Our Global Operating Center located in Manila is pivotal to enhancing the Firm's operational efficiency and streamlining legal and business services support across our global network. Our center provides comprehensive administrative, financial and operational services across office operations, compliance and new business, finance, technology, human resources, innovation and marketing. By centralizing these critical functions, the center ensures consistency and quality in service delivery while reducing operational costs. Through its integrated approach, our Global Operating Center enables the Firm to focus on its core legal services, drive global growth and maintain high standards of client service across all offices.
Position Summary
This role will head the delivery of workplace and operational services of the Manila office. The role is focused on running a high‑volume shared‑services environment rather than a fee‑earner office.
The Senior Manager, Office Operations manages the office that supports global functions based in Manila (including Global Operations Services, Finance, HR, Technology and Marketing) and works closely with global functional leads and the Director for Philippine Operations.
Working in partnership with global functional teams, the role creates an environment that enables our shared services teams to perform at their best. Additionally, maintaining a high‑quality workplace experience and consistent operational standards across the Firm's global support hubs.
Duties And Accountabilities
Office & Workplace Operations
- Responsible for broader operational governance, local office engagement and management of the Manila premises, including:
- Lead day‑to‑day office operations across a high‑volume, multi‑shift shared services environment
- Oversee workplace planning, facilities management, office systems and refurbishments projects.
- Manage landlord, vendor and transport/shuttle relationships to support seamless operations
- Support office engagement, CSR initiatives and special events in collaboration with local and global teams.
- Ensure operational efficiency, compliance and alignment with global and local regulatory workplace standards.
Service Delivery, People Management & Vendor Oversight
- Responsible for leading operational service teams and ensuring delivery of high‑quality workplace services, including:
- Lead Facilities, Reception/Guest Services and Office Services teams across a multi‑shift setup
- Drive workplace planning, recruitment, performance management and team development
- Oversee outsourced vendors and critical support services including security, housekeeping, maintenance and pantry operations among others.
- Manage office logistics, administrative support, room bookings and transport coordination
- Support onboarding and relocation logistics in partnership with HR, Global Mobility and other global functional leads
Financial Management
- Responsible for financial oversight of local office operations expenditure, including:
- Manage OPEX/CAPEX budgets, vendor spend and occupancy-related costs
- Track financial performance, reporting and cost optimization initiatives.
- Support fit-outs, renovations and major workplace investments in coordination with Finance and global teams.
- Ensure compliance with financial controls, procurement processes and approval requirements.
Security, Safety & Business Continuity
- Responsible for maintaining a safe, compliant and resilient office environment, including:
- Maintain compliance with physical security, safety and regulatory requirements
- Oversee access controls, emergency communications, evacuation planning and drills
- Manage business continuity and crisis response processes for workplace operations
- Coordinate with security vendors and internal stakeholders to ensure a safe and resilient office environment
Environmental Sustainability
- Responsible for supporting sustainable office operations and compliance with Firm environmental standards, including:
- Compliance with the Firm's sustainable operations guidelines
- Support annual reporting on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and standards adopted for the Manila site as required by Firm processes
- Lead engagement in the Manila office on environmental sustainability to ensure compliance with local and building mandates and Firm objectives
- Maintain dialogue with local property management and relevant vendors regarding sustainability initiatives for consideration by the Firm's global sustainability team, including opportunities to enhance or improve reporting metrics
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Facilities Management or a related field.
- Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in Facilities Management, Office Administration and 5 years in Leadership role or as Department Head and part of Leadership Team.
- Proven experience in vendor management, contract negotiation and building administration.
- Strong negotiation, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills.
- Solid experience in office operations, budgeting and administrative controls.
- Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience in managing operating expenses (OPEX) and supporting capital expenditure (CAPEX) planning, budgeting and tracking within facilities or office administration.
Office Location and Reporting
- This is a role based in Manila
- This role reports to the Director of Philippine Operations
- Onsite 5x per week / Shift may vary and must be willing to adjust
This role reports to
Director - Philippine Operations
Equal Opportunities
White & Case is committed to creating a fair workplace. It is our Firm's policy to recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law.
If you require assistance and/or adjustment to participate in our application and/or interview process, please email us. We will be happy to work with you.
The Firm may modify and amend any job description at any time in its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.
The above is only a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.
Note to Recruitment Agencies
Our internal Recruitment team manages all aspects of lateral hiring. All agencies must have signed terms of business—specific to the relevant office—before submitting any candidates. CVs or applications sent directly to White & Case partners or employees will also not be considered formal introductions. If you have questions, please contact the relevant Recruitment team. We work with our preferred suppliers when engaging agencies.
