Director of Operations

Friedman Williams; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Professional development support

Bonus eligibility based on performance

Job summary

Friedman Williams seeks a Director of Human Resources & Operations to oversee administration, operations, and HR for the firm. You will partner with leadership to implement best practices, drive staff performance, manage talent, and ensure regulatory compliance.

The role blends operational leadership with hands-on HR expertise in a professional services or legal environment, focusing on strategic growth and efficiency.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of operations leadership experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment.
• 5+ years of HR management experience with employment law knowledge.
• Experience managing budgets and financial reporting; ability to align HR with strategy.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily firm operations including administration, facilities, IT, and vendor management.
• Direct all HR functions: recruitment, onboarding, performance, compensation, benefits, and relations.
• Partner on strategic growth, succession planning, and office expansions; implement policies.

Skills

Strategic thinker

Leadership

Communication

Discretion

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Admin / HR / related field

Master’s degree / MBA / HR certification preferred

Tools

HRIS

Practice management

Financial systems

Job description

The Director of Human Resources & Operations is responsible for overseeing the administrative, operational, and human resources functions of the firm to ensure efficient business performance and strategic growth. This role partners closely with firm leadership to implement operational best practices, drive staff performance, manage talent, and maintain compliance with legal and ethical standards applicable to law firms.

About the Role

The ideal candidate combines strong operational leadership with hands-on HR expertise in a professional services or legal environment.

Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily firm operations including administration, facilities, and IT Department, and vendor management.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Lead process improvement initiatives, special projects and workflow optimization.
• Manage office space planning and infrastructure needs.

Human Resources Management

• Direct all HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, compensation, benefits, and employee relations.
• Develop and implement HR policies in compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws.
• Advise partners on workforce planning, succession planning, and organizational structure.
• Oversee payroll administration and benefits programs.
• Manage employee engagement initiatives and professional development programs.
• Handle conflict resolution, disciplinary processes, and investigations when needed.
• Administer health and other benefit programs, including the firm’s 401(k) plan administration and coordinate with brokers and vendors.
• Collaborate with accounting on budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Monitor firm expenses and identify cost-control opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.

Strategic Planning:

• Partner with Managing Partner, the COO/CFO and Executive Committee on strategic initiatives.
• Support growth planning, including lateral hires and office expansions.
• Evaluate and implement legal technology solutions and operational tools.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Management, or related field (required).
• Master’s degree, MBA, or HR certification (e.g., SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, PHR, SPHR) preferred.

Experience:

• 7+ years of operations leadership experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment.
• 5+ years of HR management experience.
• Strong knowledge of employment law and HR best practices.
• Experience managing budgets and financial reporting.

Required Skills:

• Strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
• Ability to execute and provide timely deliverables.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities.
• High level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Problem-solving and decision-making expertise.
• Proficiency with HRIS, practice management, and financial systems.

Pay range and compensation package

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Performance-based bonus eligibility.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Paid time off and professional development support.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.