Bricker Graydon | Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Location: Cincinnati, OH or Columbus, OH (On-Site)
At BRICKER GRAYDON LLP, we strive to provide a firm culture that promotes inclusivity and fosters a positive work environment built on the foundation of respect.
We value and recognize the unique strengths, experience, and character our team members bring to our culture. There is a wealth of great things to say about working at Bricker Graydon, but the driving factor behind the firm’s success is the outstanding and diverse group of people who work here. Our attorneys and staff define our firm and are the reason we succeed every day. Bricker Graydon is a place where YOU belong.
We are currently seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join either our Cincinnati, OH or Columbus, OH office.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Chief Operating Officer (COO) oversees and leads all business aspects of the Firm, including finance, tax, human resources, talent, DEI, information technology, business development, records/information governance and facilities. This role should:
- Elevate, empower and enable the effective and efficient operation of each department and function of the Firm.
- Minimize the burden on, and maximize the revenue producing capabilities of, Firm personnel providing compensable services to clients of the Firm.
- Support and enhance the work of other operational and attorney leaders of the Firm.
- Enhance and support the work of operations chiefs to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of each of our operational departments.
- Identify opportunities for growth (including affiliated service lines) and improvement for the business operations.
- Manage expenses and seek efficiencies.
- Provide leadership, vision and innovation throughout all aspects of the business operations.
- Bear responsibility and accountability for all business aspects of the Firm.
- Provide consistency and clarity in communications, awareness and understanding of all business aspects of the Firm.
The COO works closely with the Managing Partner, the Administrative Partner, the Executive Committee, the Cabinet and other operational and office leaders of the Firm.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Acts as a key strategic business advisor to Firm leadership.
- Directs and is ultimately responsible for all operations and functions of the Firm.
- Leads the implementation of the Firm’s strategic plan and other strategic activities.
- Ensures financial controls and guidelines are in place to optimize cost effectiveness, efficiencies and profitability, including management and implementation of the Firm’s annual budget.
- Participates in the hiring, training, evaluating, and professional development of key operations staff.
- Advances DEI awareness and training for all personnel and works to integrate best practices into the work experience.
- Evaluates organizational structure and staffing to determine if it is optimal and recommends changes as needed.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Demonstrated understanding of the operation of a law firm or professional service business.
- Strong working knowledge and past experience leading high-level teams in areas including but not limited to finance, IT, business development/marketing, human resources, professional talent, DEI and facilities.
- Strong financial acumen with the ability to analyze and make recommendations regarding high level budget, cost, and investment decisions.
- Experience and training in DEI awareness and integration with operations and the work experience.
- Demonstrated history of successful process and project creation and management.
- Ability to develop, lead, inspire, provide strategic direction to, and hold accountable team members.
- Innovative and strategic thinking to bring new and creative ideas to the Firm and to encourage innovation by other team members.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills, follow-through, and attention to details.
- Ability to work well, individually and in teams, with a diverse group of people at all levels of the Firm.
- Ability to bring and manage meaningful change and participate in process improvement and project management initiatives.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree required and additional post-degree education is highly desired.
- Ten years of professional services firm experience preferred, ideally a business with $100M in gross revenue or greater.
- Legal industry experience preferred.
- Evidence of strong commitment to continuing education and professional development, including in the area of DEI.
- Involvement in industry and community organizations preferred.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work expected for this job. It is not designed to be interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of an individual assigned to this job. Firm leadership has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job, to designate other functions as essential at any time, to waive requirements for the position and to adjust reporting relationships as circumstances warrant. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.
We offer a full benefits package, including paid family leave and a generous firm 401(k) contribution. If you are interested in becoming a member of our team, please visit our careers page on our website at www.brickergraydon.com to complete our online application.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are welcome without regard to gender, gender identity or gender expression, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, or cultural identity, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, genetics or disability. Women, minorities, LGBTQ+, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
