Manager of Business Technology Solutions & Innovation

Under the direction of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and in close collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Director of Knowledge Management, the Manager is charged with evangelizing the value of our innovation framework comprised of people, process and technology while driving measurable impact to support Stradley’s goals including reduced risk, enhanced revenue, profits, efficiency, and client-retention. The manager will achieve these goals by utilizing broad and deep experience gained from previous work as a consultant, technologist, process engineer, evangelist, and change agent.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborate with CIO, COO, Directors, Department Chairs, and others to develop and implement strategies for driving innovation across the firm, including the use of new technologies, processes, and staffing models.
• Identify and prioritize opportunities for process improvement and innovation in the delivery of legal services to our clients, including workflow redesign, technology adoption, and staffing optimization.
• Lead the implementation of process improvement initiatives through interactive workshops, change management controls and targeted training programs.
• Lead the requirements gathering process for selection of business technology solutions.
• In collaboration with others in the IT department, identify, evaluate, and lead the implementation of technology solutions that support innovation efforts, increase productivity, enhance profits, reduce risk, and improve client service.
• When appropriate, fulfill the role of project manager; develop and manage project plans, budgets, and timelines to ensure successful implementation of process improvement and innovation initiatives.
• Track and report on the progress of process improvement initiatives and innovation projects, including project status, return on investment, user adoption and satisfaction, and other key performance indicators.
• Evangelize the team’s efforts internally, including drafting and presenting success stories at department and practice group meetings and drafting and sending firmwide internal communications.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Practice Management teams to develop and implement strategies to publicize and monetize the firm's process improvement and other consulting capabilities to create a competitive advantage and generate additional revenue.
• Stay up to date with industry best practices, trends, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement and share this knowledge with others.
• Build the requisite skills to, one day, manage and mentor a team of legal process specialists, business analysts and technologists to drive successful adoption of solutions.
• Other duties as assigned by the CIO or COO

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in business, computer science, or a related field; a law degree or paralegal degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in process improvement, change management, or legal operations roles, with a proven track record of success.
• Experience working in a law firm or legal department, with a strong understanding of how legal services are delivered and the challenges facing midsize law firms today.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to distinguish between coincidence, correlation, and causality and translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Experience in designing, evaluating, implementing, and managing legal technology solutions, such as matter management systems, financial systems, conflicts and new business intake systems, timekeeping tools, and process automation software.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills (in-person and virtually), with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels; able to develop, present, and build consensus for a business case to invest in an idea or solution.
• A problem solver, constantly looking for ways to improve the delivery of legal services.
• A critical thinker who quickly parses through information to understand the facts, develop an action plan, and executes with confidence until resolution.
• Project management skills and verifiable track record of completing projects on time, on budget, and with great acceptance.
• Creative and flexible, able to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and opportunities; able to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple, detailed tasks.
• Team-oriented person whose default is to share information, goals, opportunities, successes, and failures with the appropriate parties.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality, diplomacy, and judgment in handling sensitive issues.
• This is a highly visible position within a service business requiring regular in-office face time with internal customers and firm clients.
• Strong leadership with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage work of others in a matrixed-model to achieve project and team goals is a plus.
• Although not required, demonstrated hands-on technology skills related to browser-based applications, databases, workflows, system integration and custom reporting – especially Salesforce and Intapp - is considered a differentiator.