Director of Office Operations - Legal

Our client, a full-service, national law firm, has an immediate opening for an experienced Director of Office Operations, to join our winning team in NYC.

Read on to find out what you will need to succeed in this position, including skills, qualifications, and experience.

Our candidate of choice will lead the strategic management of office environments across our multi-office law firm of over 400 attorneys.

You will be responsible for driving firmwide operational excellence, aligning office operations with strategic goals, and ensuring a professional, efficient, and client-service-focused workplace.

With a forward-thinking, innovative mindset, the Director will identify and implement technologies, tools, and processes that elevate the workplace experience, optimize cost, and enhance performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES : Strategic Office Management & Governance Develop and implement a unified, industry-standard operating model for office operations that aligns with firm governance and the evolving role of OMPs.

Strategically lead the Senior Office Operations Administrator in evolving the Office Manager function into a more strategic, governance-aligned role—focused on consistent execution, operational excellence, and enhanced support for Office Managing Partners.

Drive the development and adoption of standardized best practices across all offices—advancing operational strategy, enabling firmwide consistency, and strengthening the impact and effectiveness of OMPs as local leaders.

Serve as the primary liaison to OMPs and administrative leadership across departments (e.g., Finance, HR, IT) to ensure alignment between office operations and firm goals.

Lead operational change management efforts, firmwide rollouts, and communication strategies to ensure effective adoption of new policies, technologies, and processes.

Establish and maintain policies and advance training related to safety, access, security, ergonomics, and regulatory compliance.

Workplace Strategy, Real Estate, & Facilities Develop forward-looking real estate and workplace strategies that balance cost, attorney / staff experience, and long-term market presence.

Oversee lease portfolio management : track lease timelines, flag key dates, and evaluate renewal, renegotiation, relocation, or exit strategies.

Provide guidance to Office and Facilities Managers on local lease and real estate matters—ensuring alignment with firmwide strategy, coordinating with landlords and vendors as needed, and serving as a resource on space planning and facility improvements.

Create a succession plan to absorb facilities oversight from the Director of Facilities, in alignment with his transition timeline.

Establish standards for workplace experience across all offices, including wellness, hospitality, conference room readiness, and community engagement.

Champion sustainability initiatives and ESG priorities, ensuring vendor compliance and advancing environmentally responsible practices.

Financial Management & Vendor Oversight Define firmwide standards and processes for office budget development, management, and reporting, including templates, training, and timelines.

Monitor departmental budgets, identify opportunities for cost optimization, and drive fiscal discipline in alignment with firmwide objectives.

Centralize vendor sourcing and management for facilities and office services, standardize MSAs / SLAs, and ensure high performance and compliance.

Oversee business continuity planning and incident response strategies (e.g., power outages, weather events, active-shooter preparedness) to minimize workflow disruptions and recovery times.

Partner with IT to optimize workplace technologies, including access / badging, room booking systems, visitor management, conference room tech, and mail / courier systems.

Continuously assess and implement emerging tools and technologies that improve operational efficiency and enhance the office experience.

Lead or participate in firmwide initiatives involving office expansions, consolidations, process improvements, or operational technology upgrades.

Ensure secure handling and compliance for physical and digital client and firm records, including alignment with records retention policies and regulatory obligations.

Talent Development & Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, including the Senior Office Operations Administrator and Managers of Facilities, Office Services.

Elevate operational roles to strategic contributors by setting clear priorities focused on efficiency, cost management, and service delivery.

Establish performance expectations, provide ongoing coaching, and foster accountability and professional growth across the team.

Cultivate a collaborative, proactive culture that reflects the firm’s values and commitment to exceptional client service.

KEY REQUIREMENTS : 10+ years of experience in office operations or facilities leadership, preferably within professional services or a multi-office legal environment.

Bachelor’s degree preferred Advanced degree or certifications in business, operations, or facilities management a plus.

Proven ability to lead strategic initiatives, manage complex projects, and implement process improvements across geographically dispersed teams.

Strong financial acumen and experience managing large budgets and vendor contracts.

Deep understanding of office technology, workplace trends, ESG best practices, and change management principles.

Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills.

WE OFFER : Medical, dental, and vision insurance Flexible spending accounts (FSA) Health savings account (HSA) Tuition reimbursement Generous paid time off 401(k) retirement savings plan Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses Paid leave options, including parental Learning and development programs taught by the firm’s training department Family formation benefits Please apply today to be immediately considered for the role! Elgen Staffing is the fastest growing staffing agency in New Jersey.

With a deep understanding of today's hiring trends and technologies we have the ability to leverage the most effective recruiting methods to find the best candidates across numerous markets and industries and place them into the appropriate position successfully.

Please allow us to help you find your dream job today!