Revenue Management Director - Billing Operations in Chicago, Illinois at Sidley Austin LLP

Revenue Management Director - Billing Operations

Open to Internal Applicants Only

The Revenue Director - Billing Operations is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing, optimizing, and transforming the firm's core billing functions. The role encompasses operational responsibility for Billing and eBilling, while leading a transformation agenda focused on process design, automation, data governance, operating metrics, and the responsible use of AI.

This position places particular emphasis on building billing operating metrics that drive accountability and decision-making, designing scalable and automated operating models, and developing a high-performing billing operations organization capable of continuous improvement.
Billing Leadership & Scope of Ownership

• Lead the firm's billing function with direct responsibility for:
  • Billing
  • eBilling
  • Client Accounting
• Ensure consistent, high-quality execution of billing processes across practices and offices.
• Partner closely with Financial Terms, Accounts Receivable, ,Revenue Management, Pricing, IT, and other finance functions to align revenue execution with firm objectives and long-term transformation priorities.
• Establish a scalable operating model that balances service excellence, operational rigor, and technological enablement.

Billing Operations Transformation (Process Design, Automation & AI)

• Lead the billing operations transformation focused on process standardization, simplification, and automation.
• Redesign end-to-end billing workflows using structured process design methodologies to eliminate friction, reduce cycle times, and minimize revenue leakage.
• Identify, prioritize, and implement automation opportunities across Billing, eBilling. and Client Accounting
• Leverage AI and advanced analytics to:
  • Reduce billing delays
  • Improve time narrative accuracy
  • Improve rejection management in eBilling platforms
  • Automate exception identification and workflow routing
• Partner with IT and data teams to implement intelligent dashboards, workflow tools, robotic process automation (RPA), and AI-enabled analytics solutions.
• Ensure responsible, secure, and effective use of automation and AI.

Operating Metrics & Performance Management

• Design, implement, and govern a comprehensive operating metrics framework, including:
  • Billing cycle times and accuracy
  • eBilling compliance and timely identification/resolution of rejection issues
  • Time & Proforma compliance
• Develop management dashboards and predictive reporting for firm leadership and operations.
• Proactively identify trends, risks, and operational bottlenecks, and drive corrective actions in partnership with stakeholders.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-layered revenue operations organization.
• Evolve team capabilities to adapt to the operational and transformation changes being implemented.
• Create career paths, performance expectations, and development plans to build bench strength and retain top talent.
• Foster a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, innovation, and service excellence in a high-expectations environment.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a trusted operational advisor to partners and firm leadership on revenue execution, realization, and transformation strategy.
• Translate complex financial, operational, and analytical insights into clear, practical guidance for non-financial audiences.
• Work closely with other revenue functions and partners in navigating billing related challenges with key clients.

Education and/or Experience:
Required:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 10 years of experience in revenue operations and billing within a law firm or similarly complex professional services organization.
• Demonstrated success leading transformation initiatives, including process redesign, automation implementation, and data-driven performance management.
• Experience leveraging automation tools, workflow platforms, analytics environments, or AI-enabled systems in financial operations.
• Proven ability to build operating metrics and performance management frameworks for billing and eBilling at scale.
• Proven leader of large, distributed teams with a strong record of people development and operational excellence.
• Deep understanding of law firm billing models and partner-driven governance.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence partners and senior leaders without direct authority.
• Comfortable balancing strategic leadership with hands-on operational problem-solving in a complex environment.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree.

Other Skills and Abilities:
The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

The target salary range for this role is:

$240,000 - $295,000 if located in Illinois

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.