Chief Operating Officer

Hunter West Legal Recruitment; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal start-up seeks a Chief Operating Officer passionate about innovation and improvement. The COO will oversee operations, ensure strategic alignment with goals, and lead a team dedicated to enhancing the firm's efficiency and effectiveness. This role offers a competitive compensation package in a dynamic work environment fostering creativity and professional growth.

Benefits

Extended health and dental care

Retirement and wellness plans

Competitive parental leave plans

Firm retreats

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a senior leadership role, ideally within the legal services sector.
• Proficiency in leveraging technology and utilizing AI.
• Ability to engage and motivate team members.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations with a focus on efficiency and profitability.
• Guide human resources functions and performance management.
• Direct financial oversight including budgeting and profitability analysis.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration

CPA

PMP

MBA

Job description

The best way to describe our client, YLaw, is as an innovative legal start-up. As award-winning trailblazers in the legal industry, their team challenges the status quo and embraces innovation at every turn; they are as passionate about law as they are about breaking new ground in the legal space and beyond. On the firm’s behalf, we seek a Chief Operating Officer who values fresh perspectives and creativity, has a relentless drive to make a difference, and who thrives in a fast-paced and challenging environment filled with opportunities, excitement, and purpose.

Position Overview: The COO will oversee daily operations (with a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, efficiency, and profitability) and work with the firm’s Managing Partners to align operations with strategy. This role is perfect for an experienced operator who enjoys IT, HR, systems, problem-solving, process improvement, and working with various areas of the business to keep making it better every day.

Direct Reports: Operations Manager, Controller, Reception Manager, Director of Legal Services

Candidate Profile: The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of experience in a leadership role, preferably with experience in the legal sector and a track record of operational improvement and supporting firms through stages of growth.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Management: guide and facilitate the firm’s daily operations including administrative services, human resources, IT, marketing and financial management.
2. Human Resources: lead the human resources function including performance management of all staff, administration of the compensation cycle for all firm members, employee engagement and relations, recruiting and onboarding for staff roles, and HR administration through the firm’s HRIS.
3. Financial Oversight: oversee and direct the finance function including budgeting and financial planning, financial reporting, and profitability analysis to ensure the firm’s health and sustainability.
4. Policy Development: develop and apply policies as it relates to firm administration, human resources, finance, IT.
5. Client Relations: oversee the client intake processes to ensure a streamlined, efficient and quality experience for clients (in person and virtual).
6. Technology: implement technology solutions across the business to improve operational efficiency and move the firm forward on its digitization journey.
7. Vendor Sourcing and Management: source and liaise with vendors across the business as required.
8. Project Management: lead and manage projects across the business from planning, to execution, and bridging into ongoing operations.
9. Innovation: drive continuous improvement across firm operations, staying ahead of industry trends and best practices.
10. Marketing: oversee and direct various marketing and business development initiatives in support of client relations; enhance the firm’s visibility and brand recognition in desired markets.
11. Data Reporting: monitor key performance metrics, analyze collected data, and make decisions/ implement improvements to meet or exceed operational targets and drive profitability.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration; a CPA, PMP, and/or MBA is an asset.
• 5+ years of experience in a senior leadership role, ideally within the legal services sector.
• Strong strategic and analytical thinking, with the ability to evaluate and optimize systems and processes.
• Sound professional judgement, with the ability to make decisions autonomously in alignment with the values and objectives of the firm.
• A flexible and adaptable approach; willing to embrace constant change and able to commit to the firm and its long-term success and vision.
• An ability to engage and motivate team members.
• Proficiency in leveraging technology in your work, emphasis on utilizing and embracing AI.
• An understanding of the legal landscape and ability to tailor approaches and efforts to law firms and legal services.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Compensation:

• Competitive compensation package with expected salary range of $150k-$225k. Actual base salary will vary depending on individual experience and education.
• Robust benefits package, including extended health and dental care, retirement and wellness plans, competitive parental leave plans, and firm retreats.
• A firm culture that supports creativity, leadership, and bold moves.
• A vibrant, collaborative environment that values innovation, personal growth, and professional development.

This is an exclusive search with Hunter West Legal Recruitment. For more information, or to be considered for this opportunity, apply today or contact Elizabeth Borrill ([e-mail]) or JoAnne Peppiatt ([e-mail]) for a personal and confidential discussion.

Hunter West Legal Recruitment is committed to promoting a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce. We aim to ensure every application is reviewed respectfully, and that every applicant is treated with respect and fairness. We welcome applications from all candidates, and we appreciate all interest, though we kindly note that we may only able to respond to those who are selected for interview. Please also note that all applicants must be eligible to work in Canada, and that offers of employment may be subject to background checks.