Katten is a firm of first choice for clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services in the United States and abroad. Our nationally recognized practices include corporate, financial services, litigation, real estate, environmental, commercial finance, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, and trusts and estates. Our more than 700 attorneys serve public and private companies, including a third of the Fortune 100, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. We provide full-service legal advice from locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai.
Strategic Pricing Manager
The Strategic Pricing Manager will develop strategic pricing models and proposals on both a billable hour and alternative fee agreements basis. The position will collaborate closely with fellow members of the Pricing and Legal Project Management team, as well colleagues in Finance, Innovation, Marketing/Business Development, IT, Billing, and other departments as required.
The Strategic Pricing Manager will be involved in all aspects of developing and analyzing pricing arrangements for specific client and practice needs, with a specific focus on emphasizing the principles of profitability. It is important to note that the role involves a good deal of interaction with partners, and in some instances, clients.
The Strategic Pricing Manager will rely on the utilization of technology and a strong understanding of analytics to drive the decision-making process. This position will work across all levels of the organization to develop and enhance a culture of pricing excellence and profitability. The ideal candidate must possesses a high level of emotional intelligence coupled with business acumen and strong financial principles. The Strategic Pricing Manager works both independently and collaborates with others, and is expected to maintain professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters.
The Strategic Pricing Manager may be located in either the Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles - Century City, New York or the Washington, D.C. office. This position may work remote, but must have the ability to travel to Katten offices as required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the following. Other duties may be requested and/or assigned. Essential functions are primary job duties that an individual must be able to perform successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Model, evaluate and communicate strategic fee arrangement proposals involving both billing rates and alternative fee arrangements that meet client goals and Firm financial targets.
Develop matter/portfolio budgets and scalable budgeting modeling methodologies for use in providing quotes/estimates as well as matter monitoring activities.
Collaborate with team members to perform a wide variety of performance analytics and projections for both new clients/matters/portfolios, as well as in relation to existing client work.
Advise lawyers on the principles of pricing and profitability, and be able to translate client demands into actionable, relevant pricing models and strategies.
Coach and educate attorneys on the levers of profitability.
Work with attorneys to define assumptions underlying staffing models and pricing/budget figures.
Monitor budget-to-actual for select clients and matters to ensure compliance with expectations.
Participate in the Firm’s annual billing rates strategy development and approvals process.
Collaborate with the Firm’s Innovation team to develop efficient workflow processes, and assist in developing systematic methodologies for implementing and scaling them.
Document activities and projects to enable the team to monitor and measure the impact of the work being performed for clients, partners and collaborating teams.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position does not have any direct supervisory responsibilities, but may delegate and assign tasks to team members in the Pricing department, or other related departments, on an as needed basis.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Bachelor’s degree is required; MBA or a Master’s degree in a business related field is highly preferred. Minimum of five years of experience working in a law firm or professional services firm in areas related to pricing, financial analysis, revenue or rate management is highly preferred; other similar work experience may be considered.
Comprehensive understanding of professional services business model, financial management principles, and profitability metrics.
Mastery of financial modeling and spreadsheet functionality is required. Must be able to manipulate data effectively and present findings to management and key stakeholders.
Must have superior communication skills with the ability to clearly summarize complex quantitative concepts in both written and oral communications in a meaningful way.
Ability to build relationships and foster a collaborative environment with all stakeholders.
Advanced knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite, including Excel, Access and PowerPoint. SSQL, Microsoft SharePoint, Iridium BI software experience a plus.
Experience with SAP a huge advantage.
Demonstrated ability to work across functional teams.
Ability to interact with all levels within the Firm, employing a high degree of tact, diplomacy, and professionalism.
Outstanding client service skills and a sense of urgency when responding to internal and external clients. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to communicate with courtesy, diplomacy and discretion, efficiently follow written and verbal instructions, provide information and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of attorneys, firm management, clients, staff and outside contacts.
Highly motivated, strategic focus: ability to understand and support Firm goals, services, culture and strategy in order to present self and the Firm in a positive, professional manner. Understand and stays up to date on current legal market trends, news, and innovations.
Exhibit high degree of initiative in managing multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, high-stressed, detail-oriented work environment. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workflow.
Dependable team player with high energy, creativity and vision who works collaboratively and cooperatively with others in a team-oriented environment. Ability to act independently within scope of the position’s responsibilities as a decision-maker and contributor on all levels.
Excellent analytical and technical skills requiring an aptitude for detail, precision and logic with knowledge of all aspects of the business development process in order to perform the essential duties of the position. Proactive with excellent troubleshooting, problem resolution, and follow-through skills.
Ability to occasionally retrieve and distribute files, written documentation, or office supplies weighing up to 10 pounds.
Work occasionally requires more than 37.5 hours per week (35 hours per week in New York) to perform the essential duties of the position.
We offer an outstanding benefit package which includes: medical/dental/vision, 401k with employer contribution; transportation fringe benefit program; back-up care option; generous paid time off policy; and long-term and short-term disability policies.
Katten will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Article 9 to Chapter XVIII of the Los Angeles Municipal Code.
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer/AA-M/F/SO/Disability/Veteran.
