Department Operations Manager

Polsinelli•Kansas City, MO

About The Position

At Polsinelli, What a Law Firm Should Be is not just our tagline, it is what we live every day. We strive to create an environment where our team members are encouraged to bring their creativity and professional passions into the workplace so that they can thrive. Are you a people person who has a keen eye for detail, thrives in a professional environment and wants to be part of a dynamic team? We have the perfect role for an engaging professional like you! Polsinelli PC is seeking a Manager to work in our Legal Department Operations in our Finance, Investment Strategies and Real Estate Department in Kansas City. The Manager of Department Operations is responsible for working with department leadership, overseeing the daily business and operational functions that support the delivery of legal services. This role ensures that the department operates efficiently, strategically, and in alignment with organizational objectives. In this role, you would have the unique opportunity to serve as interface between the Finance, Investment Strategies and Real Estate Department and the administrative support functions – like finance and accounting, HR, recruiting, etc. Responsibilities of this role would include supporting and facilitating daily operations for legal departments across administrative teams, driving legal department-specific short-term and long-term initiatives, budget management, providing various analysis of complex data, and developing monthly and quarterly reporting to department and industry leadership. The vantage point of this role is unique and requires that an individual be analytical and detail-oriented, while being able to balance competing priorities and facilitate diverse groups and interests towards results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
5+ years of relevant experience in business, financial or operational analysis, consulting, or similar.
Strong desire for a career as a non-lawyer in the legal industry.
Developing understanding of general business and financial concepts and terminology.
Must be able to change directions quickly, transitioning between multiple hats throughout the day as workflow needs change.
Ability to take ownership for delivering customized projects with a degree of autonomy; adept at leading or supporting several projects simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; dedication to accuracy, precision and diligence in all deliverables.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office suite and internal document management systems.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in the business of law a plus.
Interest and desire to learn skills necessary for supporting high-performing client service teams and other teams and groups within the firm.
Proficiency with legal research tools and software (e.g., iManage) is preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with department leadership to design, implement, and oversee procedures and workflows that enhance structure, efficiency, and overall operational management within the department.
Work with the department chair and practice leadership to support the strategic planning process.
Develop a cadence for monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting including progress against strategic plan and financial performance for the department to firm leadership.
Participate, understand, and implement the identified short-term and long-term operational and practice management initiatives of the legal department.
Support the department in the offboarding, onboarding, and integration process.
Maintain accurate operational metrics, dashboards, and reports to support strategic decision-making.
Support overall organizational hygiene, i.e. plan, recommend agendas, track action items and minutes for various department meetings and retreats.
Serve as a liaison between the legal department and other professional staff departments within the firm (e.g. professional development, training, and HR) to ensure collaboration and to ensure broader support throughout the department, the legal operations team, and professional staff.
Collaborate and work well as part of a geographically dispersed multidisciplinary team.
Establish and review project management cadence to provide updates, collaborating with relevant groups to report out findings.