Chief Operating Officer – Richmond Office

Sands Anderson; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 275,000 - 325,000; Full time

Job summary

Sands Anderson seeks a Chief Operating Officer to lead the firm’s non-legal operations, reporting to the Board and President. The COO will shape strategic direction, oversee Finance, HR, IT, Marketing, Business Development, Recruiting, Facilities, and Operations, and supervise Directors and senior administration.

Responsibilities include driving profitability, efficiency, and growth through strategic initiatives, due diligence for mergers or alliances, and long-term organizational development in

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in business or related field required.
• MBA/CPA/JD or equivalent preferred.
• Experience leading finance, HR and administrative functions in a professional services firm.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and firm growth initiatives.
• Oversee financial operations, budgeting and forecasting.
• Direct the administrative leadership and reporting structures.
• Collaborate with Board, President and Directors on governance and policy.
• Drive technology initiatives and innovation across the firm.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

Operational oversight

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Finance/Accounting/Management

MBA or CPA or JD

Tools

Legal tech platforms

Data analytics

Workflow automation

Job description

Location

Richmond Virginia with travel to firm offices as needed

Reports To

Board of Directors and President

Salary Range

275000 to 325000 with annual bonus

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer COO serves as the firms highest ranking administrative executive and is responsible for the overall leadership management and performance of all non legal business operations Reporting directly to the President and Board of Directors the COO provides strategic direction and oversight for the firms administrative functions and serves as the primary leader of the firms administrative leadership teamThe COO directly supervises the firms Directors and other senior administrative leaders including those responsible for Finance Human Resources Information Technology Marketing and Business Development Recruiting Facilities and Operations Through these leaders and their respective teams the COO ensures the effective execution of the firms strategic objectives operational excellence financial performance talent management technology initiatives and business growth efforts

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Firm GrowthPartner with the Board of Directors to develop and execute the firms strategic planTranslate firm goals into actionable initiatives and measurable outcomesEvaluate opportunities for geographic expansion new service lines strategic alliances and law firm combinationsLead due diligence financial analysis and integration planning for mergers acquisitions and lateral group opportunitiesSupport succession planning and long term organizational development initiativesFinancial and Business PerformanceOversee the firms financial operations in partnership with the Director of FinanceMonitor firm profitability productivity realization collections and key performance metricsLead budgeting forecasting and financial planning processesDevelop financial models and business cases supporting growth investments and strategic initiativesIdentify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and profitabilityAdministrative Leadership and Organizational OversightServe as the firms senior administrative leader with ultimate accountability for all business and administrative operationsProvide leadership direction and accountability for the administrative departments and teams reporting through those DirectorsEstablish performance expectations strategic priorities and operational objectives for administrative functions across the firmEnsure alignment and collaboration among administrative departments in support of firm wide goals Serve as the principal link between the Board of Directors President Shareholders and the firms administrative leadership teamLead the administrative leadership team in developing and implementing firm policies operational standards and strategic initiativesDirectly manage and develop the firms Directors and senior administrative leadersTalent Culture and Organizational EffectivenessPartner with Human Resources and firm leadership on workforce planning talent strategy and employee engagementSupport recruiting onboarding integration and retention initiatives for attorneys and business professionalsPromote a collaborative high performance culture aligned with the firms valuesAssist leaders in managing organizational change and implementing strategic initiativesTechnology and InnovationPartner with the Director of Information Technology to ensure technology investments support firm objectivesChampion operational innovation process improvement and responsible adoption of emerging technologiesEvaluate opportunities to leverage AI automation and data analytics to enhance efficiency and client serviceMarketing Business Development and Client ExperienceCollaborate with the Director of Business Development and Strategic Growth and marketing leadership to support client growth initiativesMonitor market trends competitive intelligence and client feedback to inform firm strategySupport key client programs cross selling initiatives and attorney business development effortsEnsure operational alignment with the firms client service standardsGovernance and LeadershipServe as a strategic advisor to the Board of Directors and PresidentParticipate in Board shareholder and retreat planning and facilitationPrepare executive reports dashboards and recommendations for firm leadershipManage vendor relationships and negotiate major service agreementsPerform other duties as assigned by the Board of DirectorsDirect Reports Directors of Finance Human Resources Information Technology Marketing Business Development and Strategic Growth and other administrative leaders as assigned

Required Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Business Administration Finance Accounting Management or related fieldMinimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in a law firm professional services firm or similarly complex organizationDemonstrated experience leading finance operations human resources and administrative functionsStrong financial acumen including budgeting forecasting and business performance analysisProven ability to execute strategic initiatives and organizational change

Preferred Qualifications

MBA CPA JD or other relevant advanced degreeExperience with law firm economics attorney compensation structures and legal industry operationsExperience evaluating and integrating mergers acquisitions or lateral teamsFamiliarity with legal technology platforms data analytics and workflow automation