Operations Manager

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experience Operations Manager to join our Strategic Operations team in Melbourne office. The Operations Manager is responsible for managing the support operations of the firm including office services, client services, document production and legal support co-ordination across the Melbourne and Sydney offices. This role delivers high-quality support services that enable the firm to operate efficiently, safely, and sustainably. The Operations Manager drives continuous improvement and contributes to strategic initiatives aligned with firm-wide goals.

**Primary Duties and Responsibilities**

Leadership
- Lead and manage Office Services, Client Services, and Document Production teams.
- Promote accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct regular team meetings to inform and engage.
- Manage annual operational budgets for Melbourne and Sydney including monitoring monthly financials and forecasts.
- Act as escalation point for all support operations issues.
- Contribute to strategic business projects.
- Support change initiatives and promote change leadership within operations.
- Represent the firm professionally with external vendors.

Facilities & Office Services Management
- Manage landlord and building relationships across all RK properties, including oversight of capital works, renovations, and/or relocations.
- Lead space planning and workplace design optimisation.
- Implement maintenance programs and ensure OH&S compliance.
- Manage vendor relationships, negotiate favourable contracts with Risk team support and monitor service levels, KPIs, renewals and cost-efficiencies.
- Oversee printing, scanning, mail, courier, and delivery services.
- Maintain and review archiving, safe custody, and VOI policies, processes and reporting
- Lead procurement strategy aligned with sustainability, RAP, modern slavery, and risk policies.
- Lead firm-wide sustainability strategy aligned with AASB and Green Star standards and represent RK in the Australian Legal Sector Alliance.

Client Services
- Oversee reception, front-of-house, and meeting room operations.
- Ensure catering and event services meet firm standards.
- Support high standards in catering and event delivery.
- Oversee café operations including planning, reporting, pricing, and customer experience.

Legal Support Operations
- Coordinate and mentor PGARs.
- Ensure timely, accurate document production.
- Identify and implement workflow and service improvements.
- Assess and streamline team processes.
- Recommend improvements aligned with global firm strategies.

ISO27001 Audit
- Act as a role model for information security. As well as setting an example of good practice, management responsibilities include ensuring that employees, relevant contractors and supplier are aware of their responsibilities, and attend Information Security training were appropriate in accordance with ISO 27001, control A.6.3.

**Skills/Knowledge**
- Strong understanding of law firm operations and legal practice management systems.
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams.
- High level of accountability and ownership of outcomes.
- Capacity to balance long term goals with short term priorities.
- Strong attention to detail while maintaining a strategic overview.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing.
- Ability to communicate effectively with all Principals, Lawyers, Professional and Support staff.
- Proven commitment to quality, compliance and continuous improvement.
- Understanding of budgeting, forecasting and ability to manage costs and resources effectively.
- Proactive approach to problem solving and issue resolution.

**Experience**
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in similar Operations Management role.
- Strong experience in professional services.Law firm highly desirable.
- Recent sustainability experience advantageous.

**Further Information**

**Our Firm and Culture**

Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 340 people in Melbourne and Sydney. We are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients, guided by market-leading expertise across our key sectors of focus.

As part of our team, you’ll receive hands-on experience, quality mentoring and access to valuable learning opportunities. We encourage a professional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of an enjoyable working environment and balanced lifestyle. We believe we have a culture where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, and where your talents are fostered, empowering you to contribute to the success of the firm.

Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is certified as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, as well as being certified as a gold employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index for employers with 500