FW Admin Applications Manager

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don't just meet the standard for legal excellence - we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 22 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers' commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You'll Do

Are you passionate about using technology to drive business efficiency and innovation? As the Manager of Firm Administrative Applications, you'll lead a talented team dedicated to developing and executing the roadmap for the firm's administrative business applications. This role partners closely with business leaders and Information Technology (IT) peers to shape and deliver technology solutions that advance firm operations, support strategic goals, and uphold the highest standards of security and compliance.

You'll serve as both a strategic leader and hands-on coach-guiding team members to strengthen their critical thinking and decision-making skills while ensuring resources are aligned to meet evolving business needs. Your leadership will play a pivotal role in building trusted relationships across the firm, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the delivery of reliable, high-quality applications that empower administrative departments to perform at their best.

• Strategic Partnership & Roadmap Leadership - Collaborate with business stakeholders to define, develop, and execute the roadmap and strategy for administrative business applications.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with IT and other internal teams to align delivery, ensure compliance with firm policies, and promote consistent execution of technology initiatives.
• Business Engagement - Build deep understanding of firm administrative functions to serve as a trusted technology advisor, driving automation and innovation that enhance business performance.
• Operational Oversight - Direct the daily activities of the Applications Engineering team, ensuring high-quality project delivery and exceptional customer service.
• Technology Governance & Compliance - Maintain alignment with firm security, regulatory, and compliance standards; support a cloud-first technology posture.
• Vendor & Service Provider Management - Foster relationships with external technology partners to stay ahead of trends and leverage best-in-class solutions.
• Team Development & Leadership - Coach, mentor, and empower team members to build capability, accountability, and engagement across the department.
• Performance & Budget Management - Oversee staffing, recruitment, training, and performance reviews; develop and manage the department's annual budget.

What You'll Bring

• Advanced degree in Information Management, Computer Science, or a related field preferred (or equivalent experience); with a minimum of 5 years leading and directing technology teams to execute business-specific strategies.
• Technical Expertise - Strong understanding of enterprise applications, server operations, and various supporting technologies.
• Analytical & Strategic Thinking - Advanced aptitude in innovation, critical thinking, and change management.
• Collaboration & Influence - Proven ability to build trust and work effectively across organizational levels.
• Industry Insight - Experience with legal administrative processes preferred.
• Communication Skills - Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication abilities.
• Technical Tools - Proficiency in Microsoft (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel); familiarity with applications such as Event Management (EMS and Cvent), Research and Library Services, Digital Services, nQ, and Accuroute.

If you're eager to lead a team that shapes the firm's administrative technology strategy and drives meaningful business transformation, we'd love to hear from you!

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

Chicago: $179,000 - 194,000

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.