Managing Director, Administration (Global Services)

The Managing Director, Administration (Global Services) ("the MD") is responsible for overseeing administrative support and office operations across all Goodwin locations. This encompasses administrative support, document production, mail management, copy/scanning, records maintenance, reception, hospitality/concierge and other related functions. The MD is tasked with leading an evolving mix of administrative functions with a focus on optimizing the physical workplace, establishing standardization to promote a shared experience across all offices, and setting enhanced service standards aligned with the firm's strategy and the Goodwin Way. Initially, this role will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and will play an integral part in redesigning the firm’s administrative operations.

What You Will Do:

Transformation

• Assess the firm’s administrative services and identify opportunities for transformation and right sourcing.

• Define and execute a transformation roadmap for administrative services aligned to firm’s business strategy.

• Build and execute agile project approaches for process optimization, technology enablement, and operational improvements across administrative services functions.

• Collaborate with all GO Team functions to ensure alignment and integration of administrative support and services across business units and locations.

• Foster a culture of agility — enabling rapid decision-making, iterative improvements, and adaptive execution across administrative services.

• Facilitate collaboration across the firm to deliver a seamless and coordinated client experience.

• Define KPIs and success measures, track progress, and report outcomes to senior leader.

Leadership

• Build a high-performing and cohesive function and team that consistently delivers a ‘one firm’ experience across all offices that aligns with the firm’s business objectives and culture, while respecting regional and local market differences.

• Lead and manage the firm’s Office Administrators (“OAs”) in all offices including recruitment, integration, development, management, and coaching of the team.

• Manage the overall relationship with the firm’s third-party service providers in the areas of Mail/Copy, Document & Production, Administrative Support, Reception,

Hospitality/Concierge and Records

• May include procurement of services, contract negotiation and compliance. Ensure services are aligned with firm’s business needs, are compliant with all relevant policies and adhere to Service Level Agreements (“SLAs”). Engage in regular service assessments with vendors and internal clients.

• Manage third-party service provider contracts and, in collaboration with other senior leaders, lead the evaluation process and make recommendations regarding renewal, modification, or cancellation to executive leadership. Work closely with relevant stakeholders across departments to ensure that provider selection and negotiations align with organizational objectives and operational needs.

• Ensure efficient and consistently high level of administrative support services for partners, senior GO Team leaders and other timekeepers.

• Develop and manage the Administration budget including overseeing the OAs to ensure compliance with budget and budget process.

• Working together with the Managing Director, Real Estate & Facilities and the OAs, ensures maintenance of first-class office space in all Goodwin offices.

• Serve as a member of the firm's Crisis Management Steering Committee representing the Administration function and ensure Administration-related business continuity plans are up-to-date and each office is prepared to respond in an effective manner to various emergencies and crisis.

• Own and guide the management and administration of the firm’s Contracts Lifecycle Management (CLM) system; serve as the primary liaison with vendors; and oversee procurement workflows to ensure efficiency, compliance, and continuous process improvement.

Real Estate & Facilities

• Work with Managing Director, Real Estate & Facilities, to oversee management of physical space and the landlord/tenant relationships, lease negotiations, tenant build- out projects, contractor negotiations, space planning, and facility maintenance.

• Collaborate with the Managing Director, Real Estate & Facilities and OAs to ensure seamless partnership for successful outcomes of office relocations and redesigns working.

Who You Are:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced management or business degree preferred.

• 7+ years at a senior leadership level in administrative services, facilities, and/or operations.

• Experience in a law firm or professional or financial services environment preferred.

• PMI, CMP or related project management certification a plus.

• Proven success leading multi-disciplinary teams within a law firm, corporate legal department, or professional services organization.

• Deep knowledge of right-sourcing, and modern service delivery models.

• Strong business and financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis.

• Demonstrated ability to drive large-scale transformation and innovation.

• Exceptional communication, influence, and leadership skills, with a track record of inspiring diverse teams.

• Energized by the opportunity to redefine what administrative services delivery looks like in a rapidly changing industry.

• Expertise in optimizing processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

• Deep understanding of relevant legal regulations and compliance requirements.

• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ethics and integrity.

• Proficiency with standard business applications and demonstrative ability to quickly learn and adopt new technology, methods and tools.

• Periodic travel to firm offices based on business needs.

• Firm culture is hybrid work environment.

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