Director of Operations
Company Description
Houser Henry & Syron LLP is a progressive, Toronto-based boutique law firm specializing in serving privately owned businesses and Canadian subsidiaries of foreign companies since 1934. We pride ourselves on building long-term, strategic partnerships with our clients, offering practical legal advice rooted in a deep understanding of their unique needs. Our client-centric approach ensures responsiveness, clear communication, and exceptional service delivered without unnecessary bureaucracy. Trusted by clients for over 80 years, many of whom have been with us for decades, we are committed to enabling business growth and long-term success. Visit www.houserhenry.com to learn more about our services and unique approach.
Opportunity
Houser Henry & Syron LLP is seeking a strategic and hands-on Director of Operations to lead and oversee our firm’s core business functions, including Human Resources, Operations, Finance, IT, and Project Management. This is a key leadership role responsible for driving efficiency, optimizing processes, and supporting the continued growth and success of the firm. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with strong business acumen, capable of balancing day-to-day operations with long-term strategic initiatives.
Location: Toronto, ON - Financial District/Hybrid
Qualifications
- Proven expertise in Operations Management and process optimization tasks.
- Strong Analytical Skills to evaluate data, implement solutions, and improve operational efficiency.
- Experience in Team Management, including team leadership, development, and collaboration.
- Financial acumen with proficiency in Budgeting and resource allocation.
- Customer Service orientation with the ability to uphold a high standard of client care and satisfaction.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- A proven track record in a leadership role within a professional service or legal firm is a plus.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, or related field preferred.
Job Accountabilities
Human Resources
Talent Acquisition
- Lead end-to-end talent acquisition for all roles
- Proactively source talent through recruiters, networks, referrals, and direct outreach
- Design interview frameworks, conduct interviews, co-ordinate partner involvement, and manage candidate experience
- Lead offer negotiations, compensation positioning, and onboarding
Own Firm’s student recruitment program
- Lead job posting and application review
- Attend interviews and lead decision-making process
Staff Management
- Directly manage and support administrative staff and law clerks
- Set expectations, priorities, and workload distribution across support teams
- Act as escalation point for performance, conduct, and capacity issues
Compensation Administration
- Propose and manage salary changes, bonuses, RRSP contributions, and statutory remittances
- Maintain compensation grids and ensure internal equity and market alignment
Performance Reviews
- Design and manage firm-wide performance review cycles
- Compile and synthesize review feedback across lawyers, clerks, and admin staff
- Attend all review meetings as HR and operations lead
- Take detailed notes, identify themes, and map action items and development plans
- Track follow-ups and ensure accountability post-review
KPIs &Performance Metrics
- Track and analyze KPI metrics for all timekeepers (utilization, realization, billings, collections)
- Support partners with performance insights tied to compensation and development
- Identify trends, risks, and coaching opportunities
Employee Relations
- Lead sensitive conversations including performance improvement, conflict resolution, and disciplinary matters
- Attend termination meetings
Operations
Management & Advisory Meetings
- Plan, co-ordinate and attend monthly management meetings
- Co-ordinate bi-annual advisory meetings including agenda development and objectives
- Record meeting minutes capturing decisions, next steps etc.
- Track action items, assign ownership and follow up to ensure timely execution
Onboarding & Training
- Lead onboarding for all new hires (Tech stack, cybersecurity training, firm expectations and workflows)
- Ensure new hires are operationally effective as quickly as possible
Firm Operations
- Oversee day-to-day operational functions of the firm
- Ensure smooth coordination between lawyers, clerks, admin, and leadership
- Identify operational gaps and implement process improvements
Process Design & SOPs
- Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures
- Improve efficiency, consistency, and scalability firm-wide
- Reduce friction points that impact lawyer productivity
Facility & Vendor Management
- Manage office space, moves, renovations, and physical infrastructure
- Oversee vendor relationships
- Negotiate contracts and manage costs
Finance
Monthly Financial Reporting
- Prepare and present monthly financial reports for firm leadership (income statements, net profit, projections)
Payroll & Compensation Strategy
- Own payroll execution and compliance
- Lead compensation mapping for staff, associates and lawyers
- Support salary benchmarking and comp planning
Performance & KPI Reporting
- Track financial KPIs for timekeepers
- Produce dashboards and reports for partners
Partner Compensation and Draws
- Administer partner compensation model
- Calculate and process partner draws
- Track partner capital accounts and transitions
Budgeting & Financial Planning
- Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes
- Monitor budgets and flag variances
- Support strategic financial decision-making
External Financial Coordination
- Liaise with external accountants, banks and advisors
- Support year end processes, audits etc.
- Oversee and process firm credit card transactions, ensuring timely and accurate posting and reconciliation
- Support firm collections by monitoring receivables and following up with clients on o/s balances
- Provide backup coverage for accounts payable and receivable functions to maintain operational continuity
IT
Technology Oversight
Own the firm’s tech stack (DMS, PMS, CRM)
Ensure tools align with firm workflows and growth strategy
Vendor Management
- Act as primary contact with managed service providers and vendors
- Oversee contracts, performance and service delivery
Systems and Implementation
- Lead system implementations, upgrades and integrations
- Drive automation and digitization initiatives
Cybersecurity & Risk
- Oversee cybersecurity protocols and staff compliance
- Lead firm-wide cybersecurity training and awareness
Project Management (Cross Functional)
- Lead firm-wide strategic and operational projects
- Build project plans, timelines, budgets and risk assessments
- Track deliverables and outcomes
- Ensure projects are completed on time, on budget and with little disruption
- Act as the connective tissue between strategy and execution
Upcoming Firm Projects
- Law Clerk Maternity Leave
- AI (legal student) Internship
- 2027 Summer Recruitment
- Storage Digitization Project
- Restructuring Firm fees (service-based)
- Restructuring DMS cabinets (Management)
- Policies – maternity leave, generative AI, contingency policy
Why Join HH&S
At Houser, Henry & Syron, you’ll find the quality of work and client exposure of a larger firm, paired with the flexibility and close working relationships of a boutique environment. We offer challenging, interesting work alongside a team that values professionalism, collaboration, and balance, and we invest in our people as they grow their careers with us. Be part of a respected mid-sized Toronto law firm specializing in corporate and commercial law.
What We Offer:
- Hybrid working environment that supports focus and flexibility
- Competitive compensation with a performance-based bonus structure
- RRSP matching to support long-term financial planning
- Wellness stipend to support physical and mental well-being
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume in confidence to: Emily Moore, Director of Operations, at emoore@houserhenry.com
No agencies or recruiters please.