Senior Director, Legal Operations

Company Description

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Job Description

Position Purpose:

The Senior Director, Legal Operations leads a team of paralegals and administrative professionals who support Veolia North America’s Legal Department. This position is responsible for (i) providing strategic oversight of business processes and activities to ensure efficient operation of the Legal Department, and (ii) managing the paralegals and other paraprofessionals who support the BU legal teams (Regulated Utility, Contract Operations, ESS/Hazardous Waste, Sustainable Industries and Buildings, and Canada) and the Central legal teams (M&A, Litigation, Employment and Privacy).

This role requires strategic planning, financial management, project management, and technology portfolio investment expertise in order to improve efficiency and streamline legal processes. It also requires a significant level of coordination with other departments (e.g., IT, Procurement, Finance) and an understanding of the role of the Legal Department within the Company.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement legal operations strategies to improve efficiency and effectiveness. Collaborate with EVP & General Counsel to create a long-term strategy that aligns with the organization's goals and metrics.
• Manage the legal department's outside counsel spend and related financial reporting.
• Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers.. Coordinate with Procurement to secure optimal pricing on commercial contracts and law firm rates. Manage relationships with legal vendors and outside counsel.
• Evaluate, implement, and optimize technology solutions to improve Legal Department operations. Help legal team members learn how to use technology platforms, and continuously monitor the current legal tech stack to ensure tools are being used and making a meaningful impact.
• Streamline billing processes and improve Legal department efficiency.
• Provide data-driven insights and reporting to the General Counsel and legal team.
• Train new hires, maintain a talent pipeline, and facilitate advancement.
• Lead and mentor a team of legal operations professionals and paralegal staff.
• Develop strong relationships with Business Unit and Function leaders, as well as with other stakeholders within the Company.
• Be professional when interacting with multiple stakeholders on complex legal matters.
• Stay informed and promote compliance with corporate policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with Legal Department staff on matters involving new projects and provide advice and strategic support as needed.
• Promote the Legal Department’s brand as a “strategic business partner” to executive and senior leadership; establish strong relationships with internal stakeholders - think “big picture” (beyond the legal and contract issues and connect the dots across the organization).
• Support the General Counsel on critical matters as they arise within the Company.
• Plan, prepare, coordinate strategy meeting for the legal team.
• Actively participate in Legal Department activities as a team player.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background:

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or Paralegal Certificate.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience in legal field.
• Prior law firm work experience or in-house legal department experience is preferred.
• Strong understanding of legal technology and software solutions.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to manage legal spend and financial reporting.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Leadership experience with the ability to mentor and develop a team.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Experience with contract management systems, e-billing, and legal research platforms.
• Knowledge of legal industry best practices and trends.
• Experience with legal project management or process improvement methodologies.
• Adept at worki