SVP, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Legal

State Street; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 338,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services firm is seeking an SVP, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Legal to oversee the Legal Department's operations and strategy. This role involves managing a global team, enhancing operational efficiency, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in operations management and executive leadership within a legal context.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Flexible Work Programs

Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of operations management experience.
• 15 years of executive leadership in a legal function within a large financial services firm.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial, operational, and administrative functions of the Legal Department.
• Develop agendas for Legal Department staff meetings and prepare reports for executive team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project Management

Change Management

Problem Solving

Negotiation

Education

Master’s degree

Job description

Join to apply for the SVP, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Legal role at State Street

The SVP, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Legal is accountable to the General Counsel for overseeing the financial, operational, internal communications, and administrative functions of the Legal Department. The CAO is responsible for leadership and oversight of the business strategy and managing resource and infrastructure needs, including the management of the Global Contract Services in Poland and the technology supporting contract generation, maintenance, and search capabilities for all contracts at State Street Corporation (SSC). The CAO interacts with other functions including Operations, Risk, Audit, and prudential regulators as required.

The position involves developing agendas for weekly Legal Department staff meetings, providing and presenting regular reports to the Legal Department's executive team, and preparing content for committee meetings and quarterly SSC Executive Committee reviews. The CAO fosters collaborative relationships with company executives, peers, and internal stakeholders, overseeing a global team of more than 50 professionals.

As a direct report to the General Counsel, the SVP, CAO Legal is part of the Legal leadership team, playing a key role in developing and implementing the Legal strategy, managing department operations, resource planning, management reporting, and financial budgeting.

Other Key Responsibilities Include

• Translating strategic goals into operational plans and ensuring their execution.
• Monitoring KPIs, identifying improvement areas, and implementing efficiency strategies.
• Managing the team responsible for global contract services and operational support.
• Leading and motivating employees, fostering a positive work environment, and ensuring effective communication.
• Evaluating and improving operational processes to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality.
• Working with finance to develop and manage the operational budget.
• Identifying operational risks, ensuring compliance, and enhancing control measures.
• Collaborating on Legal Talent Management programs.
• Representing the Legal Department in cross-functional projects and partnerships.
• Maintaining relationships with vendors, including third-party legal firms.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum of 15 years of operations management experience.
• At least 15 years of executive leadership in a legal function within a large, global financial services firm.
• Preferably, 10+ years leading global teams and board-facing responsibilities.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, managerial, and leadership skills.
• Expertise in project management, change management, and process excellence.
• Proven experience in transformational change and continuous improvement.
• Executive presence and influencing skills.
• Data analysis and performance metrics understanding.
• Highly organized with analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Master’s degree (preferred).

We believe in the power of diverse backgrounds and experiences. You don’t need to meet all criteria to apply if you are passionate about change, innovation, big-picture thinking, data-driven decisions, and teamwork.

About State Street

State Street is a leading custodian bank, asset manager, and asset intelligence company, providing services like investment servicing, data & analytics, research & trading, and investment management to institutional clients worldwide.

Work, Live, and Grow

We aim to create a great work environment with competitive benefits, including medical, insurance, savings plans, flexible work programs, and development opportunities.

Salary Range

$225,000 - $337,500 annually, with variations based on location and other factors.