Operations Manager

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the world’s leading international law firms, established in 1884 with approximately 2,000 lawyers across offices in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.

About the role

The Operations Manager oversees the smooth and efficient operations of the Houston and Dallas offices, providing strategic operational leadership, managing office initiatives, and ensuring alignment with firm objectives and priorities. This role serves as a key point of contact for office operations, driving effective communication, collaboration, and execution across teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily office operations across multiple locations, ensuring efficient processes, clear communication, and alignment with firm objectives.
• Lead and supervise operations and facilities personnel, including direct and indirect reports, by providing guidance and promoting accountability.
• Manage office projects and initiatives, overseeing timelines, budgets, execution, and follow-through to achieve successful outcomes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for office operations, coordinating with internal teams and external stakeholders, including vendors and contractors.
• Manage vendor, contractor, and service provider relationships to ensure effective partnerships, successful project delivery, and quality service.
• Oversee budgets, financial reporting, records, and operational expenses, including processes associated with notary renewals, IOLTA compliance, and State Bar dues.
• Understand business operations, departmental needs, and office requirements to support effective decision-making.
• Supervise IT technology within common areas, room set-up/maintenance, guest arrival, and communications.
• Monitor and assist with meeting and event activities to ensure internal stakeholder satisfaction and compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with the Director of Administration to assess operational efficiencies and ongoing needs.
• Assess the performance of Facilities and Operations team members and participate in the performance evaluation process.
• Liaise with library staff in the New York office to assess and maintain library needs for the Houston and Dallas offices.
• Partner with the Facilities Manager to handle tasks associated with security access, health and safety, vendors, and the student intern program.
• Perform other duties and assist with various projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant experience in a professional services environment.
• Minimum of 4 years’ supervisory experience managing personnel, projects, and processes.
• Experience with financial reporting, expense management, and budgeting.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to present information clearly and build professional relationships firmwide.
• Ability to assess situations, prioritize competing tasks, adapt to changing priorities, and keep management informed while ensuring accuracy and timely follow-up.
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety requirements.
• Ability to proactively seek ways to manage costs and enhance service levels.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on accuracy, consistency, and quality in all work.
• Travel is needed for up to 20%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of experience with operations and project management.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a large organization.
• Experience with event planning.

Physical Demands

• Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Sitting: Remaining in the seated position, particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally.
• Carrying: Transporting an object, usually holding it in the hands or arms, or on the shoulder.
• Pulling/Pushing: Using upper extremities to exert steady force upon an object so that the object moves toward or away from the force.
• Bending/Stooping/Kneeling/Crouching: Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine, or by bending legs at knees.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

The actual salary offered will depend on factors including qualifications, relevant experience, education, certifications, and location. This role is exempt and not eligible for overtime pay. Simpson Thacher will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.