Job Title: Head of Business Development
Location: Preston
Salary: £50,000-£60,000 plus bonus
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
About the Firm
We are a well-established regional law firm with a strong presence across Preston and Glasgow and a loyal client base spanning both commercial and private clients. The firm has clear ambitions for sustainable growth, deeper client relationships, and expansion into new markets and service areas.
As part of this strategy, we are seeking an experienced Head of Business Development to lead the firms business development function and work closely with Management to shape and deliver the firms growth agenda.
The Role
This is a senior, strategic, and hands-on leadership role. You will be responsible for developing and executing the firms business development strategy, supporting management in new Business and retaining work, and identifying opportunities for growth across new areas of work, sectors, and geographies.
Acting as an adviser to management, you will bring commercial insight, structure, and momentum to the firms BD activity, while building a high-performing and collaborative BD function.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Leadership
* Develop and deliver the firm-wide business development strategy aligned with the Firms objectives
* Lead, mentor, and develop a BD team, fostering a proactive and commercially focused culture
* Work closely with management to support strategic planning and growth initiatives
Growth, Expansion & Market Development
* Identify and evaluate opportunities for new areas of work, service line development, and sector growth
* Research and assess geographical expansion opportunities, including new office locations, regional growth, and market entry strategies
* Support management with business cases for expansion, including market analysis, competitor intelligence, and revenue projections
* Monitor market trend, and competitor activity to inform investment and expansion decisions
* Lead and develop key client programmes, including feedback initiatives, and account planning
* Support partners in strengthening long-term business relationships and identifying opportunities for additional work
* Ensure high-quality proposals, credentials, and capability statements
* Work with marketing colleagues on campaigns, thought leadership, events, and profile-raising activity.
* Track and analyse BD performance, pipeline activity, and return on investment
* Provide clear reporting support decision-making
About You
Essential
* Proven experience in a senior business development role within services-based environment
* Strong understanding of the UK legal market, particularly within a regional firm context
* Demonstrable experience working closely with management and senior stakeholders
* Strategic mindset combined with a practical, delivery-focused approach
* Excellent leadership, influencing, and communication skills
* Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability
* Experience supporting geographical expansion
* Experience leading or building a BD function
* Familiarity with CRM systems, pipeline management, and BD reporting
How to Apply
Please submit your CV outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.