Chicago Office Director of Operations & Strategy

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 300,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is seeking a Director of Administration for the Chicago office. The role focuses on developing and implementing an efficient operating model and ensuring exceptional client service across Legal Talent and Professional Staff.

You will work with the Managing Partner and CAO on short- and long-term strategic planning, build out the Professional Staff function, and oversee budgeting, FP&A, and transformational initiatives.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in business operations leadership at a major law firm or similarly sophisticated firm.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor a high-performing professional team.
• Experience leading all functional areas of business operations.
• Proven track record in driving continuous improvement and optimization.
• Strong business acumen with financial & analytical skills.
• Ability to develop short- and long-term strategic and operational plans.
• Experience managing multiple operational initiatives including real estate and construction projects.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills; ability to influence and build consensus.
• Experience planning and coordinating internal and client events; vendor management.
• Experience implementing technology solutions in professional services.

Responsibilities

• Lead all areas of business operations.
• Collaborate on and drive strategic and operational planning for the Chicago office.
• Develop understanding of the office's practices, market, and competitive position.
• Advise on future operational needs in Chicago.
• Manage, mentor, and develop the professional staff team (HR, IT, legal talent, recruiting, paralegal, operations, office services).
• Foster a high-performance, client-service oriented culture.
• Ensure alignment across functional areas with firm objectives.
• Drive financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and FP&A.
• Develop and implement financial metrics, analytics, and KPIs.
• Enable data-driven strategic planning and decision-making.
• Assess workforce model; introduce new capabilities as needed.
• Drive organizational transformation and productivity improvements.
• Manage real estate strategy, leasing, space planning, renovations, and related operations.
• Coordinate internal and client events, vendor management, and post-event follow-up.
• Oversee risk management, business continuity, disaster recovery, and emergency planning.
• Monitor trends in legal/professional services strategy and technology.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic planning

Financial analysis

Vendor management

Event planning

Team development

Communication

Data-driven decision making

Project management

Technology awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration

MBA or advanced degree (preferred)

Job description

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is seeking a Director of Administration for the Chicago office. The role focuses on developing and implementing an efficient operating model and ensuring exceptional client service across Legal Talent and Professional Staff.

You will work with the Managing Partner and CAO on short- and long-term strategic planning, build out the Professional Staff function, and oversee budgeting, FP&A, and transformational initiatives.