COO

Partner, Martin Partners (a retained executive search firm)

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER - Chicago, IL (Onsite)

NOTE : Candidates must have law firm experience and be located in the greater Chicago area. There is no relocation assistance being offered for this role.

THE COMPANY

Our client is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead the Firm’s administrative operations and assist in implementing the Firm’s strategic initiatives. The Firm is growing and has multiple locations nationwide. The COO position will be based in Chicago and report to the Firm’s Managing Partner and Executive Committee.

THE POSITION

The primary purpose of the role of the COO is to support the Firm’s Managing Partner and Executive Committee in achieving the Firm’s strategic goals by developing, implementing, and advising on administrative, fiscal, infrastructure, and operational initiatives and best practices that align with the Firm’s strategic plans. The role requires leadership and vision to improve the operational performance of the Firm. The COO will work closely with the Firm’s Chief Financial Officer as well as personnel in all offices and oversee the administrative department leaders to achieve the firm’s strategic and operational objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a business partner to the Managing Partner, Executive Committee, and Partnership to achieve the Firm’s strategic and operational goals.
• Consult regularly with office leaders and managers to ensure that the offices are receiving and providing the operational support needed by the Firm, that there is strong collaboration and communication across all levels of personnel, that duplication of effort is minimized and that firmwide policies, procedures and budgets are adhered to.
• Oversee and manage firm operations, including the direct supervision of the firm’s administrative managerial team. This will include setting operational and performance goals for each department that are tied to the Firm’s long‑term goals; monitoring performance against performance goals; conducting regular meetings to ensure that priorities are being met, and leading, inspiring, coaching, mentoring, and holding accountable direct reports and other administrative team members.
• Keep the Managing Partner informed of any significant issues and meet regularly to discuss agreed‑to goals and target completion dates.
• Stay abreast of market changes and trends in the legal industry to ensure the Firm maintains a competitive advantage.
• Oversee the development and implementation of all Firm policies and procedures and update procedures as needed (and as recommended by outside counsel and other consultants) to meet the labor laws in those states where the firm has offices, including Illinois, Colorado, Texas, and California.
• Work with the Firm’s Executive Committee and CFO on financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, variance, and statistical reporting, and ensuring that the Firm’s billing, collection, cash flow and AP efforts are managed as efficiently as possible to maximize revenue and improve profitability.
• This position will oversee recruitment strategy and goals, offers and terminations, onboarding and integration, performance reviews, compensation and benefit planning, and employee relations.
• Manage the annual review process for staff, deliver performance evaluations to direct reports, provide training and guidance to managers delivering staff reviews, as needed, and provide salary and bonus recommendations to the Executive Committee for review and approval.
• Manage and oversee the analysis, negotiation and reconciliation of Firm benefits, insurances and other services and offerings that the Firm requires.
• Negotiate all Firm contracts and services needed to support the Firm’s business operations.
• Coordinate with the outsourced IT Team to ensure appropriate IT support and training for the Firm, recommend and oversee purchase of equipment and software; and work with the IT Team on special projects, such as office relocations and expansions.
• Coordinate with the outsourced Managed Security Services Provider to review and implement recommended policies, practices, and training to reduce IT security risks for the Firm.
• Work with the IT managed services and security teams to complete IT security audits regularly requested by clients.
• Anticipate, propose, develop, and implement processes, polices, procedures and practices needed for a growing Firm.
• Negotiate leases, develop space plans, and oversee the planning and implementation of office openings and relocations.
• Determine marketing operations needed for the Firm and propose both short‑ and long‑term solutions for developing and implementing same.
• Ensure annual business licenses are prepared and filed timely.
• Ensure Partnership Agreement requirements, key dates and voting requirements are adhered to and documented.

ADDITIONAL PRIORITIES

THE INDIVIDUAL

The ideal COO candidate will :

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