Permanent
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Posted on 01 January 26 by Kumabe HR
- Honolulu, Hawai'i
- $120000 - $ per Year
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Job Description
Kumabe HR is partnering with a local law firm to fill a Chief Operating Officer (COO) position.POSITION SUMMARY
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the firm's senior operational executive and is responsible for the comprehensive management of all administrative, operational, people, and facilities functions of the firm. This role expands beyond day-to-day administration to serve as the integrator of strategy, operations, culture, and infrastructure across the company.
The COO partners closely with the Management Committee, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Chief Information Officer (CIO) to translate firm strategy into effective execution. As custodian of firm culture and morale, the COO ensures the firm operates efficiently, sustainably, and in alignment with its values, while supporting attorneys and staff at the highest professional level.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Executive Leadership & Firm Operations
- Provide executive leadership over the firm's day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities established by the Management Committee.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the Management Committee on operational, personnel, facilities, and administrative matters.
- Participate in and help structure routine leadership meetings, monthly staff meetings, and quarterly partnership meetings, including agenda development, briefing materials, and follow-up on action items.
- Act as the central coordinating executive across administrative departments, offices, and committees.
People, Culture & Human Capital
- Serve as the custodian of firm culture, morale, and professional standards, fostering an inclusive, respectful, and high-performing workplace.
- Lead all human resources functions, including recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, evaluations, compensation administration, benefits, employee relations, and compliance.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop all staff; ensure consistent and equitable application of HR policies and practices.
- Advise on employee relations issues, organizational design, workforce planning, and performance improvement.
- Oversee firm wide engagement, recognition, wellness, and morale initiatives in coordination with internal committees.
Administrative & Organizational Oversight
- Oversee all administrative functions of the firm, including Human Resources, reception, secretarial services, office support, records, library services, and Neighbor Island operations.
- Establish performance expectations, accountability structures, and operational standards across administrative staff.
- Ensure attorneys and practice groups receive the administrative and operational support required to serve clients effectively.
- Attends and participates in committee meetings to ensure cross-talk, strategic vision, operational support, and cross-functional coordination across the firm.
Facilities & Physical Infrastructure Management
- Provide executive oversight of all facilities and physical infrastructure, including office space planning, maintenance, security, parking, and vendor relationships.
- Ensure workspaces support productivity, collaboration, safety, business continuity, and the firm's brand and culture.
Financial, Budget & Vendor Management
- Partner closely with the CFO on budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning related to administrative, personnel, and facilities functions.
- Oversee vendor selection and performance management to ensure cost effectiveness and service quality.
Technology & Information Systems Coordination
- Partner closely with the CIO to translate operational and people needs into technology requirements, process improvements, and change initiatives.
- Support firm wide change management and adoption of new systems and tools.
Marketing & Business Development Oversight
- Provide executive oversight of the firm's marketing and business development functions in alignment with the firm's strategic objectives.
- Serve as the direct supervisor to the Marketing and Business Development Manager, providing leadership, guidance, and performance management.
- Partner with the Marketing and Business Development Manager and relevant committees to develop, prioritize, and execute strategic marketing and business development initiatives.
- Provide operational, administrative, and infrastructure support to enable effective execution of marketing and business development programs, including events, sponsorships, branding initiatives, client development activities, and internal communications.
Governance, Committees & Strategic Execution
- Coordinate and support firm committees, ensuring alignment with firm strategy and timely execution of initiatives.
- Implement Management Committee decisions and track progress against approved initiatives and goals.
Policy, Risk & Compliance
- Oversee development, implementation, and enforcement of firm policies and procedures across all administrative areas.
- Identify operational risks and compliance issues; recommend and implement mitigation strategies.
- Promote continuous improvement, operational discipline, and best practices firmwide.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
- Deep expertise in law firm or professional services operations and administration.
- Proven executive leadership and people management capabilities.
- Strong financial, budgeting, and analytical acumen.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and influence skills.
- High level of integrity, judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex organizations, competing priorities, and sensitive matters.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat; strong comfort with enterprise systems.
EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience overseeing people, operations, and complex administrative functions.
- Significant experience in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Advanced degree in business, human resources, law, or a related field, or relevant professional certifications, preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Full-time, on-site executive role based at the Honolulu office.
- Standard business hours (Monday–Friday), with flexibility required for early mornings, evenings, or weekends as dictated by firm needs, leadership responsibilities, or special initiatives.