Head of Operations Management (m/w/d)

Lilette Advisors is seeking an experienced and highly capable Operations Manager to join our leadership team. In this pivotal role, you will serve as the organizational backbone of the firm, overseeing the day‑to‑day functions that enable our client‑facing teams to operate at their highest level. This position carries broad responsibility across three core domains: finance, human resources, and executive support.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail‑oriented professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, relationship‑driven environment and brings a sophisticated understanding of firm operations to every facet of this work. This is a senior internal role that requires sound judgement, discretion, and the ability to build and maintain efficient systems across a growing organization.

The position is based in the DC Metro area.

About Lilette Advisors

Lilette Advisors is a boutique, full‑service strategic advisory firm deeply rooted in the intersection of government, media, and politics. Our team combines decades of experience in the boardroom, political campaigns, the White House, Capitol Hill, and state and local government. We bring that experience to bear on behalf of a diverse roster of clients navigating complex public affairs environments.

Key Responsibilities

Operations

Develop, implement, and maintain firm‑wide operational policies and procedures to support a well‑run, consistent work environment.

Assess and oversee team administrative support needs.

Negotiate and manage vendor contracts and relationships; evaluate service quality and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency.

Oversee the planning, organization, and execution of team member meetings.

Serve as the operational liaison between firm leadership and internal staff, ensuring clear information flow and timely follow‑through on key priorities.

Manage and continuously improve internal firm systems and workflows, including file management, project tracking tools, and internal communication platforms.

Finance & Accounting Support

Assist firm‑wide financial operations, including accounts payable and receivable, monthly reconciliation, and cash flow management.

Prepare and maintain operating budgets; track expenditures against projections and provide regular financial reporting to firm leadership.

Coordinate with the firm’s external accountants and auditors to ensure timely and accurate completion of tax filings, payroll processing, and financial compliance obligations.

Function as backup to the Accounting Manager on an as‑needed basis, maintaining sufficient familiarity with financial systems and processes to provide continuity of operations.

Support billing and invoicing for client engagements in coordination with senior staff.

Human Resources

Manage all human resource functions, including compensation and benefits, talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational development.

Develop and administer HR policies, procedures, and the employee handbook in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws.

Work closely with leadership to implement processes that sustain a culture of feedback, engagement, collaboration, and teamwork.

Manage benefits administration, including health insurance, 401(k), paid leave, and other employee programs; serve as the primary point of contact for benefits‑related inquiries.

Oversee compensation benchmarking and support annual salary review and bonus administration processes.

Maintain confidential personnel records and ensure all HR documentation is current and compliant.

Executive Support

Provide direct operational support to firm principals, including preparation of briefing materials and management of priority communications.

Support the onboarding of new clients in coordination with the client services team, ensuring contracts and administrative requirements are completed accurately and efficiently.

Plan and assist in executing firm events, leadership off‑sites, and key organizational moments.

Qualifications & Skills

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in Operations Management, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field.

Proven working experience as an Operations Manager, with demonstrated effectiveness across finance, HR, and administrative functions.

Strong working knowledge of labor laws, HR best practices, and related databases.

Demonstrated experience managing budgets, vendor contracts, and operational procedures in a professional services or advisory environment.

Proven track record of supporting senior executives with discretion, professionalism, and exceptional organizational skill.

Demonstrated effectiveness in written and verbal communication; ability to synthesize complex information and present it clearly to firm leadership.

High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and financial or HR management platforms (e.g., QuickBooks, Gusto, Bill.com, or similar tools).

Highly organized, solution‑oriented, and capable of managing competing priorities across multiple workstreams in a fast‑paced environment.

A discreet, trustworthy professional who understands the sensitivity of the firm’s work and upholds strict confidentiality at all times.

Salary: $80,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience.

Eligible for an annual performance‑based bonus.

Comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, maternity/paternity leave, health benefits, and a generous 401(k) plan.

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