Business operations manager Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Join Goodwin’s Global Operations Team, and make a real impact on a global scale. At Goodwin, we work with some of the world’s most successful and innovative investors, entrepreneurs and disruptors in the life sciences, private equity, real estate, technology and financial industries, and where they converge. As part of the Global Operations Team – all business professionals at the firm – you’ll collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and experiences, fostering an environment where cross-functional learning, networking, and collaboration are at the core of what we do.

Here, we’re not just supporting a law firm; we’re partnering with attorneys and clients to deliver cutting-edge solutions in high-stakes litigation and dispute resolution, world-class regulatory compliance and advisory services, and complex transactions. Our commitment to integrity, ingenuity, agility, and ambition drives us, and we’re proud to have been recognised as the “Best Business Team” by The American Lawyer.

This is your opportunity to grow professionally in a dynamic, global environment, surrounded by forward-thinking peers.

The Sr. Manager, Transformation Program Management, will work alongside the Managing Director of Program Management (“MD”) and the Chief Operating Officer, to drive high-impact initiatives that will shape the future of the firm. This role goes beyond traditional project management, acting as an internal business operations consultant and change agent. You’ll oversee transformative projects across various functions, engaging with senior leaders to tackle complex challenges and deliver meaningful results. Your work will be instrumental in aligning our operational goals with our vision to be the leading law firm of the future.

What You Will Do :

Identify, plan, and execute special projects that align with the firm’s strategic goals, working across departments to drive initiatives from conception to completion.

Define objectives, success metrics, and timelines, ensuring projects deliver significant and measurable impact.

Analyze current operational workflows, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies to streamline processes, reduce friction and complexity, and enhance efficiency.

Lead pilots, experiments, and iterative improvements to ensure the firm remains agile and adaptable to emerging opportunities and challenges.

Anticipate potential roadblocks and proactively address obstacles to keep initiatives on track.

Leverage data to measure project success, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and refine strategies as needed.

Develop and implement change management plans that foster acceptance and adoption of new initiatives across the firm.

Draft compelling, clear communications on project progress, results, and impact for a variety of audiences, from senior leaders to front-line staff.

Organize presentations, status reports, and executive briefings that summarize complex projects into easily digestible insights and action items.

Integrate complex and diverse inputs from project teams and resolve conflicts to meet program goals.

Who You Are

Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree or MBA strongly preferred.

7+ years of Program Management experience.

Business or professional services operations experience in a plus

Six Sigma, PMI or Lean experience preferred but not required.

Hybrid schedule (3 days per week office based)

Travel to firm offices as needed

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively with senior partners, firm leadership, and firm clients.

Proven ability to lead strategic programs and complex projects on time and within budget, including; defining scope, assigning resources, developing project plan & timeline, compiling documentation, writing status reports, communicating to project stakeholders, handling change management, and assessing risk and escalating issues appropriately.

Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis and the ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve the problems in the best interest of the firm.

Knowledge of and ability to use organizational strategies, practices, and tools for administering projects.

Ability to process complex information with high levels of accuracy.

Ability to build, develop and grow business relationships in support of large-scale initiatives and programs.

Solid judgment about priorities and timing, ability to think out of the box to drive solutions.

Understanding of how to review, analyze, and recommend business process changes or improvements.

Excellent written and oral communication.

Ability to effectively present oral and written reports to varied audiences.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a highly matrixed team environment.

Effective management and leadership skills.

Strong Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Visio, and PowerPoint skills

Benefits and More

At Goodwin, you will discover your next career opportunity with a rewarding compensation package and comprehensive benefits, including :

Flexible work arrangements and hybrid work schedule

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Life and disability insurance

Retirement & Savings Plan

Emergency back-up child and adult care

Paid vacation, sick time off, and holidays

Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Employee recognition and reward programs

Employee wellness and assistance programs

Employee discounts and perks

Consistent with the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration.

Consistent with the SF Fair Chance Ordinance, an arrest and conviction record will not automatically disqualify a qualified applicant from consideration.

G oodwin Procter LLP is an equal opportunity employer. This means that Goodwin Procter LLP considers applicants for employment, and makes employment decisions without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or other legally protected status.

To request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process in the US, contact the Benefits Department by or by phone at 617-570-1800. To request any disability or neurodivergence related accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process in the UK or Germany, please the Recruiting Department. Any information you provide will be in the strictest confidence, and only used for the purpose of providing the accommodations needed. Requesting accommodations will not adversely affect the outcome of your application.

Please note : Various agencies of the United States government require employers to collect information on applicants and employees. The National Association of Law Placement (NALP) and certain clients request us to keep track of certain aggregate information regarding lawyers. EEO information requested on this application is for purposes of compliance with these recordkeeping and reporting requirements and to determine recruiting and employment patterns. Submission of this information is voluntary and refusal to provide it will not subject you to any adverse treatment.

This position is eligible for overtime : No

Target Salary Range : $155,000.00 - $185,000.00