Operations Director

Spaulding Ridge • Chicago, IL

6h • $95,000 - $167,000

About The Position

Spaulding Ridge is an advisory and IT implementation firm. We help global organizations get financial clarity into the complex, daily sales, and operational decisions that impact profitable revenue generations, efficient operational performance, and reliable financial management.
At Spaulding Ridge, we believe all business is personal. Core to our values is our relationships with our clients, our business partners, our team, and the global community. Our employees dedicate their time to helping our clients transform their business, from strategy through implementation and business transformation.
Spaulding Ridge is seeking an experienced Operations Director to serve as a trusted business advisor and operational partner to the leader of our largest practice. This role blends elements of a Chief of Staff and Practice Operations Leader, with a strong emphasis on financial advisory, strategic planning, and operational execution.

The Operations Director will work day-to-day with the Practice Leader and service line leaders to drive operational efficiency, financial performance, and strategic execution, while also partnering closely with the COO on broader company objectives. This individual will act as a delegate and representative for the practice in financial and operational discussions across the firm and with Corporate functions.

Success in this role requires strong financial acumen, executive-level communication skills, exceptional stakeholder management, and the ability to lead complex initiatives in a fast-growing, consulting-driven environment

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in finance, operations, consulting, or professional services.
• Demonstrated experience operating at a Director level supporting senior business leaders.
• Strong background in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, KPI development, and performance analysis.
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and driving operational change.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with AI-enabled tools and approaches to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness is highly preferred.
• Experience in a consulting, technology, or professional services environment strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary financial and operational advisor to the Practice Leader.
• Lead practice-level budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning, including annual plans and rolling forecasts.
• Interpret and communicate financial performance (historical, current, and forward-looking) to practice and Company leaders.
• Provide insight and recommendations on profitability, utilization, pricing, revenue forecasts, investment decisions, and growth strategies.
• Support strategic planning efforts, including scenario modeling and long-range planning.
• Act as a Chief of Staff–style partner to the Practice Leader, helping translate strategy into execution.
• Represent the practice in cross-functional forums and, as needed, delegate for the Practice Leader and service line leaders.
• Ensure operational rigor and consistency across service lines while allowing flexibility for growth and innovation.
• Identify operational risks and opportunities; proactively drive corrective actions.
• Serve as the primary go-to operational leader ensuring the practice’s needs are met by Corporate functions.
• Partner most closely with embedded HR and Resource Management personnel to align workforce planning, capacity, and talent strategy with financial goals.
• Collaborate with Finance, & Accounting, Legal, IT, Sales Operations and other Corporate teams to enable practice success.
• Balance and align practice-specific priorities with overall company objectives and standards.
• Lead and manage key strategic and operational initiatives within the practice.
• Apply strong project management discipline to drive initiatives from concept through execution.
• Continuously evaluate and improve processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Leverage AI and automation to improve forecasting, reporting, operational workflows, and decision-making.

Benefits

• generous time off
• paid holidays
• paid parental leave
• a 401(k) with company match
• highly subsidized health, dental, and vision plans
• company-paid life and disability insurance
• a monthly allowance for well-being and technology expenses
• reimbursement for approved learning and development initiatives within defined limits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director