Head of Legal Operations

About the Role

Sword is seeking a strategic, technology-forward, and execution-oriented Head of Legal Operations to build and scale the systems, processes, and technology that power our Legal department.  

At Sword, Legal is both a center of expertise and a catalytic operating function. To be a true partner to the business, Legal has to move at the pace and rhythm of the company, and Legal Operations is what makes that possible. As a core member of the Legal leadership team, you will own operational workflows, data, and tools that enable the deep legal knowledge and expertise to reach the business quickly, consistently, and at scale.

As a fast-growing healthcare technology company, we are looking for a hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about leveraging AI, technology and automation to improve efficiency and enable the Legal team to scale.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical fluency, exceptional project management skills, and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset, with the ability to move seamlessly between strategy and hands-on execution.

In this role, you will:

• Own our legal technology ecosystem and shape how Legal uses AI and automation
• Embed Legal into the company’s operating cadence, aligning with the business on planning, priorities, intake, and delivery
• Drive operational excellence across the department, from workflow design to metrics and reporting
• Lead high-impact strategic projects across Legal and the broader organization

The ideal candidate combines strong technical fluency, exceptional project management skills, and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset. You can move seamlessly between strategy and hands-on execution, and you are equally comfortable partnering with attorneys and with business and operations leaders.  Experience at fast moving technology companies is a must.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Technology, Systems & Operational Excellence

• Own and continuously optimize the Legal department's technology ecosystem, including contract lifecycle management (CLM), matter management, legal intake, knowledge management, and workflow automation platforms.
• Develop and execute a scalable legal technology roadmap, identifying opportunities to integrate AI, automation, and emerging technologies to improve efficiency and support business growth.
• Lead technology evaluations, system implementations, integrations, vendor selection, configuration, and ongoing optimization, including AI-enabled and custom-built solutions.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve scalable legal workflows and processes, including legal intake, contract management, matter tracking, and internal service delivery.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to develop secure, effective, and scalable technology solutions.
• Support Legal leadership with technology budgeting, strategic planning, and operational priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement, process automation, and technology adoption to build a modern, efficient, and scalable Legal function.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of legal operations professionals, setting priorities, driving accountability, and fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

Strategic Project & Program Management

• Translate strategic priorities into actionable project plans, timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
• Partner with Legal, Commercial, Finance, and other business stakeholders to drive initiatives forward.
• Proactively manage competing priorities, dependencies, risks, and project roadblocks to ensure timely and successful execution.
• Establish project management frameworks, processes, and reporting mechanisms to drive accountability, alignment, and visibility.
• Lead change management efforts to support successful implementation and adoption of new systems, processes, and initiatives.
• Provide clear, concise updates to Legal leadership on project progress, challenges, and outcomes.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in legal operations, legal technology, strategic project management, or related fields. 
• Demonstrated experience owning, implementing, and optimizing legal technology platforms, including CLM or comparable enterprise systems.
• Experience designing scalable workflows, improving processes, and implementing operational best practices.
• Experience evaluating and implementing AI-enabled tools, automation solutions, or technology-driven process improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership of initiatives, and drive results with minimal oversight.
• Strong technical aptitude and experience collaborating with IT, Engineering, and other technical teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, navigate ambiguity, and balance strategic priorities with hands-on execution.

Preferred

• Experience in healthcare technology, digital health, life sciences, or another highly regulated industry.
• Experience building or scaling legal operations in a startup or high-growth company, including managing other legal operations team members.
• Familiarity with legal technology platforms such as Ironclad, Spotdraft, or comparable solutions.