Job Description
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What We Do.
Smart & Biggar has been at the forefront of intellectual property (IP) and technology law for over 125 years. We practice in every area of IP on behalf of an exceptional international clientele, and we are consistently ranked as Canada’s leading IP firm. We are committed to hiring people with different backgrounds and experience, who represent the best talent in their field.
We are part of the IPH Group. IPH Limited is the holding company for intellectual property (“IP”) and associated companies offering a wide range of IP services and products. IPH companies employ a highly skilled multidisciplinary team of over 1,200 people in Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand. IPH companies service a diverse client base of Fortune Global 500 companies, multinationals, public sector research organizations, SMEs, and professional services firms worldwide.
We are passionate about what we do and what we can achieve. The IPH Group is committed to promoting and maintaining a workplace culture of shared respect across companies to enable us all to feel valued and be the best we can be.
The Opportunity.
Smart & Biggar is currently looking for an experienced and collaborative Operations Manager to join our National Operations team. This role is responsible for leading the daily operations of several back office teams, working closely with the Head of Operations to ensure the delivery of exceptional client service.
The Operations Manager will play a key role in driving operational efficiency, supporting team development, and implementing process improvements that enhance productivity and service quality.
This role will fill an existing vacancy.
Responsibilities.
• Lead the day-to-day operations of multiple back0foffice teams ensuring efficient workflows and consistent service delivery.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and support to Team Coordinators and operations team members to promote high performance and team development.
• Oversee staffing activities including recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management to ensure teams are effectively resourced.
• Support Team Coordinators in managing workloads, coordinating team coverage, and maintaining balanced task distribution.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational processes and implement solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Act as a key liaison between practitioners and operations teams to address operational issues and support effective matter handling.
• Assist in resolving complex client inquiries, service concerns, or non-standard requests when required.
• Contribute to operational initiatives, audits, and projects that support departmental and organizational goals.
• Other duties may be assigned or amended as required
Qualifications, competencies and experience.
• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a legal or professional services environment with increasing responsibility
• Strong leadership and coaching skills with the ability to motivate and support high-performing teams
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and drive process improvements in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and operational management skills
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities
• Strong commitment to delivering outstanding client service
• Proficiency with operational systems and technology; experience with Anaqua and 3E is considered an asset
Compensation.
The base salary for this role will be positioned between $90,000 - $110,000 taking into consideration factors such as location, job-related knowledge, prior experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
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Our recruitment process uses AI-enabled tools to assist with the assessment of applications based on job-related criteria.
No recruiters or agencies please.
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Smart & Biggar offers a comprehensive total rewards package including:
• A competitive compensation structure based on transparency, clarity and fairness;
• A flexible benefits program (effective from day one);
• A fitness subsidy;
• Personal days to help balance personal and professional commitments.
Smart & Biggar is a proud member of the Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network (LFDIN), working to promote diversity and encourage a culture of inclusion in our Firm and the broader legal profession.
We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
