Associate Business Manager

JAMS; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

JAMS in San Francisco seeks a senior ADR/Case Management leader to oversee a team handling arbitration process and panel management. You will guide associates, collaborate with panelists, and drive client satisfaction while supporting HR, facilities, and finance on day-to-day operations.

This role emphasizes leadership, ADR expertise, and strong communication to enhance client relations and service delivery across the Resolution Center. Some travel is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
• At least 3–5 years in legal services, legal department or law firm experience.
• Proven leadership ability in ADR or senior case management roles.
• Experience with budgeting, expense management, and revenue-related metrics.
• Understanding of ADR options including arbitration, mediation, and court references.
• Strong communication skills and client service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee case management of assigned associates and SME in arbitration processes.
• Collaborate with panelists to manage ADR practices and panelist lists.
• Lead performance reviews, coaching, and development of associates.
• Partner with HR on hiring, training, and onboarding new associates.
• Ensure adherence to JAMS policies and use of JAMSware across resolution services.
• Coordinate with Facilities and Finance on operations and billing matters.
• Maintain relationships with clients and panelists and identify opportunities.
• Travel up to 10% regionally/nationally.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Client relationship

Performance management

Verbal and written communication

Team coaching

Conflict resolution

Event networking

AR/ADR processes

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

JAMSware

Zoom

Creston

HDMI/AV setup

Job description

We are passionate about what we do, the services we provide, and the clients we serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to join a company that values collaboration, innovation, and dedication, we're the right place for you.

A Brief Overview

Leads part of a larger Resolution Center (RC) team or a smaller RC independently, focused on the case management and personnel management. Seeks to maximize efficiencies and profitability. Supports opportunities to improve performance both financially and operationally. Supports higher-level manager in the day-to-day operations of the RC, including case management and, where necessary, business development. Provides oversight to a case management team.

Responsibilities

What you will do

• Oversees the case management of assigned associates to ensure that expectations are met with clients and panelists. Manages the case management team to ensure all files are administered at the highest level. Performs case management duties and acts as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the arbitration process and procedure.
• Collaborates with panelists to develop and administer their ADR practices; ensures alignment with company goals. Manages case files through the entire case lifecycle, including preparing panelist lists in partnership with the Arbitration Practice Team. Supports daily case management needs of all hearing types, ensuring timely and accurate follow-up on all client interactions. Builds professional relationships to assess satisfaction; identifies additional business opportunities. Serves as JAMS representative at local networking events. Maintains professional and effective communication with clients; supports the business development and growth of their assigned panelists’ practices.
• Manages team performance through regular, timely feedback as well as the formal performance review process to ensure delivery of exceptional services and engagement, motivation, and team development. Leads, coaches, and develops associates. Leads the performance and delivery of client service through associate and panel development focused on the client experience, operational excellence, and case management including escalating complex issues for guidance that impact clients, panelists, or associates.
• Partners with HR in hiring, training, and on-going support. Works to maintain high associate engagement levels throughout Resolution Center (RC). Coaches associates, trains and onboards new associates, conducts performance management and out counsels when warranted.
• Articulates, trains, and performs in accordance with all JAMS policies and procedures which affect overall management of case matters including documentation, financial policies, and usage of JAMSware for all types of resolution services that company and its panelists offer.
• Collaborates with Facilities and building management on upgrades, renovations, relocations/remodels, and day-to-day facilities issues. Collaborates with Finance on all billing issues including determinations on write-offs, refunds, panel rates, etc.
• Provides client service (including panelists) through reviewing and responding to client feedback and identifying trends that impact the client experience. Seeks solutions for any potential problems that impact clients, associates and panelists. Develops relationships with key clients. Ensures that new panelists feel welcome and oriented to the organization. Maintains professional and supportive relationship with panelists. Solicits panelist feedback regarding general status of RC.
• Other duties as assigned within similar scope.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree In a related field. Required
• 3-5 years At least three years of legal services, legal department or law firm experience. Required
• Internal candidates: At least two years of proven ability as an ADR Specialist or Senior Case Manager with proven leadership qualities and a track record of “performs well” job performance. Preferred
• Must have a good understanding of all case management processes, the legal industry including court processes, legal terminology and all ADR options including complex arbitration, mediation, and court reference matters. (Required proficiency)
• Ability to support budgeting, success measurement, expense management, A/R percentages, and interrelations of those areas and the overall impact on the business imperative. (Preferred proficiency)
• Ability to assess client satisfaction; identify additional client service opportunities; and implement strategies to strengthen client relationships, increase client retention, and resolve client issues. (Preferred proficiency)
• Ability to support the development and implementation of strategic solutions that can improve client relations and client service. (Preferred proficiency)
• Understands the local market, the legal community, and business trends. (Preferred proficiency)
• Computer literate and proficient in all technololgy and software programs required for the position. (Required proficiency)
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple responsibilities and tasks in a fast paced environment. (Required proficiency)
• High level of proficiency at verbal and written communication skills. (Required proficiency)
• Ability to manage conflict in a direct, solution oriented manner. (Required proficiency)
• Ability to operate Zoom software, connecting to Zoom sessions, and connecting audio calls to video calls. (Preferred proficiency)
• Prior experience with multimedia support (Zoom, HDMI connection to display, Creston). (Preferred proficiency)
• Ability to proactively verify and test existing A/V equipment. (Preferred proficiency)
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues while working with remote IT support. (Preferred proficiency)
• 10% Occasional, regional, and national travel