Knowledge Management Operations Manager

Build your big career with the firm that does Big Law, Better. McDermott Will & Emery is a leading global law firm that brings together more than 1,400 lawyers and 1,200 business professionals. We celebrate excellence, collaboration, and community and have been recognized as a top workplace by USA Today, Fortune, The American Lawyer, Vault, and the Human Rights Campaign, among others.  

At McDermott, we don’t just invest in your future, we accelerate your career – wherever it may lead. That includes supporting you both in and outside of the office.

With us, you’ll find:

• A firm where everyone belongs: Our award-winning culture prioritizes warmth and authenticity — we encourage you to be yourself! 

• Enthusiasm for diverse perspectives: We’re smarter and stronger when everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. We welcome unique viewpoints and ideas, and we make opportunities for you and your career to thrive. 

• Support to feel your best and do your best: Wellness is integral to building a successful career and a rich life. That’s why our benefits program supports your physical, emotional, mental, and financial health, with an emphasis on work-life balance.

• Real rewards for real work: We offer generous compensation packages that recognize hard work and excellence.  

Job Description:

The KM Operations Manager plays a critical role in the development and further expansion of the KM Department at the firm and, working in conjunction with the CKO, is responsible for execution of the KM strategy, operations and initiatives firm-wide in order to drive efficiency and improve client service. The KM Operations Manager, together with the CKO, develops the KM strategy, roadmap, best practices, policies and procedures and is responsible for the day-to-day administration, management and continuous improvement of the KM Department’s general operations.

The KM Operations Manager spans many activities from strategic to tactical and provides important cross-functional leadership between KM, IT and the PG’s the KM Department supports to plan, manage and complete assigned projects, ensuring the relevant business goals and priorities are clearly documented and communicated. The KM Operations Manager helps support the broader mandate of the KM Department to develop resources, search and research tools and efficient processes which aid in the delivery of legal services to better serve the firm’s clients.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Manage the day to day operations of the KM Department, including the KM budget, to ensure tasks are completed on time and consistent with approved budgets
• Identify and prioritize opportunities to document, enhance or expand upon policies, procedures and best practices for the KM Department
• Assist in project management and development of process improvements for KM workflows, leveraging AI tools currently licensed by the Firm as well as GenAI solutions the KM Department is helping to implement
• Track monthly use metrics for all KM Power BI platforms and create a summary of metrics for internal review
• Maintain KM YourSource and KM-related information on practice group pages
• Manage other KM Department support functions such as budget tracking, invoice management and engagement with vendors for contract employees
• Contribute to the development of strategic business goals and the overall roadmap for the KM Department under the direction of the CKO
• Oversee the preparation of materials for the KM department meetings and other presentations to firm leaders and key decision makers
• Support special projects and perform other duties as may be assigned by the CKO

Job Specifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Strong knowledge of process improvement, change management, and the operations of an in-house legal department, KM Team or IT department
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive matters in a fast-paced environment and keep projects moving forward at own initiative
• At least five (5) years of relevant project management and/or operations experience
• Ability to take initiative, create a positive team environment, work as a team leader and member, and build collaborative relationships
• Basic knowledge of SharePoint Intranet and Imanage preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, with strong Excel skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with staff at all levels (in particular, comfortable with presenting to small groups to introduce them to KM systems and resources and excellent attention to detail in written work)
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities
• Ability to handle and maintain confidential information
• Ability to learn new concepts and skills quickly
• Ability to translate strategy and priorities into tangible action items and execute effectively
• Ability to manage project teams from inception through planning, execution and completion
• Preference for experience with law firm structure and business practices, as well as practice-specific terminology
• Preference for experience in business analysis, requirements gathering, and stakeholder engagement within a corporate, professional services, or technology-driven environment
• Preference for work experience in a large law firm environment or in-house legal department

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.

Target Hiring Range $128,000 - $198,000

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWE provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

As part of our ongoing commitment to be #AlwaysBetter for our people, clients and communities, we have created a culture of belonging that champions your individuality as both a person and a professional. From our competitive compensation, top benefits and award-winning professional development programs to industry-leading wellness initiatives, we support you through every stage of your life and career. With McDermott, you can live a life you love both in and outside of the office.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear

• Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds

Work Environment:

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.