A leading international law firm is seeking an Associate Director, Business Development to support a high‑performing Corporate M&A practice. This is a senior role within a well‑established Business Development & Marketing function that plays a central role in driving growth, strengthening client relationships and supporting the firm’s long‑term strategic objectives.
This opportunity will suit an experienced BD leader who enjoys working at a strategic level with senior stakeholders, while remaining actively involved in the execution of business development initiatives. The environment is fast‑paced and collaborative, with high expectations around quality, judgement and commercial impact.
The role
Reporting to the Director of Business Development – Corporate M&A, the Associate Director will act as a trusted adviser to Partners and senior lawyers, helping to shape and deliver business development strategy for the practice.
The role combines strategic influence with execution. You will be expected to contribute to the overall direction of the practice’s BD efforts, while also taking ownership of key initiatives and ensuring work is executed to a consistently high standard.
Key responsibilities include:
* Contributing to the development and delivery of business development strategy in support of practice and firm‑wide growth objectives
* Advising senior stakeholders on client development, account growth, market positioning and opportunities for expansion
* Leading and driving the preparation of pitches, proposals, credentials and client materials, working closely with Partners and fee‑earners
* Collaborating across the wider BD & Marketing function to identify opportunities, address challenges and deliver integrated solutions
* Supporting the development and delivery of client feedback, performance and engagement programmes, using insight to inform future activity
* Helping to refine policies, processes and ways of working to improve efficiency, consistency and quality across BD activity
* Keeping abreast of market, industry and regulatory developments relevant to Corporate M&A, and sharing insight with stakeholders
* Leading and developing senior BD professionals where required, and acting as a visible and credible leader within the function
About you
This role is suited to a senior‑level Business Development professional with experience in a law firm or comparable professional services environment, who is comfortable operating at Partner level and balancing strategic thinking with practical delivery.
You are likely to bring:
* Significant experience in a senior Business Development role, with a strong track record of supporting complex, high‑value practices
* Deep subject‑matter expertise in Business Development, with the ability to provide informed, commercial advice to senior stakeholders
* Experience of influencing and negotiating at a senior level, with confidence and credibility
* A strategic mindset, combined with a pragmatic, hands‑on approach to execution
* Strong commercial awareness and the ability to align BD activity with wider business objectives
* Excellent analytical, problem‑solving and communication skills
* Experience leading and developing teams, alongside the ability to operate as an individual contributor where needed
Equal Opportunities
As a responsible business, it is important that we represent the diversity of our people, our clients and our communities. We believe that the firms that thrive are those with the most diverse team; that's why we work so hard to source the best talent from the broadest pool possible. As an equal opportunities employer we strive to accommodate anyone who may have specific needs. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the selection process, please talk to a member of the recruitment team so that any required adjustments can be made in advance.