Office Administrator, Houston

This position is based in Houston and requires a minimum of four days per week in the office. The role reports to the Director, Administration and Legal Support, with an indirect reporting line to the Partners‑in‑Charge of the office.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to Partners-in-Charge and firm leadership, providing insights and recommendations on office operations, performance, strategic priorities, and business challenges.

• Partner with leadership to align administrative support and services with client and practice needs.

• Oversee daily office operations to ensure efficient, high-quality service delivery while identifying opportunities to enhance operational effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.

• Establish and maintain standards of operational excellence, client service, and responsiveness.

• Lead and manage a team of administrative and legal support professionals, including work allocation, performance evaluation, employee development, and training initiatives

• Oversee staffing strategy including recruitment, workforce planning, and maintaining appropriate staffing levels.

• Partner with Human Resources to address employee relations matters, performance concerns, and organizational changes.

• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing workplace culture that supports engagement and retention.

• Lead and support change management initiatives, including implementation of new service delivery models, technologies, and operational improvements.

• Ensure seamless onboarding and offboarding processes, including coordination of logistics and cross-functional support.

• Coordinate office-wide activities in alignment with firm policies and best practices while supporting the execution of client-facing and internal events, conferences, and firm-sponsored initiatives.

• Oversee facilities operations, including space planning, workplace design, construction, renovations, relocations, and lease-related matters, while partnering with building management to ensure a safe and functional environment.

• Maintain responsibility for workplace health, safety, security, and compliance with firm policies, including risk management, business continuity planning, and incident response.

• Manage the office administrative budget, including forecasting, expense approval, cost control, and identification of cost optimization opportunities.

• Oversee vendor and service provider relationships, including procurement activities, contract negotiation, and performance management in alignment with firmwide strategies.

• Manage community relations and charitable giving initiatives, including budget oversight, sponsorships, and engagement with local organizations.

• Ensure compliance with firm policies, procedures, and operational standards.

• Leverage data and metrics to monitor performance, inform decision-making, and improve operational outcomes.

• Collaborate with peers across offices and participate in firmwide initiatives, working groups, and projects to drive consistency, best practices, and alignment with global strategies.

• Support partner meetings and office leadership activities, including coordination of agendas and logistics.

• Perform other duties and lead special projects as required to support office and firm objectives.

Other duties

Please note this job description does not cover or contain all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.

• Prior law firm or professional services experience is required.

• Minimum of ten years of work experience, including at least five years of supervisory experience, is preferred.

• Ability to work discreetly with confidential information and sensitive situations.

• Ability to quickly identify and analyze issues and problems, recommend and implement solutions, and respond effectively to sensitive inquiries and complaints.

• Demonstrates a proactive focus on operational excellence, client service, efficiency, and cost management.

• Exhibits excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Acts as a self‑starter with a high energy level and a do‑what‑it‑takes attitude.

• Data-driven and continuous improvement mindset.

• Ability to multi‑task with strong organizational skills.

• Exercises flexibility and sound judgment in all situations.

• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure and during high-priority or emergency situations.

• Demonstrates strong problem‑solving skills and consistent follow‑through.

• Serves as an ambassador of goodwill, a catalyst for change, and maintains local office culture while embracing the needs of a global legal practice.

• Ability to plan, coordinate, and direct the work of others.

• Maintains responsiveness and the ability to be available outside regular business hours in emergencies or high‑priority situations.