Director of Legal Strategy and Operations

At DICK’S Sporting Goods, we believe in how positively sports can change lives. On our team, everyone plays a critical role in creating confidence and excitement by personally equipping all athletes to achieve their dreams.  We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce, reflecting the communities we serve.

If you are ready to make a difference as part of the world’s greatest sports team, apply to join our team today!

OVERVIEW:

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Operations & Leadership

• Define and execute the legal department’s operational strategy to support business growth, scalability, and consistent delivery of legal services

• Serve as a trusted advisor and key leader partnering with the General Counsel, enabling strategic decision‑making and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence

• Collaborate with chiefs of staff across the enterprise to be the legal department’s representative on Executive Leadership Team and enterprise initiatives and work closely with team members to drive related deliverables

• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to team members to build capability, accountability, and a high‑performing team

Financial Management & Budgeting

• Manage the annual Legal Department budget and planning process, including forecasting, tracking, and monthly reporting of spend to ensure financial discipline, predictability, and transparency

• Oversee outside counsel spend, ensuring compliance with billing guidelines, and driving the adoption of cost management and value add strategies to maximize value and control legal costs

• Identify and implement cost‑containment strategies and efficiency initiatives to improve operational efficiency while maintaining service quality and risk standards

Technology & Innovation

• Own and evolve the Legal Department’s technology strategy, including e-billing, Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM), matter management, and document management to modernize legal service delivery and support scale

• Lead the evaluation, selection, implementation, and optimization of tools and systems, including emerging and AI‑enabled solutions to improve efficiency, insight, and user experience

• Drive user adoption, change management, and strong data governance across Legal systems to ensure tools are effectively used and data is reliable and actionable

Process Optimization & Workflow

• Analyze, optimize, and automate legal workflows such as contract intake, triage, and approval processes to improve speed, consistency, and predictability of legal service delivery

• Develop and maintain playbooks, standard operating procedures (SOPs), templates, and self‑service resources to enable the business to engage Legal more efficiently and reduce friction

Data Analytics & Reporting

• Establish and maintain KPIs, dashboards, and reporting to provide visibility into Legal performance, spend, workload, and operational efficiency

• Leverage data and insights to inform strategic recommendations, prioritize initiatives, and support decision‑making for the General Counsel and senior leadership

Vendor & Outside Counsel Management

• Build and manage strategic relationships with outside law firms and Legal service providers to maximize value, cost‑effectiveness, and quality of service

• Oversee vendor onboarding, performance management, audits, and ongoing governance to ensure accountability, compliance, and consistent delivery against expectations

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in JD, MBA, or legal operations certification (e.g., CLOC) is highly preferred.

• 7-10 years experience in a legal setting, with at least 5+ years specifically in legal operations or in-house legal management.

• Microsoft Excel

• Visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).

• Contract Lifecycle Management (e.g., Ironclad, Lexion) and e-billing systems

• Technology Expertise: Proven experience implementing legal technology, specifically Contract Lifecycle Management (e.g., Ironclad, Lexion) and e-billing systems.

• Leadership: Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing high-stakes, cross-functional projects.

• Analytical Skills: Strong data analytics capability with proficiency in Microsoft Excel and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).

• Change Management: Ability to drive change within a legal department and gain buy-in from attorneys.

• Business Acumen: Deep understanding of corporate finance, budgeting, and aligning legal goals with business objectives.

• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to simplify complex data for executive leadership.

VIRTUAL REQUIREMENTS:

At DICK’S, we thrive on innovation and authenticity. That said, to protect the integrity and security of our hiring process, we ask that candidates do not use AI tools (like ChatGPT or others) during interviews or assessments.

To ensure a smooth and secure experience, please note the following:

• Cameras must be on during all virtual interviews.

• AI tools are not permitted to be used by the candidate during any part of the interview process.

• Offers are contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include ID verification.

If you have any questions or need accommodations, we’re here to help. Thanks for helping us keep the process fair and secure for everyone!