COO - Growth & Operational Excellence (Hybrid)

Orionplacement; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Vision insurance

Job summary

Orionplacement, a respected professional services firm in Chicago, seeks an accomplished operations executive to join the executive leadership team and drive firm-wide performance. You will shape long-term strategy, oversee finance, HR, technology, and operations, and partner with ownership to realize the organization’s strategic vision.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of senior operations leadership in professional services or law firm environments, with strong budgeting, analytics, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of executive or senior operations leadership experience.
• Experience leading operations within a law firm or professional services organization required.
• Strong financial management experience including budgeting, reporting, and operational oversight.
• Demonstrated success leading strategic initiatives and organizational change.
• Experience managing cross-functional leadership teams.
• Outstanding communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and executive presence.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, partnering with ownership to execute the organization's strategic vision.
• Lead firmwide operational strategy, planning, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Oversee operational functions including finance, budgeting, billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reporting, and risk management.
• Collaborate with finance, marketing, technology, and department leaders to ensure alignment across all business functions.
• Develop and monitor KPIs to improve operational and financial performance.
• Identify opportunities to increase efficiency, productivity, and service quality across departments.
• Oversee human resources functions including talent acquisition, employee engagement, compensation, benefits, and workforce planning.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws, operational policies, and industry best practices.
• Champion technology modernization, cybersecurity initiatives, and strategic adoption of AI and emerging technologies.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture while building strong relationships with employees, leadership, clients, vendors, and community partners.
• Represent the organization professionally within the business and legal communities.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Cross-functional leadership

Financial management

Operational excellence

Communication skills

Team leadership

AI adoption

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA preferred

Job description

Orionplacement, a respected professional services firm in Chicago, seeks an accomplished operations executive to join the executive leadership team and drive firm-wide performance. You will shape long-term strategy, oversee finance, HR, technology, and operations, and partner with ownership to realize the organization’s strategic vision.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of senior operations leadership in professional services or law firm environments, with strong budgeting, analytics, and