Real Estate & Vendor Operations Manager

Fish & Richardson, the premier global intellectual property law firm, is trusted by the world’s most innovative and influential companies. Fish was established in 1878, and now has more than 400 attorneys and technology specialists in the U.S., Europe, and China. Our success is rooted in our creative and inclusive culture, which values the diversity of people, experiences, and perspectives. Join Fish in either our Minneapolis office as a Real Estate & Vendor Operations Manager.

How Will You Make a Difference?

Real Estate Portfolio Management

• Oversee the management of the firm’s real estate assets, including lease negotiations, architectural design, and space optimization in coordination with the local offices.
• Responsible for overall administration of the firm’s lease portfolio to include meeting lease deadlines, review of lease documents (e.g., estoppels, SNDAs, rights of first offer), and utilizing the firm’s outside real estate counsel.
• Utilize Visual Lease software to manage all lease documents.
• Oversee and coordinate buildouts, furniture acquisition, and all aspects of office space.
• Collaborate with local office management to ensure the space is aligned with local preferences and needs while remaining aligned with overall firm real estate strategy.
• Coordinate meetings with the COO, CFO, and firm President to provide regular updates and discuss future real estate needs.

Purchasing Management

• Track national purchasing activities to ensure the firm has records of contracts. Build a purchasing process to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services.
• Negotiate terms and conditions with suppliers and landlords to secure favorable agreements. Ensure timely renewals and amendments to contracts.
• Develop and maintain a preferred vendor list based on performance, cost-effectiveness, and compliance.
• Conduct market research to stay informed on industry trends, pricing benchmarks, and emerging vendors.
• Lead the firm’s travel program to ensure activities align with the written policy and mitigate unnecessary risk for the firm.

Internal Collaboration

• Support operations departments in their vendor relationships and ensure compliance with terms and conditions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact regarding procurement and real estate matters.
• Provide advice and updates to leadership on key initiatives, risks, and opportunities.
• Work closely with firm management including Office Managers, Office Managing Principals, CFO, COO, and the firm President to ensure work is aligned with the strategic vision of the firm.

Project Management

• Lead and manage purchasing and real estate projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.
• Continuously assess and refine processes to enhance efficiency and manage budgets.
• Maintain awareness and provide support when needed for supply chain disruptions and real estate emergencies.
• Implement best practices and leverage technology to streamline workflows and reporting.
• Integrate sustainability goals into procurement and real estate strategies (e.g., sourcing eco-friendly products, energy-efficient building practices).

Budgeting and Reporting

• Coordinate with office managers, IT, and finance on budgets for purchasing and real estate activities.

Compliance

• Coordinate with general counsel and real estate attorneys on compliance related to relevant laws, regulations, and firm policies.
• Assist with firm’s insurance renewal process, particularly as it relates to requirements under the firm’s real estate leases and vendor contracts.

What Will You Bring to the Table?

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in business administration, procurement, real estate, supply chain management, or a related field is required.
• 7+ years’ real estate experience in a law firm strongly preferred. Professional services experience is required.
• Proven experience in procurement and real estate management, preferably within a law firm or similar professional services environment.
• Real estate portfolio management experience is required including working knowledge of sourcing strategies, contract law, vendor management, procurement lifecycle, lease agreements, property management, space planning, and real estate market trends.
• Strong project management skills with a track record of successfully managing complex projects.
• Familiarity with budgeting, cost analysis, financial reporting, and ROI evaluation.
• Excellent negotiation skills and the ability to build and maintain effective vendor relationships.
• Attention to detail and strong analytical skills to identify trends and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools (e.g., procurement software, project management tools).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to make informed, timely decisions under pressure with limited information.
• Ability to change and adapt to current and future responsibilities and circumstances.
• Periodic travel is required in this
• This role is Hybrid with the following expectations: First 6 months – minimum of 3 days a week in the office to learn firm culture and develop relationships. After that, flexible hybrid / remote work, but with office visits expected on a regular basis (including travel).

Why Fish?

When you join our team, we offer:

• Competitive pay and discretionary bonus opportunities along with a rich benefits package, including comprehensive medical and dental coverage, generous paid time off, and tuition reimbursement
• Award-winning retirement and profit sharing plans with employer contribution
• A family-friendly atmosphere with back-up child care, as well as health and wellness initiatives
• A positive culture awarded an Outstanding Workplace designation in 2023 and 2024 by People Insight based on our high levels of employee engagement
• The salary range for this position varies by geographic market. Final compensation will be based on a variety of factors including education, experience, skills, professional background, overall qualifications, and location. In Minneapolis, the estimated starting pay range is $84,166 – $118,351 per year.

Our Commitment to Diversity

As a firm that serves the world’s greatest visionaries, we know that creativity and innovation are the result of seeing the world from multiple different perspectives. Having a diverse team enhances the quality of legal services we provide to our clients, sustains our standing as a premier IP law firm, and strengthens the fabric of our firm.