VP Referral Strategy and Operations

Vice President of Referral Strategy and Operations
Onsite - Dallas

 

I am handpicking a hands-on leader for the President/COO for a highly successful firm.  We want a commercially credible Director / VP to lead the strategy, structure, expansion, and performance management of our referral ecosystem. The business has a vast number of relationships ready to be leveraged to grow our referral partners. We need someone with experience, vision, drive, and an analytical mindset to identify which types to expand into.

I want someone who brings current experience in referral, practice, ecosystem, and/or partnership data.  THIS IS A MUST!

This leader should have started their career in a relationship-driven, execution-oriented role — building partnerships, managing accounts, or driving business development — and bring that practical, frontline experience into strategic growth planning and operational optimization. I am looking for a self-starter with strong ethical standards, accountability, and ownership. Someone energetic, proactive, adaptable, and passionate about building scalable growth engines — and, of course, a collaborative team leader.

Position Summary:
Referral Strategy and Operations play a critical role in developing and executing our referral partner strategy. You will lead initiatives related to growth, operational efficiency, governance, financial management, project management, and compliance, significantly contributing to the Firm’s growth, client satisfaction, and employee engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Referral Strategy:
  • Build a scalable, data-driven referral ecosystem that leads to long-term growth for the Referral department.
  • Analyze opportunities to determine which types of partners we need in the future and in which states.
• Operational Leadership:
  • Lead the team responsible for referrals
  • Lead continuous improvement initiatives for operational processes to enhance client service delivery, employee experience, and organizational efficiency.
  • Develop and implement new SOPs in the department.
• Financial Stewardship:
  • Manage and oversee operational budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with strategic priorities.
  • Assist in developing financial strategies and monitor financial performance indicators to support the Firm’s goals.
• Talent Management:
  • Partner closely with Human Resources to attract, retain, and develop high-performing operational talent.
  • Foster an inclusive and productive culture consistent with the Firm's core values.
• Technology and Innovation:
  • Collaborate with Information Technology leadership to develop and implement robust, secure technological solutions that enhance operational effectiveness and support data-driven decisions.
• Risk Management and Compliance:
  • Implement strategies to proactively mitigate operational risks.
  • Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Project Management:
  • Oversee large, cross-functional projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and successful execution and delivery.
  • Implement and maintain strong project management practices across the Firm.
• Travel Requirements:
  • Regular travel required to firm offices outside Dallas HQ: Atlanta, Chicago, and Fort Worth.

Qualifications:

• Experience:
  • Minimum of 8-10 years of experience leading teams in legal and/or professional services.
  • Demonstrated expertise in improving processes and managing complex operational initiatives.
  • Past experience in Legal Referrals is a plus
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Proven leadership capabilities and collaborative management style.
  • Strong interpersonal skills; able to effectively communicate and engage with stakeholders across various levels and functions.
  • Exceptional problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to influence and drive outcomes without formal authority.
  • Ability to prioritize strategically, manage multiple initiatives simultaneously, and adapt rapidly in a dynamic environment.
• Leadership Characteristics:
  • High integrity, ethical standards, and accountability.
  • Energetic, proactive, and adaptable with a commitment to operational excellence.
  • Passionate about fostering growth and success within the Firm.
• Education:
  • Bachelor’s Degree required; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.