Office Administrator, Houston

NRF•Houston, TX

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Norton Rose Fulbright, people thrive because of a shared commitment to quality, unity and integrity. The highly regarded law firm consistently receives recognition from Great Place to Work and Top Workplaces, two companies that specialize in assessing organizational culture. Teams collaborate across regions, value new ideas and deliver meaningful client solutions, supported by a culture that embraces ambition, development and shared success. With more than 3,000 lawyers and 3,000 business services professionals working together across 50 offices worldwide, this global law firm provides a full range of legal services to leading corporations and financial institutions operating in key markets and sectors. Norton Rose Fulbright is seeking an Office Administrator to oversee day‑to‑day operations of the Houston office and serve as the primary point of contact in that office, ensuring administrative functions run smoothly so lawyers can focus on the practice of law. The Office Administrator regularly liaises with the Partners-in-Charge of the office to keep them informed of operational matters and business challenges. The role oversees on‑site administrative support services, including reception, conference services, mail and digital services, office services, and records, and provides direct operational support to legal and administrative personnel. This position is based in Houston and requires a minimum of four days per week in the office. The role reports to the Director, Administration and Legal Support, with an indirect reporting line to the Partners‑in‑Charge of the office.

Requirements

Prior law firm or professional services experience is required.
Ability to work discreetly with confidential information and sensitive situations.
Ability to quickly identify and analyze issues and problems, recommend and implement solutions, and respond effectively to sensitive inquiries and complaints.
Demonstrates a proactive focus on operational excellence, client service, efficiency, and cost management.
Exhibits excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Acts as a self‑starter with a high energy level and a do‑what‑it‑takes attitude.
Data-driven and continuous improvement mindset.
Ability to multi‑task with strong organizational skills.
Exercises flexibility and sound judgment in all situations.
Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure and during high-priority or emergency situations.
Demonstrates strong problem‑solving skills and consistent follow‑through.
Serves as an ambassador of goodwill, a catalyst for change, and maintains local office culture while embracing the needs of a global legal practice.
Ability to plan, coordinate, and direct the work of others.
Maintains responsiveness and the ability to be available outside regular business hours in emergencies or high‑priority situations.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Minimum of ten years of work experience, including at least five years of supervisory experience, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor to Partners-in-Charge and firm leadership, providing insights and recommendations on office operations, performance, strategic priorities, and business challenges.
Partner with leadership to align administrative support and services with client and practice needs.
Oversee daily office operations to ensure efficient, high-quality service delivery while identifying opportunities to enhance operational effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
Establish and maintain standards of operational excellence, client service, and responsiveness.
Lead and manage a team of administrative and legal support professionals, including work allocation, performance evaluation, employee development, and training initiatives
Oversee staffing strategy including recruitment, workforce planning, and maintaining appropriate staffing levels.
Partner with Human Resources to address employee relations matters, performance concerns, and organizational changes.
Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing workplace culture that supports engagement and retention.
Lead and support change management initiatives, including implementation of new service delivery models, technologies, and operational improvements.
Ensure seamless onboarding and offboarding processes, including coordination of logistics and cross-functional support.
Coordinate office-wide activities in alignment with firm policies and best practices while supporting the execution of client-facing and internal events, conferences, and firm-sponsored initiatives.
Oversee facilities operations, including space planning, workplace design, construction, renovations, relocations, and lease-related matters, while partnering with building management to ensure a safe and functional environment.
Maintain responsibility for workplace health, safety, security, and compliance with firm policies, including risk management, business continuity planning, and incident response.
Manage the office administrative budget, including forecasting, expense approval, cost control, and identification of cost optimization opportunities.
Oversee vendor and service provider relationships, including procurement activities, contract negotiation, and performance management in alignment with firmwide strategies.
Manage community relations and charitable giving initiatives, including budget oversight, sponsorships, and engagement with local organizations.
Ensure compliance with firm policies, procedures, and operational standards.
Leverage data and metrics to monitor performance, inform decision-making, and improve operational outcomes.
Collaborate with peers across offices and participate in firmwide initiatives, working groups, and projects to drive consistency, best practices, and alignment with global strategies.
Support partner meetings and office leadership activities, including coordination of agendas and logistics.
Perform other duties and lead special projects as required to support office and firm objectives.
Other duties Please note this job description does not cover or contain all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.