Partner Operations Associate Director

Sidley Austin•Chicago, IL

10d•$161,400 - $229,950•Hybrid

About The Position

The Partner Operations Associate Director is responsible for leading the Firm’s Partner Operations function and building the operational infrastructure that supports Partner lifecycle processes across onboarding, ongoing support, transitions, retirements, separations, governance, compliance, and related cross-functional workflows. This role will help modernize Partner Matters by creating clearer processes, playbooks, templates, controls, tracking mechanisms, reporting, and handoffs that enable Partner Relations and adjacent teams to deliver a coordinated, high-touch Partner experience. Working closely with the Partner Services Director, Partner Relations, Partner Compensation & Evaluation, Partner Accounting, OGC, Tax, Finance, HR, Payroll, Directors of Administration (DOAs), local HR, and Firm leadership, the Partner Operations Associate Director will serve as a process leader, operational problem-solver, and coordination point for complex Partner lifecycle activity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Operations, Human Resources, Organizational Leadership, or related field.
Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in operations, professional services administration, law firm administration, project management, process improvement, finance, human resources, or a related function.
Experience managing complex processes, workflows, documentation, controls, and cross-functional handoffs.
Experience leading teams or managing work through others.
Demonstrated ability to operate in a complex, matrixed, service-oriented environment
Strong organizational skills
Strong attention to detail
Good judgment
Strong interpersonal communication skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
Able to work under pressure
Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Nice To Haves

Experience in a large law firm or sophisticated professional services organization.
Experience with Partner lifecycle processes, onboarding, separations, governance, compliance, compensation-related operations, or professional services operations.
Experience with workflow tools, case management systems, dashboards, process documentation, or automation initiatives.
Advanced degree, PMP, Lean Six Sigma, CPA, SHRM certification, or related credential.

Responsibilities

Lead the Partner Operations function and manage the team responsible for Partner lifecycle operations, process execution, governance, compliance, documentation, and operational coordination.
Establish clear priorities, service expectations, workflows, handoffs, escalation paths, and operating standards for Partner Operations.
Oversee operational processes supporting Partner onboarding, ongoing Partner support, transitions, retirements, separations, and post-separation activity.
Develop and maintain standardized workflows, checklists, timelines, templates, playbooks, and process documentation for recurring Partner lifecycle activities.
Ensure Partner Relations and adjacent teams have the operational guidance, tools, tracking, and process support needed to deliver consistent Partner-facing service.
Own operational governance and compliance processes within Partner Operations, including tracking, documentation, reporting, controls, recurring requirements, and issue resolution.
Build and improve systems, trackers, dashboards, workflow tools, reporting mechanisms, and process repositories that support Partner lifecycle operations.
Identify process risks, control gaps, handoff issues, bottlenecks, and automation opportunities; partner with technology, data, project management, and other resources to implement improvements.
Serve as a key operational coordination point across Partner Relations, Partner Compensation & Evaluation, Partner Accounting, OGC, Tax, Finance, HR, Payroll, DOAs, local HR, and other Firm functions, including coordination with OGC on legal-adjacent matters.
Lead, coach, and develop Partner Operations team members, including clarifying roles, managing workload allocation, supporting training, providing feedback, and identifying staffing, process, technology, or governance improvements.