Director, Legal Talent Strategy, Planning and Operations at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett in New York, NY

Job description

Job Summary & Objectives The Director of Legal Talent Strategy, Planning and Operations serves as a strategic partner, operational lead and trusted advisor to the Chief Legal Talent Officer (CLTO) leading the coordination of functional activities, operations and people-related matters across the Legal Talent function, including Operations & Administration, Legal Talent technology, Training & Development, Integration, Legal Recruiting, Partner Development & Administration, and Inclusion. In partnership with the CLTO and functional leaders, this role will develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives that standardize, streamline, and enhance support for the Legal Talent function. This role drives cross-functional coordination, manages high-priority initiatives, prepares executive communications and presentations and ensures strategic priorities are translated into actionable plans and measurable outcomes. This is a transformation role—responsible for identifying and implementing technologies, systems, and ways of working that position Legal Talent as a modern, data-driven function. This role requires a deep understanding of big law or complex, highly-matrixed organization environments and the ability to collaborate extensively with cross-functional partners in Information Technology, Human Resources, Knowledge & Innovation, Client Development & Engagement, Regional Administration, and Practice Management. This role reports directly to the CLTO and will help to foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and professional development within the department. Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities Legal Talent Strategy, Planning & Operations Leadership: Serve on the Chief Legal Talent Officer’s Leadership Team that is collectively responsible for Legal Operations & Administration, Training & Development, Integration, Legal Recruiting, Partner Development & Administration, and Inclusion. Strategic Planning & Cross Functional Coordination: Partner with the CLTO and functional leaders to develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives that standardize, streamline, and enhance operational support for the attorney population; turn department priorities into project plans with clear owners, timelines and deliverables; ensure accountability by tracking progress on department initiatives and escalating issues to CLTO; coordinate across Legal Talent functions to reduce duplication and inefficiencies; shape and support the strategic evolution of the Legal Talent function, including alignment with key Firm-wide initiatives and priorities. Process Improvement & Change Management: Evaluate internal workflows and reporting (e.g., headcount reporting / requests, utilization monitoring / reporting, process mapping, regulatory compliance, AI implementation, etc.) and identify opportunities to standardize and streamline; coordinate implementation of new processes and systems, including internal communications and training for impacted teams; develop and maintain a centralized repository of process documents, playbooks, templates, and standard operating procedures for easy access and reference. Project Leadership and Vendor Management: In coordination with functional leaders and the Senior Manager of Legal Talent Technology and Analytics, co-lead project teams and evaluate prospective vendors / commercial terms; coordinate with appropriate Firm departments on contract review and renewals; maintain oversight of vendor relationship and performance. Budget and Headcount: Partner with functional leadership to manage departmental budgets (both financial and headcount), including forecasting, and annual planning; review monthly department expenses and address variances with CLTO. Data & Reporting: Analyze talent data and metrics to inform decision-making and monitor program effectiveness; partner with relevant teams to improve data accuracy and consistency; benchmark Legal Talent structure, staffing, and practices against peer f