Senior Manager, Operations

Job DetailsJob Location: MDK Columbus - COLUMBUS, OH 43204Position Type: Full TimeGrow Your Career. Make a Difference. Join MDK. 

MDK is seeking a Senior Manger of Operations to guide day-to-day legal operations and support a high-performing team. This role blends people leadership, process improvement, and operational oversight to ensure work is delivered accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with client and firm expectations.

In this role, you will oversee staffing and workflow, support training and performance management, and partner closely with attorneys, clients, and internal teams to drive consistent, high-quality outcomes.

A Culture of Collaboration, Growth, and Belonging  

At MDK, a law firm built on purpose and progress, we believe people thrive when they feel respected, connected, and empowered to grow. Our culture is rooted in creativity, support, and open communication, where learning is continuous and every team member is encouraged to bring their whole self to work.

We value diverse perspectives and foster belonging through cross-team collaboration and employee-led programs that reflect who we are. From wellness initiatives to community engagement, MDK is a place where people feel seen and supported.

What makes MDK’s culture compelling:

Professional growth supported by regular one-on-one conversations with leaders
Flexibility and time off that prioritize real work-life balance
Volunteer Time Off that connects employees with causes they care about
Inclusive programs like our Culture Council, affinity groups, book club and Art@MDK
A collaborative environment built on shared success and open feedback

Your Role in Action

Team Leadership and Support: Manage staffing, scheduling, and resource needs to ensure smooth operations and a steady workflow. Maintain strong visibility with the team and foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable work environment.
Training and Development: Oversee onboarding and ongoing training to ensure team members have a strong foundation and continue to develop the skills needed to meet performance expectations and professional goals.
Performance Management: Monitor and evaluate team performance, ensuring quality, compliance, and alignment with MDK standards. Provide coaching, feedback, and guidance to support individual and team success.
Culture and Values: Demonstrate and reinforce MDK’s values, policies, and culture. Support firm initiatives and help team members understand how their work contributes to MDK’s mission and success.
Issue Resolution: Monitor and resolve escalated operational issues and serve as a point of contact for cross-departmental problem-solving.
Operational Leadership: Lead operational initiatives focused on process improvement, workflow efficiency, and consistent legal service delivery across practice groups and legal pods.
Process Improvement and Problem Solving: Identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and implement sustainable changes that reduce delays, cost, and risk.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Directors, Attorneys, Business Units, Compliance, and IT to assess operational needs and implement solutions that enhance performance, productivity, and scalability.
Data and KPI Management: Develop, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational performance, support decision-making, and align outcomes with firmwide goals.
Technology and Tools: Identify and recommend operational tools and technology solutions in collaboration with IT to support efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
Change Management: Support and lead change management efforts related to new systems, processes, or organizational initiatives, ensuring clear communication and adoption across teams.
Consistency and Compliance: Ensure operational practices align with firm standards through the development and use of standard operating procedures and best practices.
Leadership Communication: Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership related to operational performance, risks, and opportunities.
Leadership Representation: Represent the team in leadership discussions and actively support firmwide initiatives.

Your Background & Skills

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, operations management, finance, or related field.
Minimum of 7 years operation or process improvement experience, with at least 5 years in leadership.
Lean Six Sigma (Green or Black Belt), Project Management Professional (PMP), or Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) strongly preferred.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proven knowledge and abilities in the principles of change management and process improvement.
Strong knowledge of KPIs and performance measurement frameworks.
Exceptional written and oral communication, strong interpersonal skills.
Proven ability to effectively motivat