Partner Operations Associate Director

The Partner Operations Associate Director is responsible for leading the Firms Partner Operations function and building the operational infrastructure that supports Partner lifecycle processes across onboarding ongoing support transitions retirements separations governance compliance and related cross-functional workflows. This role will help modernize Partner Matters by creating clearer processes playbooks templates controls tracking mechanisms reporting and handoffs that enable Partner Relations and adjacent teams to deliver a coordinated high-touch Partner experience. Working closely with the Partner Services Director Partner Relations Partner Compensation & Evaluation Partner Accounting OGC Tax Finance HR Payroll Directors of Administration (DOAs) local HR and Firm leadership the Partner Operations Associate Director will serve as a process leader operational problem-solver and coordination point for complex Partner lifecycle activity.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead the Partner Operations function and manage the team responsible for Partner lifecycle operations process execution governance compliance documentation and operational coordination.
• Establish clear priorities service expectations workflows handoffs escalation paths and operating standards for Partner Operations.
• Oversee operational processes supporting Partner onboarding ongoing Partner support transitions retirements separations and post-separation activity.
• Develop and maintain standardized workflows checklists timelines templates playbooks and process documentation for recurring Partner lifecycle activities.
• Ensure Partner Relations and adjacent teams have the operational guidance tools tracking and process support needed to deliver consistent Partner-facing service.
• Own operational governance and compliance processes within Partner Operations including tracking documentation reporting controls recurring requirements and issue resolution.
• Build and improve systems trackers dashboards workflow tools reporting mechanisms and process repositories that support Partner lifecycle operations.
• Identify process risks control gaps handoff issues bottlenecks and automation opportunities; partner with technology data project management and other resources to implement improvements.
• Serve as a key operational coordination point across Partner Relations Partner Compensation & Evaluation Partner Accounting OGC Tax Finance HR Payroll DOAs local HR and other Firm functions including coordination with OGC on legal-adjacent matters.
• Lead coach and develop Partner Operations team members including clarifying roles managing workload allocation supporting training providing feedback and identifying staffing process technology or governance improvements.

Education and/or Experience:
Required:

• Bachelors degree in Business Finance Accounting Operations Human Resources Organizational Leadership or related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in operations professional services administration law firm administration project management process improvement finance human resources or a related function.
• Experience managing complex processes workflows documentation controls and cross-functional handoffs.
• Experience leading teams or managing work through others.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a complex matrixed service-oriented environment

Preferred:

• Experience in a large law firm or sophisticated professional services organization.
• Experience with Partner lifecycle processes onboarding separations governance compliance compensation-related operations or professional services operations.
• Experience with workflow tools case management systems dashboards process documentation or automation initiatives.
• Advanced degree PMP Lean Six Sigma CPA SHRM certification or related credential.

Other Skills and Abilities:
The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

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The target salary range for this role is:

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors including but not limited to the relevant market skills experience and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation please email (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.