Legal Services Strategy Program Manager

Own the annual rate card negotiation process end-to-end with support from our vendors: firm outreach, rate intake and validation, exceptions, deadlines, and the health of the tooling behind it. Operationalize and enforce the outside counsel guidelines: correct matter setup, invoice compliance, exceptions pushed back to firms, and a firm-by-firm scorecard covering on-time billing, narrative quality, and AI disclosure. Run legal RFPs and the Legal Talent Marketplace, keeping competitive sourcing moving to decision and steering requesters toward flexible talent. Run the conflict waiver process: map approval levels, automate the routine decisions, escalate the rest, and manage turnaround time. Support the operating rhythm: business review data, engagement and spend reporting, vendor agreements and renewals, and triage of various communications. Lead vendor relationships aligned to the above responsibilities and work cross-functionally with a diverse set of stakeholders to complete and influence work. Bachelor's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance, or related field AND 6+ years experience in program management, process management, or process improvement OR equivalent experience. Master's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance, or related field AND 8+ years experience in program management, process management, or process improvement OR Bachelor's Degree in Business, Operations, Finance, or related field AND 12+ years experience in program management, process management, or process improvement OR equivalent experience. 6+ years in program management, legal operations, procurement, or vendor management, including time in a corporate legal department, a law firm business function, or a legal services provider. End-to-end ownership of a recurring, deadline-driven process, including its intake, systems, exceptions, and reporting. Working knowledge of how outside counsel are engaged, billed, and managed, including rates, billing guidelines, and matter management or e-billing systems. Experience running RFPs and administering supplier agreements, statements of work, and purchase orders. Proven ability to thrive in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities, and to re-sequence work without losing commitments already made. Demonstrated data and systems instincts, and the writing and presence to hold a position with senior stakeholders and sophisticated external counterparties. Experience with legal operations platforms: e-billing, matter management, spend analytics, RFP and pricing tools, or CRM. Familiarity with the alternative legal services provider market and how its economics compare with law firms. Experience drafting or administering outside counsel guidelines and billing policies. Understanding of how AI is changing legal service delivery, pricing, and value measurement. Process automation experience with low-code tools, workflow platforms, or AI agents. A J.D. or paralegal background is welcome but not required.