Business Operations Manager

Business Operations Manager - Legal Services - Boston

Position Overview

A well-established, growing Boston-based law firm is seeking an experienced Business Manager to oversee and actively manage the day-to-day business and administrative operations of the firm.

This is a hands-on, high-visibility position that will work closely with the Managing Partner and firm leadership to ensure the organization operates efficiently and with strong financial discipline. The Business Manager will have broad responsibility across financial performance, budgeting and forecasting, billing and collections, client pricing, vendor management, contracts, and firm-wide business operations.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of financial acumen, operational experience, and business judgment , with the ability to dig into financial and operational details, identify issues and opportunities, and translate findings into practical recommendations for leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Review and analyze financial reports and underlying data to provide meaningful insights and recommendations to firm leadership.
• Identify financial trends, variances, risks, and opportunities and help develop appropriate action plans.
• Partner with Finance and attorneys to improve billing practices, collections, and the overall financial performance of client relationships.
• Analyze client rates, discounts, alternative fee arrangements, and other pricing decisions.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, P&L preparation, financial planning, and other business analyses.
• Review vendor and business contracts from a financial and commercial perspective, including pricing, renewal terms, and potential risks.
• Evaluate expenditures and investments and provide recommendations to leadership.

Business Operations

• Serve as a key business resource and strategic partner to the Managing Partner and firm leadership.
• Maintain a broad view of firm operations and proactively identify opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Evaluate administrative and operational processes and lead improvements where appropriate.
• Manage relationships with key vendors and outside service providers.
• Evaluate vendor performance and cost-effectiveness and recommend alternatives when appropriate.
• Coordinate with attorneys, administrative teams, outside professionals, and vendors on business matters.
• Take ownership of approved business initiatives and ensure effective implementation and follow-through.
• Support the Executive Committee through meeting coordination, preparation of materials, and tracking of key action items.
• Assist with office operations, technology, insurance, facilities, and other business functions as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in business management, operations, administration, or a related position.
• Prior experience within a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred .
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including experience reviewing P&Ls, budgets, forecasts, expenses, invoices, and financial reports.
• Experience with billing, collections, client pricing, and/or professional services economics preferred.
• Strong understanding of business operations and the ability to identify and implement process improvements.
• Experience with vendor management and contract negotiation is a plus.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with attorneys, executives, staff, vendors, and outside professionals.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will be a hands-on business professional who is comfortable getting into the details while maintaining a broader view of the organization. This individual will use financial and operational data to identify issues, evaluate options, and develop practical recommendations.

The role requires someone who can work effectively across an organization, influence without formal authority, communicate confidently with senior leadership, and take ownership of initiatives from analysis through implementation.

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