Office Manager

JOB TITLE: Office ManagerFLSA STATUS: ExemptSCHEDULE: M-F, 40 hrs./weekLOCATION: Minneapolis, MN (hybrid work environment with 3 days/week in office after the first 90 days)REPORTS TO: Regional Director of AdministrationPOSITION SUMMARY:Under the direction of the Regional Director of Administration, the Office Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day administrative operations within the office and supervising administrative and legal support staff to ensure consistent, effective delivery of support services. This role manages workflow distribution, monitors service quality, and addresses routine operational and staffing issues to maintain continuity and responsiveness.COMPENSATION: At Spencer Fane, we carefully consider a wide range of factors when determining compensation, including but not limited to location, skillset, experience, training, licenses, certifications and other business or organizational needs. Compensation will be determined based on the above factors along with the requirements of the position. We expect the starting salary for this position to be between $90,000 and $112,500.BENEFITS: Medical, Vision, Dental, PTO, 401k, Life, Disability.PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:Partner with the Regional Director of Administration and Office Managing Partner to support daily office operations and key office initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and team coordination.Directly supervises legal support and office services staff, including assigning and redistributing work, monitoring daily and weekly deliverables, addressing workflow imbalances, and ensuring attorneys and practice teams receive appropriate administrative support.Provides first-line people management for assigned staff, including communicating expectations related to attendance, work quality, responsiveness, workplace behavior, and service standards; providing regular feedback and escalates more complex performance or conduct issues as appropriate.Coordinates staffing coverage and work allocation across administrative functions to maintain continuity of service and effective use of staff resources.Approve time off requests and schedule changes; approve timecards, review work hours and workload trends, and address discrepancies related to work hours, attendance, and staffing utilization.Identifies, documents, and communicates employee concerns, service issues, and operational challenges; assists in resolving routine matters related to workflow, scheduling, staffing support, and team effectiveness; operates within established practices and escalates more complex or high-risk matters to office leadership as appropriate.Supports recruiting staff in partnership with Human Resources, including interview coordination, candidate logistics, onboarding support, and status changes.Assist with onboarding and integrating new attorneys, including coordinating workspace readiness, support assignments, orientation logistics, and cross-functional follow-up.Supports the annual performance evaluation process for assigned staff in accordance with firm guidelines, including documentation and coordination with the Regional Director of Administration and Human Resources on compensation-related input.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, staff, office leadership, and business partners to understand support needs, respond to operational issues, and reinforce service expectations within the office.Serves as a liaison with building management and external vendors for day-to-day facilities and office service needs, ensuring issues are identified, escalated, and resolved in a timely manner.Assist in budget preparation and expense monitoring for the office in collaboration with the Regional Director of Administration.Plan and coordinate office meetings, events, and engagement initiatives, including attorney and staff activities, recognition efforts, and firm programs.QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND:Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field preferred.5+ years of experience in a legal or professional services environment strongly preferred.Prior supervisory experience preferred, including responsibility for assigning work, monitoring staff performance, and addressing routine employee issues.OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP & OFFICE MANAGEMENT:Strong operational awareness managing day-to-day office workflows, staffing coverage, and administrative support activities within a defined office environment.Demonstrated ability to ensure consistent execution of operational processes and maintain continuity of service.Proven ability to resolve routine operational issues and appropriately escalate more complex matters.Exercises sound judgment in prioritizing work and managing daily competing demands.PEOPLE LEADERSHIP & TEAM MANAGEMENT:Strong supervisory skills overseeing day-to-day staff performance, including assigning work, monitoring completion, and reinforcing expectations within a defined team structure.Demonstrated ability to deliver ongoing coaching and feedback to address performance concerns and support employee development.Proven ability to coordinate staffing coverage and balance workloads to meet operational needs and maintain consistent support.Sound judgment in addressing routine employee relations matters, escalating more complex issues as appropriate.EMPLOYEE RELATIONS & JUDGMENT:Fundamental understanding of employee relations practices, including performance management, conduct, and workplace expectations.Demonstrated ability to respond to employee concerns with appropriate judgment and within established guidelines.Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive employee matters.BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP & STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT:Strong interpersonal skills building effective working relationships with attorneys, staff, and internal partners.Demonstrated ability to communicate operational needs, priorities, and issues clearly and effectively.Proven commitment to service excellence and responsiveness in supporting a well-functioning office environment.FINANCIAL, RESOURCE & OPERATIONAL SUPPORT:Key understanding of office resource management, including supplies, vendors, and administrative processes supporting daily operations.Demonstrated ability to support day-to-day resource needs and escalate concerns as appropriate.Proven awareness of resource usage and its impact on operational effectiveness.COMMUNICATION, ORGANIZATION & EXECUTION:Key organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing needs.Demonstrated ability to manage administrative details with accuracy and attention to detail while maintaining urgency and a high level of service responsiveness.Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and common business software, supporting day-to-day operational needs and communication.WORKING CONDITIONS:Primarily performed in an office environment with frequent interaction across attorneys, paralegals, and administrative teams.Travel to other office locations or external administrative sites may be occasionally required.Work hours are generally standard business hours; occasional evenings or weekends may be required to meet deadlines or support urgent matters.Fast-paced, collaborative environment requiring adaptability, strong attention to detail, and effective prioritization.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Regularly required to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods while performing administrative and supervisory duties.Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs for filing, document handling, or office materials.Ability to perform repetitive motions, including typing, filing, and scanning.Occasional bending, reaching, and handling of office equipment.Adequate visual and auditory ability to accurately review legal documents, read computer screens, printed materials, and communicate effectively.DISCLAIMER:The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.