Business Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES:Financial Management & Reporting:Review, interpret, and analyze the firm's financial reports and underlying data to provide leadership with meaningful business insights and actionable recommendations.Identify financial trends, variances, risks, and opportunities and develop appropriate responses or corrective actions.Drive improvements in billing practices, collections, and the overall financial performance of client relationships in partnership with the Director of Finance and attorneys.Analyze the financial and business implications of client rates, discounts, alternative fee arrangements, and other pricing decisions, providing clear recommendations to firm leadership and attorneys.Review business and vendor contracts from a financial and commercial perspective, identifying pricing concerns, financial risks, renewal provisions, and other issues.Lead budgeting efforts and assist with P&L preparation, forecasting, financial planning, and other business analyses as requested by firm leadership.Business Operations & Process Improvement:Serve as a key business resource and sounding board for the Managing Partner, providing substantive analysis and well-developed recommendations.Develop analyses and recommendations that directly support firm leadership's decision-making.Maintain a broad view of firm operations and proactively identify opportunities to improve efficiency, profitability, and client service.Evaluate administrative processes and implement improvements in collaboration with relevant teams.Oversee relationships with key vendors and service providers from a business and operational perspective.Coordinate with attorneys, administrative personnel, outside professionals, and vendors to ensure business matters are handled effectively.Help leadership assess the business implications of investments, expenditures, client arrangements, and other initiatives.Take ownership of approved business initiatives and help ensure effective implementation.Assist with office operations, technology, insurance, facilities, and other business functions as needed.Executive & Administrative Support:Support the Executive Committee by coordinating meeting logistics, preparing materials, tracking action items, and ensuring follow-through on committee decisions.Handle miscellaneous administrative matters arising in the ordinary course of firm operations with sound judgment and discretion.Evaluate vendor performance and cost-effectiveness and recommend changes or alternatives when appropriate.Work closely with firm leadership to ensure day-to-day business and administrative operations are efficient and financially disciplined.QUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.10+ years of experience in a Business Manager or related role, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.Strong financial analytical skills, including experience reviewing forecasts, expenses, invoices, financial reports, and P&Ls.Ability to analyze financial information, identify root causes, evaluate options, and develop practical recommendations.Proven ability to work effectively across departments, manage competing priorities, and hold others accountable for deliverables.Excellent organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with attorneys, staff, vendors, clients, and firm leadership.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel skills.High degree of professionalism, discretion, and integrity.Strong financial literacy and understanding of the drivers of a firm's financial performance.Hands-on, proactive approach to operations with strong follow-through.Ability to identify problems and opportunities and address them proactively.Ability to communicate complex business and financial issues clearly and effectively.Ability to influence, coordinate, and drive initiatives forward without formal decision-making authority.Preferred Qualifications:Prior experience in an insurance defense or litigation-focused law firm.Experience with legal billing systems, financial software, or practice management platforms.Familiarity with vendor contract negotiation and management.Experience supporting C-suite or senior executive leadership.BENEFITS:Competitive base salary of $120,000–$170,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.Performance-based annual bonus.Medical, dental, and vision insurance.401(k).Paid time off.Life insurance.Twelve paid holidays.Parental leave.Military leave.Mobile phone stipend.WORK ENVIRONMENT:Primarily performed in a professional office environment.Daily in-office presence required during the initial four months of employment.Hybrid work arrangement may be considered after four months.Collaborative environment involving attorneys, administrative staff, firm leadership, clients, vendors, and outside professionals.Occasional travel to the firm's branch offices or firm events.Requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced professional services environment.