Director of Operations

Eversheds Sutherland; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP is seeking a Director of Operations to direct the firm’s facilities and safety requirements, including developing programs, policies and procedures to ensure efficiency and cost effectiveness.

This onsite role supervises the Facilities and Operations Department, contracted consultants and vendors, and leads building safety and OSHA compliance while partnering with Human Resources on emergency preparedness and space planning.

Qualifications

• Minimum ten years of facilities management experience, with at least ten as the head of this function in a large multi-office organization, preferably a law firm or other professional services firm.
• Strong analytic, financial analysis, decision-making, team leadership, critical thinking, reasonable responsiveness follow-through and problem-solving skills.
• Keen eye for detail and meticulous follow-through.

Responsibilities

• Directs the facilities and operations department, including recruitment, supervision, training and evaluation.
• Prepares annual Capital and Expense Budgets for assigned areas for Finance and COO approval.
• Develops and maintains office policies and procedures related to facilities, conference services, travel and office services.
• Leads building safety and OSHA compliance; partners with HR on execution.
• Collaborates with HR on emergency preparedness and security.
• Oversees construction/renovation projects, bids, quotes and landlord/vendor coordination.
• Maintains relationships with facilities vendors, landlords and property managers.

Skills

Facilities management

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP is part of a global law practice providing legal services to a broad range of clients, from small and mid‑sized businesses to the world’s leading multinational organizations. The firm combines deep local knowledge with global reach, supporting clients across industries and jurisdictions. Eversheds Sutherland is recognized for its collaborative culture, commitment to client service, and delivery of practical, commercially informed legal solutions.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations directs the overall management of the firm’s facilities and safety requirements, including the development of programs, policies, and procedures to ensure efficiency and cost effectiveness. Monitors and manages the work of the Facilities and Operations Department, contracted consultants/vendors, including outsourced vendors for Conference Services, Receptionists and Support Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages the recruitment, supervision, training and evaluation of the operations department.
• Works with Human Resources on evaluation of performance concerns and counseling of Operations/Facilities/Conference Services/Vendor people concerns.
• Maintains effective communication of objectives to staff within area of responsibility.
• Prepares annual Capital and Expense Budgets for assigned areas of responsibility for Finance Department and Chief Operating Officer (COO) approval. Implements and manages approved budget.
• Develops and maintains office policies, guidelines and procedures related to facilities management, conference services, travel and office services, etc.
• Leads and manages building safety and OSHA requirements; partners with Human Resources for execution of the above.
• Collaborates with Human Resources on firmwide emergency preparedness plan.
• Keeps the COO and Director of Human Resources informed of external risks impacting any office, including building status, access, security, property-related issues, traffic conditions, and other relevant matters.
• Reviews, approves and manages the execution of construction and renovation projects for all offices, including the RFP process. Works with architects, applicable consultants and building management in obtaining bids and quotes for construction and renovations.
• Analyzes the needs and presents alternatives and scenarios for all regional facilities management projects and develops metrics by office leads in regard to their associated requirements.
• Serves as the primary liaison between the firm, facilities vendors, landlords, and building management regarding facility-related matters, including lease revisions and security procedures.
• Oversees and evaluates the performance of the property management companies and outside vendors and makes appropriate recommendations to enhance performance.
• Conducts facility assessments in partnership with Facilities and office lead to determine and prioritize workplace improvement requirements, including repairs, replacements, finishes, fixtures, and ergonomic modifications.
• Maintains service contracts as applicable. Participates in the acquisition and assessment of any off-site facilities as needed.
• In conjunction with the Facilities Manager and office lead, assists in the moves and assignments of offices in assigned locations. Works collaboratively with Facilities and office leads on inquiries regarding any problems relating to space or building maintenance. Responds to inquiries regarding safety issues and report findings to Head of Human Resources. Responds to inquiries regarding ergonomically challenges and/or changes and partner with HR Managers to execute. Works collaboratively with Human Resources on procurement of ergonomic equipment and supplies.
• Serves as a member of committees, groups and teams as requested by the COO. Acts as a member of the firm’s Sustainability Committee and works closely with Committee Chair to implement recommended facilities initiatives.
• Communicates any recommendations for improvements within area of responsibility to the COO.
• Promptly informs COO of any significant issues within area of responsibility, which may positively or adversely affect the firm’s productivity, financial performance or reputation.
• Completes any other general projects and responsibilities as assigned by the COO and Firm leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Minimum ten years of facilities management experience, with at least ten as the head of this function in a large multi-office organization, preferably a law firm or other professional services firm.
• Strong analytic, financial analysis, decision-making, team leadership, critical thinking, reasonable responsiveness follow-through and problem-solving skills.
• Keen eye for detail and meticulous follow-through.

Education

• A bachelor’s degree is required from an accredited college or university. Equivalent combination of an associate’s degree and work experience may be accepted.

This is an onsite role, and the salary ranges for this position vary depending on the geographic location and other factors such as experience, internal equity, market data, and job-related considerations. The range for this position is from $300,000 - $400,000, with offers contingent upon the various factors. The firm’s compensation strategy includes not just a base salary but also comprehensive benefits such as healthcare, paid time off, discretionary merit bonuses, life and disability insurance, retirement plans and tailored learning opportunities.

Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within our Firm and in the larger legal profession. We believe that diverse skills, knowledge and viewpoints make us a stronger firm. Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP maintains a policy of affording all employees and applicants equal employment opportunities without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity, gender expression or being transgender), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital or familial status, domestic violence victim status, ancestry, amnesty, citizenship status, ethnicity, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Unlawful discrimination, harassment and retaliation will not be tolerated in any of the Firm’s offices or any other work-related setting. Qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation in order to apply for a position or to enable them to perform the essential functions of a position for which they are otherwise qualified. EEO.