Managing Director

Our Client Our client is an established Toronto-based boutique law firm that has built a strong reputation in the legal market and is seeking a Managing Director to lead the business and operational side of the organization. Reporting to the senior founding partners, the Managing Director will oversee the firm's core business functions and work closely with the partnership on strategy, planning, execution, and firm management. This is a broad leadership mandate for a practical, hands-on operator who can bring structure and accountability across the organization while creating leverage for the partners to focus on clients, business development, and firm strategy. Key Responsibilities Firm Operations & Leadership Lead the day-to-day business operations of the firm. Coordinate activities across HR, finance, technology, marketing, administration, and legal support. Drive accountability across key initiatives, projects, and recurring operational priorities. Proactively identify and resolve operational issues before they escalate to the partners. People & Organizational Leadership Provide leadership and direction to the firm's HR function. Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, employee engagement, and workforce planning. Act as a senior escalation point for employee relations and organizational matters. Build strong relationships across partners, lawyers, directors, and staff. Financial & Commercial Management Partner with the finance function on budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and financial reporting. Monitor key financial and operating metrics. Support pricing, collections, profitability, and other commercial initiatives. Provide the partners with reliable information and analysis to support decision-making. Strategy, Technology & Firm Development Support the partners in strategic planning and execution. Track progress against strategic and operational priorities. Oversee technology investments, systems improvements, and process optimization. Support the firm's adoption of AI and other productivity-enhancing technologies. Ensure appropriate focus on cybersecurity, business continuity, and information governance. Qualifications Senior leadership experience within a law firm, professional services firm, or comparable organization. Demonstrated ability to lead people and oversee multiple business functions simultaneously. Strong financial and operational acumen. Experience working closely with partners, owners, boards, or other senior decision-makers. Excellent judgment, communication, and problem-solving capabilities. Practical, hands-on management style with the ability to move between strategic priorities and operational detail. Experience as a Managing Director, COO, CAO, Director of Operations, Executive Director, or equivalent senior leader is an asset. Law firm experience is preferred but not required. Why This Opportunity This is an opportunity to take on a highly influential leadership role within an established and respected professional services firm. The successful candidate will work closely with the Partners to professionalize and strengthen the business side of the firm, improve coordination and accountability across functions, and ensure the organization has the infrastructure and leadership required to operate effectively. For a senior operator who enjoys being the person who connects the dots, solves problems, and turns strategic priorities into execution, this is an opportunity to have a meaningful impact across the entire organization. REF: LI1780

The Managing Director will lead the day-to-day business and operational functions of a boutique law firm, overseeing HR, finance, and technology. The role focuses on driving accountability and executing strategic priorities to allow partners to focus on client development.

Candidates must have senior leadership experience in a law firm or professional services environment with strong financial and operational acumen. A practical, hands-on management style and the ability to collaborate with senior partners are essential.

• Project managementPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Business Operations
• Strategic Planning
• Financial Management
• Human Resources Leadership
• Performance Management
• Budgeting and Forecasting
• Process Optimization
• Change Management
• Cybersecurity Governance
• Stakeholder Management
• Project Management
• Organizational Leadership

• Management & Leadership
• Legal
• Finance & Accounting
• Human Resources
• Administrative

Minimum experience

10+ years

Apply by

Sep 13, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

40 hours per week

Seniority

Executive

Application method

Direct apply is available