Senior Legal Operations Manager

At Ripple, we’re building a world where value moves like information does today. It’s big, it’s bold, and we’re already doing it. Through our crypto solutions for financial institutions, businesses, governments and developers, we are improving the global financial system and creating greater economic fairness and opportunity for more people, in more places around the world. And we get to do the best work of our career and grow our skills surrounded by colleagues who have our backs. If you’re ready to see your impact and unlock incredible career growth opportunities, join us, and build real world value. THE WORK: We are seeking a Head of Legal Operations to design and scale the operational infrastructure of our global Legal Department. Reporting to the Deputy General Counsel, you will be the first dedicated legal operations hire in the organization. You will assess our current state, define our target operating model, and systematically build the processes and technology that will enable our legal, compliance, and policy functions to operate at the pace and scale that our business demands. You will bring strategic vision for developing a successful operations program as well as strong operational leadership and judgment. WHAT YOU’LL DO: • Review, modify and enforce billing guidelines, manage billing, and drive cost rigor across external legal spend. • Audit existing technology tools, identify gaps, and develop a multi-year legal technology roadmap covering matter management, CLM, e-billing, and AI-assisted workflows. • Lead efforts that push automation, AI, and data-driven insights into how we deliver our work throughout the organization. • Help drive the Legal Department's annual planning cycle, including budget, and headcount. • Build a legal operations dashboard tracking matter volume, cycle times, contract turnaround, and outside counsel spend. • Design, implement and be responsible for our suite of legal systems from legal intake process, templates and playbook library, and knowledge management system ensuring they're optimized, well-integrated, and aligned with business needs. • Manage external vendors and consultants to ensure effective partnerships and strong ROI. • Organize and manage key programs and events that support the day-to-day functioning and culture of the Legal Team, including Legal All Hands, Learning & Development resources, new hire onboarding, team onsites and other initiatives that foster team cohesion and professional growth. WHAT YOU'LL BRING: • 10+ years in legal operations experience • Proven track record building or significantly transforming a legal operations function and a builder's mentality — this role requires writing the playbook, not following one • Experience leading or supporting AI, automation, or data-driven transformation initiatives within a legal department • Strong data and analytics skills • Experience managing outside counsel relationships • Capacity for managing budgets, timelines, and team members, with a sharp eye for detail and follow-through • Highly effective interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels inside and outside the organization and a focus on building trusted relationships • Embodies a positive “get it done” attitude that is receptive to feedback, pushes for excellence, and inspires others to overcome challenges For positions that will be based in CA, the annual salary range for this position is below. Actual salaries may vary based on numerous factors including, among other things, an individual applicant’s experience and qualifications for the position. This range does not include equity or additional compensation, such as bonuses or commissions. CA Annual Base Salary Range $176,000—$210,000 USD WHO WE ARE: Do Your Best Work • The opportunity to build in a fast-paced start-up environment with experienced industry leaders • A learning environment where you can dive deep into the latest technologies and make an impact. A professional development budget to support other modes of learning. • Thrive in an environment where no matter what race, ethnicity, gender, origin, or culture they identify with, every employee is a respected, valued, and empowered part of the team. • In-office collaboration for moments that matter is important to our culture, and we give managers and teams the flexibility to decide which 10+ days a month they come in. • Bi-weekly all-company meeting - business updates and ask me anything style discussion with our Leadership Team • We come together for moments that matter which include team offsites, team bonding activities, happy hours and more! Take Control of Your Finances • Competitive salary, bonuses, and equity • Competitive benefits that cover physical and mental healthcare, retirement, family forming, and family support • Employee giving match • Mobile phone stipend Take Care of Yourself • R&R days so you can rest and recharge • Generous wellness reimbursement and weekly onsite & virtual programming • Generous vacation policy - work with your manager to take time off when you need it • Industry-leading parental leave policies. Family planning benefits. • Catered lunches, fully-stocked kitchens with premium snacks/beverages, and plenty of fun events Benefits listed above are for full-time employees. Ripple is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We do not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants because of race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military status, or any other characteristic protected by local law or ordinance. Please find our UK/EU Applicant Privacy Notice and our California Applicant Privacy Notice for reference.