The Role
We are seeking an experienced BD & client services professional to drive best practice behaviours across our practice groups and help shape and embed initiatives across the client portfolio, championing a client-first culture. This role will have the platform and backing to help shape something from the ground up - delivering high-value, client-focused programmes, campaigns and strategies that will make a measurable difference to the firms future.
Working closely with the Head of BD & Marketing, Senior BD & Client Services Lead, the BD&M team, practice group heads and the wider partnership to develop and grow a fully integrated, strategic and client-focused BD&M function, leveraging existing and new systems and processes where appropriate, and bringing fresh ideas.
Key focus areas
The role will provide strategic guidance to our practice groups and help lead and support a range of strategic and operational tasks and projects, which will change and evolve over time. The candidate for this role will need to be able to juggle responsibilities and provide both strategic oversight and operational delivery of the initiatives, working with numerous stakeholders in both our legal and business professional teams. Some of these tasks/projects include:
1. Practice group strategy planning, budgeting and implementation, working with PG heads and partners.
2. Contributing to a Key Client Management programme and client development framework.
3. Client segmentation & prioritisation to identify brand-enhancing, scalable, and profitable relationships.
4. Coaching and supporting partners and teams with insight, tools, and data to deepen relationships and help create value for both clients and the firm.
5. Developing a formalised and structured client feedback and listening programme, translating learnings into specific actions that feed directly into client and practice plans and firm strategy.
6. Working with partners and the BD&M team on high-value tenders and proposals, helping to shape win strategies, narratives, and pricing approaches for key opportunities.
7. Overseeing the rollout of practical tools that support client planning, client engagement opportunities, relationship tracking and reporting.
8. Promoting usage and deriving maximum value from the firms CRM system, InTapp DealCloud.
9. Monitoring and analysing client financials, market trends and competitor activities to inform business development strategies and proactively delivering them, alongside our partners.
10. Helping to create a client-first culture and driving a client-obsessed approach to all BD&M activity.
11. Socialising an intellectual curiosity around our clients and the markets in which they operate, keeping up to date with news and developments and always considering how our clients are impacted.
12. Helping to set up a firmwide horizon scanning process to ensure our clients are kept informed of forthcoming legal and regulatory changes.
13. Maintaining and evolving a suite of sales collateral, aiding the cross-selling of different services.
14. Running campaigns targeted at winning work from existing and prospective clients, leveraging practice group products, cross-practice services and market trends.
15. Maximising the value from our events programme, working with members of our legal and business professional teams to ensure effective targeting.
16. Supporting on the legal directory submission process.
17. Training and coaching lawyers at all levels as part of a BD training programme, working with our L&D team.
The ideal candidate should have a strong background in law firm business development, be a leader and self-starter and possess the ability to drive projects and effect change at a firmwide level. This role requires a proactive individual who is adept at strategic thinking, building trust and working collaboratively to deliver positive outcomes.
Qualifications and Experience
18. Proven experience in business development within a law firm or professional services environment.
19. Solutions-orientated with a passion for delivering excellent client service.
20. Creative and innovative approach, with the ability to bring new ideas and initiatives.
21. Strong understanding of the legal industry and market dynamics.
22. Proactive, adaptable, and willing to take on a variety of tasks.
23. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
24. Strong stakeholder management skills, able to confidently liaise at all levels and build collaborative working relationships.
25. Excellent writing skills and attention to detail.
26. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
27. Strong organisational and project management skills.
28. Commercially aware, able to demonstrate the ability to add value in a proactive manner
29. Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
30. Be a positive team player and diligently live and protect a supportive and people-focused culture.
The Opportunity
31. Bonus scheme
32. Pension Scheme (5% employer contribution)
33. Private medical insurance
34. Permanent health insurance
35. Life assurance
36. Receive either the sum of £750 per annum as a travel allowance or reimbursement of car parking expenses via a pay as you go card at a local carpark
37. Enhanced maternity/paternity pay (after sufficient service)
38. Cash back scheme