Sr. Project Manager - Office of the Chief Operating Officer

Position SummaryThe Project Manager reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for supporting the COO in the planning, coordination, and execution of a wide range of strategic, operational, and administrative initiatives across the Firm. This role serves as a critical extension of the COO's office, assisting with the management of cross-functional projects, tracking key deliverables, coordinating with internal stakeholders, and handling miscellaneous items as directed by the COO. The Project Manager will work closely with Firm leadership, practice groups, office administrators, and business professionals to advance the Firm's strategic objectives, drive operational improvements, and ensure the efficient and timely completion of priority initiatives.Essential FunctionsThe Project Manager will assist the COO in executing the following responsibilities and related projects:Strategic Planning and Business Partnership. Support the COO in serving as a strategic business partner and advisor to Firm leadership by coordinating the implementation of the Firm's strategic plan and other strategic activities. Assist in developing and maintaining a broad understanding of the organization's holistic vision as led by the Managing Shareholder, including practice and office operations, market positioning, and competitive landscape. Help facilitate strategic planning sessions, track progress on key business initiatives, and monitor the development and execution of revenue, profitability, and other firmwide, practice-specific, and geographic-specific objectives. Operational Improvement and Efficiency. Drive projects focused on continuous improvement and efficiency in business operations and other profitability-strengthening efforts. Coordinate infrastructure, technology, business process, client service delivery, and other organizational and institutional enhancement initiatives as directed by the COO. Track project milestones, identify potential obstacles, and report on progress toward operational optimization goals. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement. Cultivate and maintain robust lines of communication across the organization on behalf of the COO's office. Build and sustain strong working relationships with partners, lawyers, and business professionals firmwide. Help foster collaboration, connectivity, and an aligned approach between and amongst the Firm's functional leadership team by coordinating cross-departmental meetings, preparing communications, and facilitating information sharing. Financial Oversight and Budgeting. Assist the COO in ensuring that financial controls and guidelines are in place to optimize cost effectiveness, efficiency, and profitability. Support the management and implementation of the Firm's annual budget process, including gathering data, preparing reports, tracking expenditures, and coordinating with relevant stakeholders. Risk Management and Business Continuity. Support all aspects of risk management, business continuity, disaster recovery, and emergency management strategic planning and program development. Assist in developing, maintaining, and testing related plans, policies, and procedures, and coordinate with internal and external resources as needed. Industry Trends and Best Practices. Monitor current trends and best practices in legal and professional services strategies and management on behalf of the COO. Research and summarize the impact of new innovations, developments, and regulations, and assist in preparing recommendations for appropriate action. Team Development and Organizational Support. Assist the COO in developing a best-in-class business services team that enables the Firm to operate effectively. Support the evaluation of organizational structure and staffing to determine optimal alignment, and help coordinate recommended changes. Aid in the mentoring and professional development of the Firm's business professionals, and help foster a team-oriented culture of excellence that promotes respect, collaboration, professional excellence, and the highest levels of client service. Miscellaneous Projects and Administrative Support. Manage and coordinate additional projects, assignments, and miscellaneous items as directed by the COO. Prepare presentations, reports, memoranda, and other materials for Firm leadership. Maintain organized project files, track deadlines, and ensure timely follow-up on outstanding action items. RequirementsEducation. A bachelor's degree in business administration, management, or a related field is required. A master's degree in business administration (MBA) or a related discipline is preferred. Experience. A minimum of eight to ten years of project management experience is required, preferably within a law firm, professional services firm, or similarly complex organizational environment. Experience supporting senior executives or C-suite leadership is strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional projects, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and driving initiatives from conception through completion is required. Skills and Competencies. The successful candidate will possess exceptional organizational and project management skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, including the ability to prepare clear, concise reports, presentations, and correspondence for senior leadership. The candidate must demonstrate a high degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment, particularly when handling confidential and sensitive information. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, project management software, and collaboration tools is required. The candidate should possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and present actionable recommendations. A demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of an organization is essential. Personal Attributes. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who takes initiative and thrives in an environment that demands flexibility, adaptability, and a hands-on approach. The candidate should be detail-oriented, highly reliable, and committed to delivering work of the highest quality. A collaborative mindset, a positive attitude, and a strong commitment to the Firm's values, culture, and mission are essential. BenefitsOgletree Deakins offers a robust suite of benefits for our Staff including: Paid Time Off, Paid Sick Leave, a 401(k) matching program, Profit Sharing, Paid Holidays, Paid Parental Leave, affordable Health and Life Insurance including Dental & Vision coverage, Health Savings Account /Flexible Spending Accounts to help offset the cost of dependent care and/or health care expenses, Tuition Reimbursement and an Employee Assistance Program.Contact InformationIf you have questions, please e-mail ___ at ___@ogletree.com with “Sr. Project Manager – COO" in the subject line. Please note, applications submitted via e-mail will not be considered.Firm OverviewOgletree Deakins is one of the largest labor and employment law firms representing management in all types of employment-related legal matters. Best Law Firms® has named Ogletree Deakins a “Law Firm of the Year” for 14 consecutive years. In the 2025 edition, the publication named Ogletree Deakins its “Law Firm of the Year” in the Litigation – Labor and Employment category. Ogletree Deakins has more than 1,100 attorneys located in 60 offices across the United States and in Europe, Canada, and Mexico. The firm represents a diverse range of clients, including many of the Fortune 50 companies in the U.S.We are fully committed to the importance of diversity within the legal profession, as well as all workplace environments.Equal Opportunity Employer.