Winston & Strawn LLP · 2 weeks ago
Chicago - Managing Director, IS Operations and Strategy
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$320K/yr - $365K/yr
10+ years expWinston & Strawn LLP is a leading global law firm that emphasizes professional growth and collaboration. They are seeking a Managing Director for IS Operations and Strategy to oversee the firm's IS team, manage Tier 1 services, and drive operational excellence through strategic initiatives.
Law Practice
Responsibilities
Develop, own and execute a strategic vision for the firm’s Tier 1 user support services, ensuring alignment with overall firm goals
Responsible for day-to-day Service Desk operations, ensuring timely resolution of incidents and requests
Monitor and report on KPIs, SLAs and service performance metrics; continuously identify avenues for improved service and innovation in delivery of service
Lead user support automation and self-service initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce ticket volume and time to resolution
Ensure integration of Service Desk with other IT operations and support functions
Serve as an executive thought leader in service delivery, representing the firm in industry discussions and client engagements on the future of legal services
Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement across all technology and client service teams
Develop and implement procurement policies, procedures, and best practices
Own and lead strategic sourcing initiatives to achieve cost savings and supplier performance improvements
Manage vendor selection, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management
Oversee technology contract lifecycle management
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls
Oversee annual budgeting process and long-term financial planning for IT and technology functions across administrative and legal departments
Monitor and report on budget performance, variances, and forecasts
Collaborate with department heads to align budgets with strategic priorities
Identify opportunities for cost optimization and resource allocation efficiency
Work with IT and business units to maintain a roadmap for currency and innovative use of new platforms and methodologies, and to plan and budget for same
Provide strategic direction, mentorship, and performance management to the Tier 1 and IT Operations teams
Build and maintain high-performing teams, ensuring appropriate staffing, training, and professional development
Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across teams and with other departments
Serve as a trusted advisor to firm executive leadership, administrative leadership, and practice group leadership on technical services and support
Collaborate with attorneys and business professionals to understand their needs and challenges and to identify support solutions that address their requirements
Build and maintain strong relationships with external vendors and technology partners
Present to executive leadership and practice leadership on legal technology roadmaps, progress, and financial implications
Develop and manage the budget for the IS Operations and Strategy group, ensuring efficient allocation of resources
Evaluate the ROI of technology investments and make recommendations for future initiatives
Negotiate contracts with vendors and manage vendor relationships
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in business, computer science, communications, a related field required
10+ years of experience in a leadership role within project management or operations required, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment
Must live within a commutable distance to the firm office with the ability to come into the office 3-4 days per week
Proven experience budgeting for and leading large-scale technology organizations and support initiatives
Proven track record of successfully leading technology teams and driving innovation
Strong understanding of legal industry technology trends and best practices
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Experience managing budgets and vendor relationships
Experience with contract lifecycle management
Proven track record of successfully managing work under the ITSM framework
Strong knowledge of legal technology solutions, service delivery in the legal vertical; and exceptional financial and business acumen
Exceptional leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills
Deep understanding of law firm operations, legal practice workflows, and client service needs
Ability to translate business objectives into actionable technology service strategies
Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior leadership and attorneys
Strong vendor management skills, with the ability to engage company leadership and influence roadmap decisions where applicable
Excellent problem-solving, project management, and change management skills
Demonstrated ability to manage budgets and allocate resources effectively
Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey service and support concepts to non-technical stakeholders
Preferred
an advanced degree (MBA, or MS) preferred
Benefits
Comprehensive healthcare benefits package
Yearly retirement contribution
Annual discretionary merit bonus
Company
Winston & Strawn LLP
Winston & Strawn LLP is an international law firm with more than 975 attorneys in key financial centers around the world.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Winston & Strawn LLP has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (6)
2024 (5)
2023 (8)
2022 (4)
2021 (4)
2020 (3)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Scot Farrell
Chief Operating Officer
Aaron O'Dell
Partner
Recent News
2024-04-06
2024-04-06
2024-04-06
Company data provided by crunchbase