Senior Manager of Office Administration

Ropes & Gray • San Francisco, CA

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a dynamic, strategic leader to guide our administrative operations across the West Coast and Asia offices. This role requires someone who can navigate complex organizational relationships, manage change with empathy and precision, and operate seamlessly between the strategic and the hands-on. As a key member of the Global Administrative Services leadership team, you will provide vision and structure for office administration across multiple regions, ensuring local alignment with firm-wide goals while fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture. You’ll be a trusted advisor to partners and senior leadership — and an inspiring manager and mentor to administrative professionals at every level. This is a rare opportunity for a forward-thinking professional who thrives in a fast-paced, global environment and takes pride in building cohesive teams, improving processes, and strengthening firm culture across borders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required. Foreign language skills a plus.
• 15+ years of progressive management experience in a global professional services or law firm environment.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change and managing across multiple geographies and time zones.
• Strong understanding of law firm operations, professional culture, and client service expectations.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills — with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and operational execution.
• High emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex interpersonal dynamics.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, high-performing workplace culture.

Nice To Haves

• Foreign language skills a plus.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Alignment Serve as the strategic and operational link between firm-wide initiatives and regional office needs, ensuring a unified “one firm” approach.
• Partner with the Global Administrative Services Officer and Office Managing Partners to execute local strategies aligned with global priorities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to firm leaders and a connector across regions, encouraging transparency, consistency, and collaboration.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance administrative efficiency, quality, and service delivery.
• Operational & People Leadership Provide day-to-day oversight for San Francisco office over direct and indirect team members while offering guidance and coaching to West Coast and Asia office administrator/managers.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate administrative teams — setting clear goals, promoting accountability, and fostering professional growth.
• Encourage a culture of proactive support, problem-solving, and service excellence among Legal Executive Assistants, Legal Administrative Assistants and other administrative staff.
• Support onboarding and integration for new attorneys and business professionals in collaboration with Legal Recruiting and HR.
• Change Management & Innovation Lead organizational and operational change with clarity, empathy, and strong communication.
• Identify and implement best practices, sharing innovations across offices to drive consistency and efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders on process improvement, resource optimization, and technology adoption.
• Financial & Facilities Oversight Develop and manage office administration budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.
• Oversee vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and performance reviews to ensure high-quality, cost-effective service.
• Manage local facilities, space planning, and office build-outs or moves, minimizing disruption and maximizing efficiency.
• Partner with Operations, IT, and Business Continuity teams to ensure safety, sustainability, and readiness for emergencies.
• Culture, Engagement & Community Build a positive, inclusive office culture that reflects the firm’s values and promotes collaboration, respect, and engagement.
• Organize and oversee social, community, and well-being initiatives to strengthen morale and connection.
• Represent the firm in community partnerships and local initiatives that enhance the firm’s presence and impact.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with firm-wide administrative leaders — including HR, Finance, IT, Legal Recruiting, and Conference Services — to ensure cohesive support delivery.
• Work closely with the Global Administrative Leadership Team to drive the “Proactive Assistant” initiative and other firm-wide programs.
• Participate in global projects and committees to shape administrative strategy and share best practices across regions.

Benefits

• Ropes & Gray is proud to offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our business support team members.
• The firm also offers comprehensive health and well-being benefits, personal and professional development, career growth opportunities and a collegial and supportive culture.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees