Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Salary/Payrate: $175,000–$250,000 annually, bonus potential, and excellent benefits.
Work Environment: Hybrid - at least 2 days in office
Term: Permanent | Full-Time
Bachelor's degree required: Yes (MBA or other advanced degree preferred.)
Referral Fee:AMS will pay $1000 should the person you refer gets hired
JOB DESCRIPTION
Our client is seeking an accomplished and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as a key member of the firm's executive leadership team. Reporting directly to the Equity Members, the COO will be responsible for leading the firm's operational strategy while ensuring organizational efficiency, financial stability, employee engagement, and long-term growth. This executive will partner closely with firm leadership, Finance, Marketing, Technology, and Human Resources to align operational initiatives with the firm's strategic vision.
Strategic Leadership & Execution
- Partner with the Equity Members to develop, prioritize, and execute the firm's strategic initiatives.
- Align operational objectives with the firm's long-term vision and business goals.
- Identify organizational risks and opportunities while supporting firm-wide risk management initiatives.
- Drive implementation of strategic priorities across all administrative departments.
Operational Excellence
- Evaluate existing operational processes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Develop and implement best practices that improve workflow, productivity, and overall firm performance.
- Ensure technology systems support operational efficiency, cybersecurity, AI initiatives, and future growth.
- Promote innovation while maintaining operational consistency throughout the organization.
Performance Measurement & Reporting
- Develop, monitor, and refine firm-wide Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Deliver meaningful operational and financial reporting to executive leadership.
- Utilize data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making.
- Establish reporting structures to measure operational, financial, and client service performance.
Financial Leadership
- Oversee key financial operations including:
- Budget development
- Financial reporting
- Accounts Payable
- Accounts Receivable
- Firm billing
- Tax reporting
- Partner closely with the Finance Director to ensure financial stability, cost control, and long-term profitability.
- Identify financial risks and opportunities that support the firm's fiscal health.
Human Resources Leadership
- Oversee core Human Resources functions including:
- Employee compensation
- Benefits administration
- Recruitment and talent acquisition
- Workforce planning
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, high-performing workplace culture.
- Ensure compliance with employment laws and HR best practices.
- Promote employee engagement, retention, and professional development.
Marketing & Business Operations
- Partner with firm leadership and the Head of Marketing to support firm growth initiatives and strategic business objectives.
Relationship Management & Firm Leadership
- Build strong relationships with attorneys, professional staff, clients, vendors, and community organizations.
- Serve as a visible leader who reinforces the firm's culture, values, collaboration, and commitment to exceptional client service.
- Represent the firm within professional organizations and the legal community.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; MBA or other advanced degree preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of executive leadership experience, preferably within a law firm or other professional services environment.
- Demonstrated success leading strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and cross-functional teams.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, financial reporting, and organizational risk.
- Outstanding communication, relationship-building, and leadership skills.
- Ability to influence partners, attorneys, and professional staff while building trust and credibility.
- Strategic thinker with exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and execution skills.
- Ability to prioritize competing initiatives and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- High degree of professionalism, discretion, integrity, and sound judgment.
- Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, flexibility is expected as part of the executive leadership team to meet firm business needs.