facilitating year-end evaluations. Training & Reinforcement Analyze attorney performance data to identify skill gaps and training needs; then address those gaps through individualized coaching or by leveraging firm-wide resources. Communications & Business Support Facilitate effective practice group communications, including meetings, updates, and dissemination of key information. Oversee client communications and reporting, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of information. Serve as a liaison with administrative leaders to coordinate cross-functional initiatives and resolve operational issues. Act as a business sponsor/representative for projects impacting attorneys and legal operations, driving process improvements and operational efficiencies. Leadership Responsibilities Cultivate trust and collaboration across practice groups and with administrative leaders, attorneys, and external partners. Communicate complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences; facilitate open dialogue and provide constructive feedback. Coach, mentor, and develop team members, promoting a culture of inclusion, accountability, and continuous learning. Leverage data and sound judgment to drive decisions, solve problems, and measure performance. Foster collaboration by constructively navigating conflicts and mediating disputes to build consensus and sustain a positive, productive work environment. Change Management & Leadership Lead teams through organizational change, process optimization, and technology adoption, fostering a culture of adaptability and innovation. Encourage ongoing professional development for self and team. Stay current with industry trends and best practices and apply learnings to improve operations. Technology & Process Optimization Business representative for procurement, development, implementation, and optimization for any attorney-facing technology platforms (e.g., case management/matter management, knowledge management, CRM, document management, etc.). Lead initiatives to automate workflows, streamline processes, and drive innovation (including leveraging AI or analytics tools). Use data to track KPIs, measure performance, and inform decision-making. Strategic & Collaborative Contributions Participate in the development and execution of the firm's strategic and business plans. Contribute to staffing assessments to support attorney recruitment and retention efforts. Support business development initiatives and practice group expansion strategies. Qualifications Experience/Requirements: 5+ years management experience with demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop high-performing teams. Proven experience managing change, building cross-functional relationships, and communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders. Strong analytical, decision-making, and conflict resolution skills. Experienced working knowledge and abilities with project management, change management, and process improvement. 4-year degree required 5 years' progressive expertise in related area required; experience leading company-wide initiatives within a multi-office setting, preferably in a professional services firm environment. Working knowledge of Word, Outlook, Power Point and Excel required; experience in SharePoint and/or Power BI an asset. #J-18808-Ljbffr