Our client is a well established and highly regarded law firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina, known for the strength of its legal talent and the collaborative, people first culture that supports it. The firm has built a reputation for operational excellence and a genuine commitment to the growth and wellbeing of its people, values that have helped it become one of the region’s most respected places to work. As the firm continues to grow, it is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to help translate its strategic vision into disciplined, day to day execution across the business.
This is a rare opportunity to serve as the firm’s principal operating executive, with direct accountability for finance, technology, facilities, marketing, human resources, and business operations. Reporting to the Managing Partner and working closely with the equity partners, the Chief Operating Officer will have unmatched visibility into the firm’s strategic direction and the autonomy to shape how that vision gets executed across every non legal function. This role calls for a confident, hands on leader who can move fluidly between big picture strategy and daily execution, someone who is comfortable making significant business decisions, building trust across a partnership structure, and constructively challenging ideas when it matters most. The role is based in Charlotte, with an in office expectation of three or more days per week. For the right executive, this position offers substantial influence over the firm’s long term success and a seat at the table where the firm’s future is shaped.
Position Responsibilities
• Provide strategic leadership and day to day supervision to the firm’s non legal department heads, including business, knowledge management, marketing, and human resources leaders, while removing obstacles and fostering accountability and professional growth.
• Own the firm’s financial operations, including budgeting, financial planning, profitability, cash flow, billing, collections, banking relationships, and tax matters, partnering closely with the finance team to ensure strong execution.
• Set strategic direction for the firm’s technology and information security functions, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, and business applications, and lead major technology initiatives from planning through execution.
• Direct firm wide operations, processes, and administrative support functions to ensure the business runs efficiently and effectively.
• Oversee facilities and physical assets, anticipating future space needs and managing the firm’s real estate footprint in partnership with outside commercial real estate professionals.
• Guide the firm’s brand, marketing, and communications strategy across digital and traditional channels to strengthen its market presence.
• Lead the firm’s response to client and prospect facing initiatives, including requests for proposals, while maintaining a client centered approach.
• Establish policies and practices that promote ethical, efficient, and high performing operations and a positive workplace culture.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the equity partners on governance matters and act as Corporate Secretary, maintaining accurate corporate records.
• Manage the firm’s vendor relationships, insurance portfolios, and risk and compliance processes to protect the business and reduce exposure.
Position Qualifications
Required:
• A demonstrated track record of leading business operations at the executive level, ideally within a law firm or other professional services environment.
• A minimum of five years of experience in executive management, including direct supervision of other managers.
• A minimum of five years of substantial financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial oversight.
• Strong analytical and decision making skills, with the confidence to make significant business decisions and the judgment to know when to escalate.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear, actionable frameworks.
Preferred:
• A bachelor’s degree, with an MBA or other advanced degree viewed favorably.
• Previous experience within a law firm or other professional services organization.
• A proven ability to manage multiple, competing priorities while maintaining excellent attention to detail and organization.
If you are a seasoned operating executive who thrives on turning strategy into results and building trust across a partnership structure, we would love to hear from you. Apply now, and a member of Talentfoot’s recruitment team will be in touch should your experience and qualifications align with our client’s requirements.