Job DescriptionK&L Gates is seeking an experienced Manager of Enterprise Applications to lead the strategy, lifecycle management, and operational support of the firm's portfolio of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) applications. This role will oversee a team responsible for delivering reliable, secure, and scalable application services that support the firm's legal and business operations.
The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, deep familiarity with enterprise platforms commonly used in law firms, and a proven ability to manage application lifecycles from selection through retirement.
Key Responsibilities
Application Portfolio Management
Own the lifecycle management of enterprise COTS applications, including evaluation, implementation, optimization, and retirement
Manage a diverse portfolio including iManage, ServiceNow, CRM platforms, Litigation Support tools, SharePoint, and SaaS solutions such as Box, HighQ, etc
Partner with stakeholders across legal, administrative, and IT functions to align application capabilities with business needs
Drive roadmap planning, vendor strategy, and continuous improvement initiatives
Team Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop a small team of application analysts/engineers
Establish priorities, manage workloads, and ensure high-quality service delivery
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning
Operations & Service Delivery
Ensure stability, performance, and supportability of enterprise applications
Oversee incident, problem, and change management processes in coordination with IT Service Management (ITSM) practices
Define and monitor SLAs, KPIs, and service metrics
Vendor & Stakeholder Management
Manage relationships with key software vendors and service providers
Negotiate contracts, oversee renewals, and ensure value realization
Act as a liaison between business stakeholders and technical teams
Governance & Compliance
Ensure applications meet security, compliance, and data governance standards
Support audit requirements and risk management initiatives
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
Minimum of 5 years of experience in a managerial or leadership role within IT or application services
Experience managing enterprise applications within a law firm or professional services environment
Strong understanding of COTS application lifecycle management and SaaS delivery models
Preferred
Hands-on experience with platforms such as iManage, ServiceNow, CRM systems, SharePoint, litigation support tools, and Box
Familiarity with ITIL or similar service management frameworks
Experience with vendor management and contract negotiations
Key Competencies
Strong leadership and team development skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
Strategic thinking with a focus on operational execution
Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Compensation Salary $128,000 - $249,000
The compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors.
In accordance with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act, qualified applicants for our Los Angeles and San Francisco offices with arrest and conviction records will be considered.
BENEFITSK&L Gates offers our personnel a comprehensive suite of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. Depending on your eligibility, options for full-time personnel include:
- Medical/Prescription Drug Coverage (including a Health Savings Account feature)
- Back-up Child/Elder Care and access to a caregiving concierge
- Pre-tax Commuting Benefits
- 401(k) Retirement Plan and Profit Sharing
- Business Travel Accident Insurance
- Short- and Long-term Disability Protection
- Life Insurance (including Basic, Supplemental, Spouse, Child, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment)
- Paid Time Off (25-30 days per year)
- Identity Protection/Restoration and Fraud Insurance
- Parental Leave (18 weeks of which 6 are paid; short-term disability may provide additional paid time off)
- Student loan refinancing options and access to a student loan concierge service
- Breast Milk Delivery and Lactation Support Services
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employees also may be eligible to receive bonuses and certain expense reimbursements
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional Development and CLE Credit Opportunities
- Employee Referral Program
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Hybrid/Remote Work Opportunities
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Perks including: Technology, Entertainment, and Travel Discount Programs
- All other benefits (such as leaves of absence) required by law
