Director of Office Operations & Real Estate

About the Role

Michael Best is seeking a Director of Office Operations & Real Estate to ensure attorneys and professional staff have the local platform needed to deliver world-class legal services. Leading a national organization of 35+ team members, including 6–8 direct reports, this role oversees efficient delivery of professional office services to 20+ offices across the country (approximately 350,000 SF). As the firm expands, this leader will shape and execute a national office operations strategy, driving efficiency through process improvement, managing a Class A real estate portfolio, and developing a high-performing team.

Responsibilities

Office Operations

• Manage a team of Administrative Office Managers (AOMs) and Office Administrators (OAs) who directly supervise administrative support staff (office services, reception, records, facilities, and maintenance) within each office.
• Establish, maintain, and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in alignment with firm leadership and the Strategic Plan.
• Partner with AOMs and Office Managing Partners (OMPs) to manage and oversee expenditures (P&L Statements), ensuring financial performance aligns with budgets for each office location.
• Provide analysis and recommendations for improving administrative and support operations, including staffing, workload, cost reduction, work allocation, and team performance.
• Lead workforce planning, including interviewing and hiring administrative support staff for respective offices, in partnership with the Talent/HR team and within firm hiring processes.
• Ensure onboarding, training, and cross-training are effective, sufficient, and aligned with the firm’s evolving needs.
• Hold AOMs and administrative staff accountable for performance expectations and development that support firm objectives.
• Travel regularly to firm offices to inspect operations, conduct listening tours, and build relationships with OMPs, AOMs, administrative staff, and timekeepers.

Real Estate

• Manage the day-to-day administration of all office leases in conjunction with local OMPs and AOMs, and under the direction of the COO, acting as a steward of the firm’s finances.
• Lead the search for new office accommodations, provide analysis, and recommend options to firm leadership when additional space is needed.
• Manage relationships with the firm’s leasing agents, landlords, property management, and related vendors.
• Oversee the execution of new office build-outs, expansions, and renovations.
• Monitor employee usage of office space and resources.

Budget Management & Other

• Lead planning and budgeting processes for all Office Operations, lease and vendor agreements, and office build-outs/renovations.
• Partner with OMPs and Finance leadership to establish budgets for internal firm-sponsored events (e.g., holiday observances, employee recognition) and oversee planning and implementation.
• Maintain the integrity, organization, and confidentiality of facilities, lease, vendor, and other firm records, both in paper and electronic formats.
• Assist with and conduct internal process audits, tests, and evaluations as needed.
• Perform all other duties as assigned or recommended.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Real Estate, Human Resources, or a related field is required. Comparable work experience may be considered.
• Preferred: Professional certification such as IFMA (FMP or CFM), BOMA (RPA), or PMP.

Experience

• 7+ years of progressively responsible office management and administrative leadership experience.
• 5+ years of Real Estate Facilities Management and Lease Management.
• 5+ years with direct accountability for managing complex budgets.
• 5+ years directly managing geographically diverse team members, preferably managing a total organization of 20+ reports (both professionals and entry-level staff).
• 5+ years working in a law firm or comparable professional services firm (strongly preferred).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability with MS Copilot or similar AI tools (preferred).

Skills & Competencies

• Strong execution focus; ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver on deadlines.
• Process discipline, attention to detail, consistency, and follow-through.
• Sound judgment, including knowing when to decide vs. escalate and how to manage risk.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, professional environment with changing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with attorneys, clients, staff, community, and vendors.
• Professional client service manner, responsiveness, flexibility, and adaptability.
• Collaborative approach and ability to build credibility with partners and peers.
• Excellent diplomacy, tact, and conflict resolution skills to push back or bring parties to compromise.
• Ability to maintain composure under pressure and demonstrate good judgment.
• High level of integrity and professional discretion; proven ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to use approved AI-enabled tools responsibly and effectively to improve quality, efficiency, and decision-making.
• Valid authorization to work and travel in the U.S.

About the Company

Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP is a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals serving clients around the world. We work with companies across industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our founding in 1848, we’ve evolved to meet clients’ changing needs while maintaining a commitment to exceptional legal service and business acumen.

Location

This position can be based in our Chicago, Waukesha, Milwaukee, Denver, Charlotte, or Raleigh office. Our contemporary office spaces support concentration and collaboration, aligning with our culture of working together to deliver great outcomes for clients.

Benefits

Learning and Growth

• Challenging and dynamic role.
• Career development planning.
• Professional growth opportunities.
• Performance management and coaching.
• Specialized training programs.

Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision care.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Wellness program.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.

Total Compensation

• Competitive base pay with annual merit review/incentive pay.
• Outstanding benefits.
• Generous PTO plus 10 paid holidays.

Planning for the Future

• 401(k) with company contribution.
• Short-term and long-term disability plans.
• Life insurance and critical illness insurance.
• Parental/family leave.

Culture and Workplace

• Respected organization with a collaborative culture.
• Growing firm with an exciting future.
• Contemporary work environment.
• Positive and respectful work climate.
• Performance recognition.

Pay

Compensation for this position ranges from $155,000 to $165,000, depending on experience and location.