Senior Manager, Operations

MDK•Columbus, OH

17d•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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management, finance, or related field.
Minimum of 7 years operation or process improvement experience, with at least 5 years in leadership.
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.
Bring flexibility and adaptability, staying open to new ideas and expressing your creativity
Approach your work with curiosity and a desire to learn, grow, and take on new challenges
Stay engaged and thrive in a fast-paced environment
Work collaboratively and contribute to shared knowledge
Embody respect in every interaction, listening to others and ensuring they feel heard

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), Project Management Professional (PMP), or Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage staffing, scheduling, and resource needs to ensure smooth operations and a steady workflow.
Maintain strong visibility with the team and foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable work environment.
Oversee onboarding and ongoing training to ensure team members have a strong foundation and continue to develop the skills needed to meet performance expectations and professional goals.
Monitor and evaluate team performance, ensuring quality, compliance, and alignment with MDK standards.
Provide coaching, feedback, and guidance to support individual and team success.
Demonstrate and reinforce MDK’s values, policies, and culture.
Support firm initiatives and help team members understand how their work contributes to MDK’s mission and success.
Monitor and resolve escalated operational issues and serve as a point of contact for cross-departmental problem-solving.
Lead operational initiatives focused on process improvement, workflow efficiency, and consistent legal service delivery across practice groups and legal pods.
Identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and implement sustainable changes that reduce delays, cost, and risk.
Partner with Directors, Attorneys, Business Units, Compliance, and IT to assess operational needs and implement solutions that enhance performance, productivity, and scalability.
Develop, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance, support decision-making, and align outcomes with firmwide goals.
Identify and recommend operational tools and technology solutions in collaboration with IT to support efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
Support and lead change management efforts related to new systems, processes, or organizational initiatives, ensuring clear communication and adoption across teams.
Ensure operational practices align with firm standards through the development and use of standard operating procedures and best practices.
Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership related to operational performance, risks, and opportunities.
Represent the team in leadership discussions and actively support firmwide initiatives.