Office Manager

ZSA Legal Recruitment; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected law firm in North York is looking for a Manager, People and Operations to oversee HR, governance, and administrative functions. The role requires 5-8 years of experience and strong knowledge of compliance regulations. It offers competitive compensation and a hybrid work model, allowing professionals to thrive in a supportive environment while leading operational initiatives.

Benefits

Competitive compensation and benefits package

Opportunities for professional growth

Supportive, collaborative environment

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in operations, HR, or legal administration.
• Strong knowledge of ESA, OHSA, and PIPEDA compliance.
• Experience in project management, governance, and policy development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full employee lifecycle and HR practices.
• Lead governance, risk management, and compliance initiatives.
• Manage vendor relationships and IT systems.

Skills

Operations management

Human resources management

Project management

ESG compliance

Leadership

Strong communication skills

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Toronto | 5 + Years

Manager, People and Operations

Location: North York, ON (Hybrid)
Firm Size: Mid-sized law firm (~25 staff, lawyers, clerks, and assistants)
Reports to: Senior Management

Our client is a mid-sized insurance defence law firm with a reputation for excellence in litigation and client service. As the firm continues to grow and modernize, they are seeking a versatile and proactive Manager, People and Operations to oversee human resources, governance, and administrative functions that support the firm’s day-to-day operations and long-term strategic goals.

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for a professional who thrives on variety and enjoys connecting people, processes, and technology. You’ll work closely with firm leadership to strengthen HR practices, support employee engagement, oversee vendor and IT relationships, enhance governance frameworks, and lead firm-wide initiatives — including special projects and emerging ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) programs.

Key Responsibilities

People & Human Resources

• Oversee the full employee lifecycle including recruitment, onboarding/offboarding, performance management, and employee relations.
• Administer payroll and benefits in collaboration with external providers.
• Maintain and update HR policies to ensure compliance with the ESA, OHSA, and PIPEDA.
• Support internal communications, including firm-wide announcements, policy updates, and engagement initiatives to foster collaboration and transparency.
• Support employee engagement, training, and professional development initiatives.

Operations & Governance

• Lead firm-wide governance, risk management, and compliance initiatives.
• Maintain and update key policies such as Data Governance, AI Usage, Privacy, HR, and Business Continuity.
• Coordinate audits, vendor reviews, and insurer compliance reporting (e.g., third party information security assessments, InfoSec).
• Track and report on firm-wide sustainability and ESG initiatives, including monitoring operational emissions and promoting environmentally responsible practices.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, service providers, and industry partners, supporting collaboration, compliance, and service excellence.
• Manage and support administrative office functions, including vendor coordination, facilities, and general office logistics (respond to voicemail inquiries, fax distribution, opening mail, etc.).
• Oversee updates to the firm’s website and social media channels, ensuring content is current, professional, and aligned with brand standards.
• Plan and execute firm-wide operational projects such as system migrations and process improvements.
• Assist with risk identification and incident response planning, ensuring timely mitigation and documentation in accordance with firm policies.
• Provide oversight and coordination for special projects as assigned by senior management.

Finance & Vendor Management

• Liaise with property management, IT (MSP), external payroll provider and benefits providers.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and service levels.
• Monitor expenditures for HR, IT, and operations.

Technology & Process Improvement

• Partner with IT to manage systems, applications, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Develop and monitor KPIs and performance metrics.
• Identify and implement process improvements using Office 365 and related tools.

Work Arrangement

This position follows a hybrid work model. The successful candidate will be required to work onsite at the North York office at least two days per week to support operational needs, team engagement, and collaboration with firm leadership.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of progressive experience in operations, HR, or legal administration (law firm or professional services preferred).
• Strong knowledge of ESA, OHSA, and PIPEDA compliance.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, governance, and policy development.
• Experience with ESG or sustainability reporting considered an asset.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365; experience with payroll and document management an asset.
• Ability to adapt quickly, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join

• Key leadership role supporting the people and operational foundation of a respected law firm.
• Broad exposure across HR, governance, IT, and compliance.
• Opportunity to lead meaningful special projects and advance ESG and sustainability efforts that drive modernization.
• Supportive, collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.

For more information or to submit your CV to [e-mail] reference #33958

Tagged as: Intermediate, Private Practice