Senior Manager of Administration

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don’t just meet the standard for legal excellence—we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity, and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional expertise and dedication of our people.

With 6,500+ professionals, including 4,000 lawyers, across 21 offices worldwide, Kirkland attorneys shape markets, influence policies, and establish legal precedents that redefine what’s possible. We bring together the best minds to meet clients where they are, driving the future of business, investment, and innovation.

What You’ll Do

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond our legal work—it’s embedded in how we operate. We are looking for a dynamic Senior Manager of Administration to oversee the day-to-day operations of our Austin office. This is a critical leadership role, ensuring that our administrative functions align with the high standards of service Kirkland is known for. If you thrive in a fast-paced, high-performing environment and have a passion for operational excellence, we invite you to join our team.

As the Senior Manager of Administration, you will be the driving force behind the operational success of our Austin office. Partnering closely with firm leadership, you will ensure seamless office management while fostering a culture of collaboration, efficiency, and client-focused service. Your leadership will directly impact our ability to deliver the highest quality service to our attorneys and clients.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing daily administrative operations, including facilities, guest services, conference services, digital services, and mailroom management.
• Leading space planning and office management efforts in collaboration with the firm’s real estate team.
• Managing vendor relationships and ensuring cost-effective procurement while maintaining Kirkland’s high standards.
• Collaborating with the Operations Manager to maintain and enhance digital services, mailroom functions, and food service operations.
• Driving financial accountability by developing budgets, managing expenses, and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
• Engaging key stakeholders by leading routine operations meetings and providing insights to senior leadership.
• Overseeing office-wide initiatives, including attorney office assignments, office moves, and space utilization strategies.
• Coaching and mentoring direct reports to develop a high-performing team.
• Ensuring compliance with firm policies and contributing to process improvements.
• Supporting special projects and initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and client service.

What You’ll Bring

Kirkland & Ellis is a highly collaborative and collegiate environment where each contributing member is expected to excel in communication, initiative, building relationships, client focus, agility, business insight, and influencing outcomes. Additionally, you will bring to this role:

• A bachelor’s degree (preferred) and at least five years of experience managing office operations, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong leadership experience, with a proven ability to manage teams and develop staff.
• Exceptional customer service skills and the ability to cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders.
• A solid understanding of finance, budgeting, and facilities management principles.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset with keen attention to detail and critical thinking skills.
• The ability to balance multiple priorities and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with legal or professional services technology tools.
• Availability to work outside standard hours as needed.

At Kirkland, we don’t just meet expectations—we exceed them. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and impact, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee’s race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #LI-Hybrid #LI-NK1