Director of Operations, in person position

Law Office of Lena A Clark•Frederick, MD

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Operations is the firm’s second-in-command - the bridge between strategy and execution. You will run the day-to-day in-office business operations, lead the team, manage performance, and ensure that every department operates with clarity, accountability, and alignment. This is a leadership role for a builder : someone who can turn vision into systems, people into performers, and chaos into structure. You’ll oversee operations, HR, and firm-wide project execution so the owner can focus on growth, leadership, and high-value client work. Core Purpose To translate the owner’s strategic vision into operational reality by leading people, refining systems, and driving performance across all areas of the firm.

Requirements

5+ years in operations or HR leadership in a service-based business (law, finance, medical, consulting, etc.).
Experience managing people, processes, and budgets simultaneously.
Familiarity with employment law, performance management, and HR compliance.
Strong background in implementing systems and leading teams to measurable results.
Exceptional leadership and communication ability.
Deep understanding of people management and coaching.
Skilled in process mapping, documentation, and accountability systems.
Confident with metrics and data-driven decision-making.
HR generalist knowledge, including hiring, benefits, and compliance.
Proficient with CRMs, project management tools, and Google Workspace.
High emotional intelligence
Calm under pressure; thrives in problem-solving.
Highly organized and execution-focused.
Direct but diplomatic communicator.
Growth-oriented; seeks constant improvement.
Adaptable and comfortable with feedback
Operates with integrity, transparency, and ownership mentality.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management Lead team and department meetings focused on performance, accountability, and progress.
Supervise and develop team leads.
Maintain culture and alignment with firm values through regular communication and feedback.
Conduct quarterly 1:1s and annual performance reviews.
Support team leads in coaching, delegation, and conflict resolution.
Serve as the first escalation point for operational, personnel, and client issues.
HR & People Operations Own full-cycle HR functions for the firm, including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and offboarding.
Develop and maintain job descriptions, scorecards, and career paths for all roles.
Manage performance improvement plans (PIPs), employee discipline, and compliance documentation.
Oversee payroll coordination, benefits administration, and PTO tracking.
Conduct compensation benchmarking and recommend pay adjustments and incentive structures.
Manage employee handbook and ensure compliance with state and federal employment laws.
Lead culture-building initiatives, team events, and employee recognition programs.
Partner with the owner to design and implement firm-wide leadership and training programs.
Systems, Process, and Performance Management Maintain and continuously improve all firm workflows, checklists, and SOPs.
Own the CRM and project management systems.
Ensure all departments follow standardized systems and procedures for consistent client experience.
Develop KPI dashboards for tracking revenue, lead flow, client satisfaction, and productivity.
Analyze firm data to identify bottlenecks and propose system improvements.
Oversee technology adoption, data hygiene, and operational efficiency initiatives.
Financial & Capacity Oversight Track utilization, capacity, and workload to forecast hiring needs.
Support the owner in setting annual budgets, revenue goals, and incentive plans.
Collaborate with the owner and bookkeeper on monthly P&L and budget reviews.
Monitor expenses, payroll accuracy, and vendor agreements.
Strategic Implementation Partner with the owner to define quarterly goals (“rocks”) and translate them into actionable projects.
Create implementation plans with clear timelines, owners, and success metrics.
Keep projects on track and report weekly on progress, challenges, and solutions.