Legal Operations Manager

Gusto•San Francisco, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a hands-on Legal Operations Manager to join the Legal & Compliance team. In this role, you will own the systems, tools, and processes that enable our Legal & Compliance teams to build and scale and be at the forefront of driving AI solutions for the teams. You will report to the Head of Legal Employment, Litigation & Legal Operations working cross functionally as a true strategic partner to the team. If you’re energized by building things that last, experimenting with emerging technology, and redefining what an in-house legal team can achieve, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact. Gusto’s Legal & Compliance team partners with product teams to enable innovation, facilitate responsible company growth, accelerate the Gusto roadmap, and provide compliant products to our customers, through solution-focused counsel on legal and business risks. We are passionate about using groundbreaking technology and excellent service to elevate the experience of small business owners and their employees. Each team member is a true owner and makes a tremendous impact every day.

Requirements

5+ years of legal operations experience at a high-growth technology company
Hands on expertise with legal tooling-selection, implementation, and day-to-day operation (CLM, e-billing, matter management, procurement systems)
Experience implementing AI and technology within legal operations
Hands-on experience with AI-assisted legal tools and a fluency (or path to fluency) in agentic / automated legal workflows (e.g. Claude CoWork)
Experience engaging and managing outside counsel, legal spend, budgeting, and program management
Proven ability to build and maintain metrics and reporting frameworks, including operational KPIs
Exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders across Legal, Finance, IT, Security, and Procurement
A builder's mindset — demonstrated success building and improving processes, not just running them, with measurable results

Nice To Haves

Legal Operations community involvement (CLOC, Legal Suite)
Experience at a SaaS or otherwise high-velocity technology company
Creative problem-solving skills and the confidence to take smart risks
Energy, curiosity, and a drive to be part of something groundbreaking
A team-first approach, with no job too big or too small

Responsibilities

Drive the Legal & Compliance team’s operational strategy, understand operational challenges, identify opportunities to improve systems and workflows
Maintain and optimize a best in class AI driven tech stack. Partner cross functionally with AI and Contract Operations to identify technologies, negotiate with vendors, and drive implementation.
Partner closely with Finance and Legal leadership to manage budget, forecasting, accruals, and track spend
Working closely with leadership, own planning cycles, OKRs, and data reporting and metrics
Manage outside counsel relationships, including new engagements, billing guidelines invoicing, and e-billing. Drive outside counsel management strategy with a focus on cost discipline and operational accountability
Build and maintain knowledge management platforms and learning and development programs that keep the team current and operating effectively.
Run the day-to-day operations of the Legal & Compliance team, driving efficiencies that enable the team to perform its best work. (e.g. manage vendors, attorney memberships, internal practice guidelines, expenses, team meetings)
Represent Gusto within the Legal Operations community, staying current on emerging technologies and best practices.