Job Description

DOUGLASS & RUNGER

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

THE PERSON

Are you the kind of leader who brings structure and accountability into a growing organization without creating unnecessary friction? Do you anticipate challenges before they surface and take thoughtful, proactive action? Are you comfortable addressing underperformance directly while still earning the trust and respect of your team? Do you show up with a consistent presence and a strong sense of ownership in everything you take on? If you are a disciplined operator who thrives in fast-growth environments, we want to talk to you!

Our ideal COO is:

• Calm, Steady Leader: You bring a grounded, composed presence to the team, especially in moments of pressure or ambiguity. Others look to you for stability, and you respond with consistency and control rather than escalation.
• Accountable & Direct: You set high standards and follow through. You address issues head-on, navigate difficult conversations with confidence, and ensure expectations are met without hesitation.
• Structured & Systems-Oriented: You strengthen what already exists by refining processes, improving documentation, and creating clarity in how work gets done across the organization.
• Proactive Problem Solver: You stay a step ahead, identifying risks and opportunities early. Instead of reacting, you put the right guardrails in place to prevent issues before they arise.
• Credible & Professionally Mature: You earn trust through sound judgment and clear communication. You are confident in your perspective, but measured in how you challenge and engage with others.

Our ideal COO is a high-ownership operator who is motivated by building something that works at a higher level. You bring urgency without chaos, and discipline without rigidity. You know how to support a team while still holding the line on expectations, creating an environment where people are accountable and take pride in their work. In this role, your impact will be visible through stronger execution, improved performance, and a more consistent, scalable operation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the COO role include, but are not limited to:

• Take full ownership of day-to-day operations, ensuring the firm runs smoothly, efficiently, and without escalation to the owner
• Partner with the owner to translate vision into clear operational priorities, quarterly goals, and execution plans
• Lead firm-wide performance management, including 1:1s, feedback, and addressing underperformance with clarity and consistency
• Build and reinforce a culture of accountability, ownership, and proactive problem-solving across all teams
• Establish and refine operational systems, policies, and workflows to improve consistency and execution across the firm
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement practical, timely solutions
• Own KPI development and visibility, ensuring metrics drive performance and decision-making
• Oversee and optimize core operational functions, including intake, client onboarding, billing, and back-office processes
• Ensure infrastructure, systems, and vendors (IT, HR, etc.) are aligned to support growth and scalability
• Partner with the Fractional CFO to maintain financial visibility and use data to improve performance and margins
• Support hiring, onboarding, and development of non-attorney staff, ensuring the right people are in the right roles
• Balance stepping in to solve issues with empowering the team to take ownership and grow

SUCCESS MILESTONES

• 90 Days: build trust, align on priorities, validate key operational issues, and take immediate action on critical performance gaps
• 6 Months: implement structure, strengthen accountability, and improve consistency across core functions such as intake, onboarding, and billing
• 1 Year: establish consistent execution, predictable performance, and a scalable operating foundation to support continued growth

** This is a full-time, in-person position based in Bartlett, Tennessee. **

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 5+ years of senior operations leadership experience (Director level or above)
• Proven track record of personally leading and driving significant organizational growth (e.g., scaling from single-digit millions beyond $10M in revenue) as the operational leader
• Experience in a professional services environment with billable or production-based revenue models (e.g., law, accounting, consulting, architecture/engineering, or similar)
• Experience leading teams of 20+ employees, including managing performance and handling difficult conversations
• Solid financial acumen, including experience with P&L ownership and managing budgets in a complex operating environment
• Bachelor’s degree in business, management, or a related field

Preferred

• Experience in a law firm environment
• Experience operating in a founder-led or entrepreneurial business
• Advanced degree in business, management, or a related field

Desired

• Experience working alongside fractional or external advisors
• Exposure to vendor management (IT, HR, benefits, etc.)
• HR certifications (SHRM or similar)

THE COMPANY – Douglass & Runger

Douglass & Runger is an established probate, estate planning, and family law firm serving clients across the Greater Memphis, Tennessee region, including Northern Mississippi. The firm focuses on guiding individuals and families through complex legal matters, including estate planning, probate, and family law, with a practical and client-centered approach.

The firm has experienced steady growth and operates with a team of attorneys and support staff dedicated to delivering consistent, high-quality work. Leadership is actively involved in the business, with a focus on strengthening systems and increasing accountability across the organization.

As the firm continues to grow, there is an increased emphasis on driving consistency and execution across all areas of the business. The organization is in a stage where both operational discipline and continued growth are key priorities.

WHY WORK WITH US?

• True #2 Leadership Role: Partner directly with the owner to run and scale the business, with direct influence over how the business operates and executes
• Visible Impact: Your work will quickly translate into measurable improvements across team performance, operational effectiveness, and overall business results
• Growth & Build Opportunity: Join a firm entering its next phase of growth, where you will help shape how the business scales and evolves
• Entrepreneurial Environment: Operate with speed, autonomy, and minimal bureaucracy, with the ability to implement change quickly
• Strong Support Structure: Work alongside an engaged owner with access to fractional leadership support, providing guidance while maintaining ownership of execution
• Commitment to Growth: Be part of an environment that values continuous improvement and personal development, where feedback, accountability, and raising the standard are part of how the team operates

CORE VALUES

• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Integrity
• Synergy
• Proactivity

Salary: Base salary of $170,000–$180,000, with performance-based compensation tied to clearly defined KPIs. High performers are positioned to exceed $200,000 in total compensation in their first year, with a clear path to $250,000+ in year two.

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA) option; company-paid life and disability insurance; flexible paid time off; 401(k) with company match; professional and personal development opportunities.

If you want to own outcomes, lead people, and drive real growth, apply now!