Operations Manager - Law

Our client is a Canadian law firm. They are seeking an Operations Manager to join their team full‑time on-site in Ottawa, Ontario. After the initial probationary period, this will be a hybrid working arrangement.

The Operations Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day business operations of the law firm, acting as the primary point of contact for operational, financial, and HR functions. This role will support the partners by executing across finance, HR, marketing, and administrative functions while implementing structure, systems, and reporting to support the firm’s growth.

Some of your key responsibilities in this role will include:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the law firm, acting as the first-level point of contact for operational needs and executing on partner direction.
• Develop and implement financial governance, management accounting practices, and reporting structures including forecasting, budgeting, and goal setting.
• Prepare monthly financial and operational reporting, ensuring visibility into firm performance and identifying efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities.
• Manage cash flow, financial controls, and relationships with banks and external lenders, with an understanding of trust accounting.
• Liaise with internal bookkeeping resources and external accountants to ensure accuracy and compliance in all financial matters.
• Lead HR-related functions including developing and maintaining policies, ensuring compliance, managing personnel matters, and supporting recruitment, terminations, and compensation reviews.
• Act as the face of HR within the firm, analyzing staffing metrics, capacity, and workforce planning needs.
• Oversee group benefits and compensation structures.
• Liaise with external marketing agencies and social media providers, supporting marketing initiatives and evaluating advertising opportunities.
• Support internal marketing efforts including sponsorships, events, and social media activities.
• Evaluate, implement, and optimize operational workflows, including the integration of AI tools to improve efficiency and reduce overhead.
• Lead or support system implementations appropriate for a growing firm.
• Manage office-related operational needs including planning for future office space and lease considerations.
• Provide management and operational support to the partnership, ensuring smooth execution of business functions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in operations, finance, or administrative leadership roles within professional services environments.
• Experience in a law firm or comparable professional services business is preferred.
• Business degree with a focus on management accounting, finance, or operations management is preferred.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with management accounting, financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and cash management.
• Understanding of billing delays, financing considerations, and trust accounting.
• Experience implementing systems and operational processes within growing organizations.
• Proficiency in HR practices including policy development, compliance, recruitment support, and compensation management.
• Ability to analyze staffing metrics, capacity, and operational efficiency.
• Experience working in hybrid office environments with distributed teams.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate autonomously and execute across multiple functions.
• Experience liaising with external partners including accountants, lenders, and marketing agencies

While we appreciate all inquiries, only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Summit Search Group is a fair and equitable search firm. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.

Pay: $100,000.00-$130,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person