Senior Director of Administration

About the role

The Senior Director of Administration plays a critical role in leading the Firm's real estate portfolio and firmwide administrative operations. Reporting to the Firm’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and serving as a key member of the Firm’s Business Professional Leadership Team, this role oversees the Firm’s real estate, facilities, space planning, and office administration.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, direction and support to Directors of Administration across all office locations, ensuring consistency in operations, service delivery, and alignment with Firm standards.
• Partner with the CFO and Firm leadership to develop and implement consistent, efficient and right-sized administrative strategies, policies and best practices.
• Foster a unified, high-performing administrative culture aligned with the Firm’s “One Manatt” approach.
• Evaluate and optimize administrative structures, workflows and service models to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• In partnership with the Firm’s CFO and external brokers, oversee assist with oversight of the Firm’s national real estate portfolio, including lease negotiations, renewals, and long-term occupancy strategy.
• Lead all aspects of facilities management, including space planning, office utilization, renovations, maintenance, and capital projects.
• Partner with external brokers, landlords, architects and vendors to execute real estate transactions and office buildouts.
• Ensure all offices meet the Firm’s operational, security, and client-service standards.
• Oversee procurement related to facilities and administrative operations, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with Firm needs.
• Manage key vendor and contractor relationships across all offices.
• Develop and monitor budgets related to real estate and administration, ensuring fiscal discipline and transparency.
• Lead and execute firmwide projects related to office openings, closures, relocations, and redesigns.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement solutions to enhance operational performance across offices.
• Manage complex, multi-office initiatives, ensuring timelines, budgets and deliverables are met.
• Serve as a primary liaison between Firm leadership, administrative teams and business professionals to ensure alignment and communication.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to the CFO and leadership on real estate strategy, administrative performance and key initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in administration, real estate and/or facilities management within a legal, consulting or professional services environment.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing multi-location office operations and leading distributed, large teams.
• Deep Knowledge of real estate strategy, lease administration, space planning and facilities operations.
• Proven ability to lead large-scale initiatives, manage competing priorities and drive execution.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting and cost management related to real estate and operations.
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Proven ability to unite and lead diverse team members effectively, fostering a cohesive and productive environment.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Analytical skills including aptitude for detail, and logic with extensive office management and administration experience in order to fulfill expectations.
• High level of discretion, judgment and professionalism in handling confidential matters.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel to all Firm office locations.