Senior Manager, Legal Operations

Overview

Who we are

To save time applying, Toyota does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this position at this time.

Who we’re looking for

Toyota’s Legal Department, Toyota Legal One (TL1), is looking for a passionate and highly motivated Senior Manager, Legal Operations.

This role is responsible for the strategic planning and execution of key aspects of TL1’s operations including TL1’s finance and budget management, legal technology, eDiscovery and litigation support, outside counsel and vendor management, legal compliance, General Counsel and Leadership Team support, knowledge management, and department communications and administration.  This role will have seven non-attorney professional direct reports and will report to the Assistant General Counsel.     

The successful candidate will be an accomplished professional with a distinguished record of legal operational excellence and have strong customer focus and interpersonal skills.

This position is based in Plano, Texas. The selected candidate will be expected to reside within commutable distance of this location.

What you’ll be doing

The Senior Manager of Legal Operations will be responsible for leading TL1’s Legal Operations function.  The role will bring the leadership, knowledge, and expertise necessary to drive peak operational Legal Department performance.  The role will require a deep understanding of the legal industry and mobility business, expert knowledge of best practices and enabling technologies, team development skills, and core competencies in implementing and executing processes and technologies to increase value to the company while driving efficiency, effectiveness, and fostering a globally connected enterprise culture.

Overseeing a team of seven direct reports, the Senior Manager of Legal Operations will lead the Legal Operations group in providing best in class service to TL1, our business clients, and outside partners across a range of critical functions, including:

Strategic Planning and Execution 

• Lead the development and implementation of TL1’s operational strategy, aligning with overall business goals 

• Provide comprehensive, strategic leadership of the Legal Operations group focused on collaboration and optimizing TL1’s performance and efficiency

• Develop and execute strategies to improve processes, technology, and resource allocation, ultimately driving cost-effectiveness and enhancing the legal team's ability to support the business

• Stay knowledgeable and current on relevant business, judicial, statutory, and regulatory developments and trends that impact TL1’s operations

Outside Counsel and Legal Vendor Management

• Identify and develop cutting-edge strategies for increasing value and driving efficient relationships with outside counsel while maintaining a high quality of legal representation and optimizing engagement practices with outside law firms

• Oversee and coordinate TL1’s relationship with outside counsel and service providers, including partnering program, rates, fee arrangements, guidelines and retention agreements, and establishment of budgets and tracking tools, billing, and compliance with TL1 policies

• Participate in planning and implementation of strategic outside counsel initiatives and support active law firm management, including oversight of outside counsel use of technologies and AI

• Create and track financial and performance metrics tools to assess outside counsel and service providers

• Manage external spend through financial analysis, benchmarking, and vendor alternatives, as well as negotiating agreements and alternative fee agreements

Legal Information Technology

• Provide strategic direction regarding developments and trends in the use of new technologies to manage internal and external legal services and create service efficiencies

• Identify, implement, and manage legal department technology solutions, with focus on supporting the legal teams by anticipating new challenges and driving solutions

• Partner closely with other business groups, including IT, to optimize integration of TL1’s processes and litigation needs with enterprise-wide systems

E-Discovery and Litigation Support

• Lead eDiscovery and record management areas and needs for litigation and investigations, including eDiscovery strategic planning, resolution of eDiscovery, litigation hold, and records management issues with appropriate attorney subject matter experts within TL1, and development of eDiscovery metrics

• Develop and maintain legal hold processes and training, implementing and managing eDiscovery tools and systems

• Oversee eDiscovery long-term planning by identifying and vetting managed review providers

Legal compliance

• Oversee TL1’s audit responsibilities and regulatory compliance obligations including SOX controls, reserves, early warning reporting to the National Highway Safety Traffic Safety Administration, and Medicare reporting 

Finance/Budget Management

• Partner with Accounting & Finance and other groups to ensure accurate, efficient, and timely budgets submissions, accruals, and other financial deliverables

• Provide TL1 practice group leadership and other budget owners with analysis and management recommendations, incorporating feedback, and serving as liaison with A&F

• Monitor matter costs across the department to facilitate active spend management and monitor operational costs for improved budget forecasting accuracy

• Lead the team responsible for administering TL1’s eBilling system

Collaboration, Communication, Administration

• Oversee a wide variety of department administrative functions including service of process, mail processing, subscriptions, sponsorships, bar licensing, and continuing legal education

• Coordinate knowledge management tracking and initiatives, including executive level reporting, newsletters, presentations, and organizational charts

• Coordinate TL1 department meetings and special events

• Oversee onboarding and logistics for new TL1 team members

• Perform and oversee special projects and responsibilities for the General Counsel and TL1 Leadership Team

What you bring

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school and / or Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree

• Significant experience at a major law firm and / or corporate legal department leading a legal operations function in each of the areas described above

• Goal-oriented with the ability to influence and drive change in a fast-paced, complex global business

• Demonstrated track record of success with hands on execution in developing and implementing strategies to meet legal department needs

• Demonstrated ability to lead and support cross-functional teams with proven expertise in team member engagement and development

• Successful experience managing and developing a team

• Demonstrated ability to support and collaborate with colleagues, clients, and business partners, strong sense of inclusion and teamwork

• Ability and willingness to travel 15% of the time

Added bonus if you have

• Significant experience representing automotive or mobility clients

What We’ll Bring

During your interview process, our team can fill you in on all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility and respect

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement

• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount

• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable)

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family

• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute

• Paid holidays and paid time off

• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more

• Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA)

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star. Toyota is proud to have 10+ different Business Partnering Groups across 100 different North American chapter locations that support team members’ efforts to dream, do and grow without questioning that they belong.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Have a question, need assistance with your application or do you require any special accommodations? Please send an email to talent.acquisition@toyota.com.