Senior Manager, Operations

MDK•Columbus, OH

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

MDK is seeking a Senior Manger of Operations to guide day-to-day legal operations and support a high-performing team. This role blends people leadership, process improvement, and operational oversight to ensure work is delivered accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with client and firm expectations. In this role, you will oversee staffing and workflow, support training and performance management, and partner closely with attorneys, clients, and internal teams to drive consistent, high-quality outcomes. At MDK, a law firm built on purpose and progress, we believe people thrive when they feel respected, connected, and empowered to grow. Our culture is rooted in creativity, support, and open communication, where learning is continuous and every team member is encouraged to bring their whole self to work. We value diverse perspectives and foster belonging through cross-team collaboration and employee-led programs that reflect who we are. From wellness initiatives to community engagement, MDK is a place where people feel seen and supported. What makes MDK’s culture compelling: Professional growth supported by regular one-on-one conversations with leaders Flexibility and time off that prioritize real work-life balance Volunteer Time Off that connects employees with causes they care about Inclusive programs like our Culture Council, affinity groups, book club and Art@MDK A collaborative environment built on shared success and open feedback

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management, finance, or related field.
Minimum of 7 years of operations or process improvement experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proven knowledge and abilities in the principles of change management and process improvement.
Strong knowledge of KPIs and performance measurement frameworks.
Exceptional written and oral communication, strong interpersonal skills.
Proven ability to effectively motivate and lead employees with emphasis on team member development and engagement.
Comfortable challenging norms and offering innovative solutions to complex problems.
Proven knowledge in data analysis.
Possess a high level of professional ethics and integrity, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and strong computer skills.
Must be able to work in our Columbus office three days per week, or more as needed.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a creditor’s rights law firm preferred.
Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), Project Management Professional (PMP), or Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a high-performing team.
Oversee staffing, scheduling, and daily workflow to ensure consistent service delivery.
Provide coaching, feedback, and development opportunities that support both individual growth and team success.
Oversee performance and accountability.
Monitor quality, productivity, and compliance with firm standards.
Address performance concerns, reinforce expectations, and foster a culture of ownership and results.
Drive operational excellence.
Manage day-to-day operations, resolve escalated issues, and ensure smooth coordination across practice groups and legal pods.
Improve processes and systems.
Identify inefficiencies, recommend practical solutions, and implement sustainable improvements that reduce risk, increase efficiency, and enhance client service.
Partner across departments.
Collaborate with Directors, Attorneys, Compliance, IT, and Business Units to align operational priorities with firm goals and support cross-functional initiatives.
Use data to guide decisions.
Develop, track, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure outcomes, identify trends, and inform strategic recommendations.
Lead change and innovation.
Support the rollout of new systems, tools, and firm initiatives.
Ensure clear communication, team adoption, and long-term sustainability.
Represent the team in leadership conversations.
Provide updates, surface risks and opportunities, and contribute to firmwide planning and strategy discussions.