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.