Chief Operating Officer

David Aplin Recruiting; Alberta; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable law firm in Saskatchewan is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to drive operational and administrative excellence. This role oversees departments including Finance, IT, and Human Resources, and requires a minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience. The ideal candidate will possess strong strategic mindset and proven collaborative skills with senior partners. This is a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team within a respected organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in a professional services environment.
• Broad expertise in operations, finance, technology, human resources, and business development.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with senior partners and committees.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans to support growth and profitability.
• Oversee management teams in Finance, IT, Marketing, and Administration.
• Ensure consistent operational practices across all offices.
• Collaborate with Finance to develop and monitor budgets aligned with firm goals.
• Lead business development initiatives.

Skills

Strategic Mindset

Change Leadership

Business Acumen

Relationship Building

Decision-Making

Accountability

Results Orientation

Technology Orientation

Team Leadership

Communication

Conflict Resolution

Coaching & Mentorship

Education

Post-secondary degree in Business, Commerce or related field

MBA preferred

Job description

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Overview

Our client is a well-established and highly respected law firm in Saskatchewan, known for its excellence, integrity, and collaborative culture. The firm is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead its operational and administrative functions and drive continued growth and success.

Based in Saskatoon, the COO will report to the Executive Committee and play a key role in aligning operations with the firm’s strategic objectives. This position oversees Finance, Marketing & Business Development, Information Technology, Human Resources (through the Director of HR), and Office Administration in both Saskatoon and Regina.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Executive Committee and Partnership to develop, implement, and monitor strategic plans that support growth, profitability, and long-term success.
• Contribute to the design and execution of short-, mid-, and long-term business plans.
• Track performance against key metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Leadership & Management

• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and open communication across the firm.
• Oversee and support the firm’s management team, including Finance, IT, Marketing/Business Development, and Office Administration.
• Provide coordination and administrative support to firm committees and the Executive Committee.
• Establish performance goals for senior leaders, coach and mentor managers, and guide succession and client transition planning.

Financial Oversight

• Collaborate with the Finance Committee and Director of Finance to develop and monitor budgets aligned with firm goals.
• Ensure sound financial planning, performance tracking, and cost management.
• Maintain effective financial controls and promote operational efficiency.

Human Resources

• Provide strategic leadership to the Director of Human Resources in implementing HR policies and practices that reflect the firm’s values and support its people strategy.

Information Technology

• Oversee the enhancement, security, and efficiency of the firm’s IT and telecommunications systems.
• Ensure systems support the effective delivery of legal and administrative services while maintaining confidentiality and data integrity.

Operations & Administration

• Ensure consistent, efficient operational and administrative practices across all offices.
• Lead Office Managers in Saskatoon and Regina to maintain high standards of service and performance.
• Serve as a key liaison between partners, management, and staff to promote clear communication.
• Oversee risk management, facilities, insurance, and compliance with relevant legislation.

Business Development

• Partner with the Marketing and Business Development team to implement firm-wide initiatives.
• Support lawyers and committees in identifying opportunities to strengthen client relationships and expand market presence.

Core Competencies

Strategic

• Strategic Mindset – Anticipates future challenges and opportunities to position the firm for success.
• Change Leadership – Guides the organization effectively through transition and growth.
• Business Acumen – Applies sound judgment and insight to advance strategic priorities.

Operational

• Relationship Building – Cultivates trust and collaboration across all levels.
• Decision-Making – Balances analysis and judgment to make effective decisions.
• Accountability – Sets clear expectations and delivers measurable results.
• Results Orientation – Drives operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Technology Orientation – Uses technology to streamline operations and enable innovation.

People

• Team Leadership – Builds and leads cohesive, high-performing teams.
• Communication – Engages clearly and respectfully across all audiences.
• Conflict Resolution – Addresses challenges with fairness and diplomacy.
• Coaching & Mentorship – Develops talent and fosters growth across the organization.

Personal Attributes

• Self-Aware – Open to feedback and committed to personal and professional growth.
• Courageous – Addresses challenges directly and constructively.
• Humble – Values collaboration and shared success over personal recognition.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience, ideally in a professional services or partnership-based organization.
• Broad expertise in operations, finance, technology, human resources, and business development.
• Post-secondary degree in Business, Commerce, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with senior partners and committees in a complex organizational environment.

At Aplin — together with our brands CompuStaff and Impact Recruitment — we connect great people with great organizations across North America. We believe diverse teams build stronger companies, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We use AI tools to assist in a fair and efficient matching process, helping our recruiters connect the right people with the right opportunities. To be considered, applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada, including holding any required permits. Our recruitment services are always free for job seekers.

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