Senior business development executive

Main information

• Term type: Permanent
• Department: Business Development and Communications
• Location: London

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is a sector-focused international law firm with extensive expertise and industry insight across its core sectors of energy, infrastructure and transport. Through its network of 19 offices, the firm advises clients on complex, high-value transactions and disputes – matters requiring precise legal execution and a nuanced understanding of global market dynamics.

The firm’s success is driven by its people. It fosters a collaborative, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow, share ideas and make an impact. Guided by its values –We are experts, We are united and We care – the firm delivers exceptional service through strong relationships and teamwork. The firm is committed to clear career paths, championing diversity and investing in its people so they can thrive.

The department

The Global Business Development and Communications team comprises over 50 business development, marketing and communications professionals based across the jurisdictions where we have an office. As our route to market is through our global sectors and our clients are international, team members regularly collaborate to deliver cross-border campaigns and global projects. It is a close-knit and very supportive team with an excellent reputation across the firm.

Energy Sector

Our 300+ team of dedicated Energy-focused lawyers from across our 19-office network collaborate to support global clients active across renewable energy, conventional power, oil & gas, mining & commodities and related energy infrastructure.

We are independently recognised as a market-leader for Energy. Our accolades include being ranked as the #1 legal adviser for renewable energy and energy transition deals by deal count globally for FY25, 55+ Energy-focused legal directory rankings at the practice level and 30+ for individuals, as well as over 10 awards for Energy deals or teams in the last 12 months. We are truly market-leaders in the sector and have ambitions to continue to grow our global and domestic footprint.

A key focus of the firm is renewable energy and as the energy transition continues to demand increased energy efficiency, sustainability and ESG compliance, we see significant growth potential for this aspect of our offering. At the same time the energy transition is creating significant opportunities to support clients in the development and evolution of conventional power, oil & gas and mining & commodities assets, and we intend to be at the forefront of these developments to maintain our market-leading position.

Role overview

Joining a well-respected and highly-valued global team, you will be working in partnership with our London Energy sector partners to deliver high quality and proactive BD support within the renewable energy, conventional power, oil & gas, mining and commodities and international trade sub-sectors, including considering broader energy transition and its impact on these sub-sectors.

This is an exciting time to join our team. The global energy sector has significant growth plans and the London team are a key driving force for these. The partners and other senior fee-earners operating across the sector are very engaged with the BD&C team, giving this role genuine senior stakeholder engagement and the ability to positively impact sector growth.

Our Senior Business Development Executive role requires a self-motivated person who can work closely with the Head of Business Development, Energy and the Business Development Manager (London Energy), as well as alongside the Business Development Manager (Oil & Gas and Mining), to grow and develop the firm’s energy sector. The role will support the management of existing client relationships and the development of new business opportunities for the London energy team, while also supporting the firm’s global energy sector projects and strategy implementation, working alongside global BD team members.

Key activities/responsibilities

• Supporting the business development managers on creating, drafting and implementing business development and marketing plans for the London Energy sector team, which includes lawyers focussed on Power and Renewables, Oil and Gas, Mining, and Commodities and International Trade.
• Being the lead BD contact for the London Oil & Gas team’s business development needs as well as working closely with the Business Development Manager (Global Oil & Gas and Mining) on global opportunities involving the London team.
• Working with energy-focussed BD&C team members globally, as well as key stakeholders, on developing and implementing campaigns to grow new and existing business in the Energy sector.
• Working with the Senior Client Account manager and the energy BD&C team in the management and development of key client accounts.
• Contributing to the delivery of high quality and strategic pitch opportunities and client research reports, including working with the Pitches and Proposals team where appropriate.
• Preparing and maintaining marketing collateral and supporting documentation for client/prospect meetings and follow-ups.
• Staying well-informed and engaged on the latest industry developments and market trends across the Energy sector, including reading relevant trade publications and researching organisations and projects to spot opportunities to grow the business.
• Co-ordinating and drafting relevant sector directory submissions, league tables-and awards.
• Identifying and supporting industry events (with the support of our events team) and conference attendance to develop/maintain market position matched to the business strategy and to generate leads for the sector.
• Contributing to the effective management of business development budget, including acting as a champion for effective ROI collation and utilisation for future business development.
• Capturing and reviewing deal and pitch content, ensuring information is available on all global databases.
• Serving as a mentor, sounding board and role model for junior members of the wider BD&C team and contributing to overall team development and culture.
• Delegating effectively to junior team members (taking joint responsibility for the work delivered) while proactively managing expectations of line manager.
• Developing, championing and implementing business development projects and business support tools such as InterAction+, Compass, and the Deals and Cases Database as appropriate.
• Championing the use of digital platforms and social media to raise the profile of our lawyers, key initiatives and the firm, including promoting engagement with social media and drafting sector specific social media posts.
• Liaising and collaborating with other members of the Global Business Development and Communications team as well as other business functions (e.g. Finance/Knowledge Management) to improve the co-ordination and delivery of initiatives across the firm, adding value to the business as well as our clients.

Skills and experience – desired

• Demonstrates WFW's core values of We are Experts, We are United and We Care while also aligning to the BD&C team’s values of collaboration, transparency, generosity, innovation and dedication.
• Several years' business development and marketing experience within professional services.
• Experience in the coordination, development and drafting of pitches and credentials statements.
• The ability to work effectively with, and influence, partners and other key stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage and prioritise multiple projects running in parallel with tight deadlines.
• Excellent written communication and editing skills; able to write accurate, concise and persuasive copy.
• Ability to understand product, sector and service development issues.
• Knowledge of or interest in the Energy sector with the desire to become a subject matter expert.
• A positive role model who meets new challenges with a constructive and open mind and shows enthusiasm for new opportunities and ideas.
• Regarded as a team player who is confident sharing information across a broader team.
• Plays a full part in making WFW a firm they would recommend to others to work in, and respects diversity and acts fairly and inclusively.

Benefits

We offer a competitive benefits and wellbeing package for all employees.

Additional information

The Firm promotes a culture of agility and flexibility and is fully supportive of flexible working arrangements where these can be accommodated.

Equal opportunities

Diversity and inclusion are integral to the firm’s strategy and underpin its efforts to attract and retain top talent. All employment decisions are made objectively, based on merit and ability and the firm is committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment. As a Disability Confident employer, WFW welcomes adjustments for candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions and participates in the Disability Confident interview scheme. If you would like to apply through this scheme or require adjustments during any stage of the process, please contact .