Role summary/purpose of job

This is a unique and varied role requiring excellent teamworking and communication skills as well as the ability to build strong and trusted relationships with senior internal stakeholders in the region and across the firm. The role requires an experienced professional that can work collaboratively with BD colleagues across the firm’s global network and work effectively with brand, marketing, communications, events and research specialists where required.

The Business Development Manager will have experience of working for a global firm in a fast-paced, professional, and client-focused environment. They will have a good understanding of the London legal market and the firm’s Client Strategy. Experience of working in a Dispute Resolution or related practice BD role will be an advantage. Alternatively, they may have operated in a generalist role providing support to multiple practice groups, for example, or as a specialist in a particular practice area or sector. It is likely that they will have specialized previously in one or more aspects of business development, such as pitching, client targeting, campaigns, content or credentials creation, directory submissions, or key account client relationship management, and it is intended that any existing specialization or expertise continues to be leveraged significantly within this role. However, they will have a propensity to learn and an interest in working with colleagues in other offices/regions to broaden their experience and skillset.

The Business Development Manager will be working closely with London Dispute Resolution partners with a focus on delivering high quality BD support and guidance and capitalizing on BD opportunities in this region with key clients.

With this context, the role holder will be responsible for working collaboratively as part of the Global Business Development team for Dispute Resolution to:
• Identify and respond to the specific challenges and opportunities for the Dispute Resolution practice, then develop and execute a focused marketing and business development strategy that strengthens relationships with existing clients, targets new work and builds the global reputation of the firm.
• Work collaboratively with lawyers within the practice to compose and manage compelling proposals including pitches, RFP responses, and other opportunities to win work for the regional practice group, often with a fast turnaround.
• Produce and manage practice group content, campaigns or events and relevant directory and award submissions to increase engagement with key clients and enhance the personal brands of leading practitioners and the firm’s global reputation (e.g. developing marketing activities to support the growth ambitions of our client strategy).
• Build trusted relationships with a specific group of senior internal stakeholders and MBD colleagues to achieve a ‘one team’ global mindset.
• Leverage technology e.g. Salesforce and tools to analyse trends, anticipate and identify opportunities to develop existing clients and services, track key relationships, and measure the success of initiatives.

About Marketing & Business Development (MBD)

MBD is a dynamic global team which includes business development specialists, research analysts, brand, marketing and communications experts. By working collaboratively, our team shapes the firm’s client strategy, completes analysis of complex business issues, targets opportunities, develops compelling proposals and creates content and marketing campaigns that lead our digital presence. Together, we define the client experience and shape the perception of Freshfields around the globe.

Key requirements

• Educated to degree level; with considerable marketing and/or business development experience in professional organisations (legal, accountancy, technology, consultancy)

• Strong emotional intelligence, independent thinking and execution, and mature professional judgment

• Working knowledge of CRM systems, with knowledge of Salesforce a plus

• Excellent teamworking and collaboration skills, with the ability to build strong relationships internally and externally

• Strong multi-tasking and project management skills and demonstrated capabilities to manage multiple deadlines and changing project criteria, and resilience under pressure

• Excellent written, presentation and oral communications skills, with demonstrated excellence in marketing copywriting, grammar and proofreading

• Ability to analyse a variety of data sets, spotting trends and opportunities and translating into deliverable outcomes

• Extensive working knowledge of Microsoft Suite software

• Ability to work flexibly in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and high expectations

• Natural curiosity and propensity to learn; enthusiasm to grow into a rounded business development practitioner, specialising in Dispute Resolution

Inclusion

Freshfields is an equal opportunities employer and all applications received by the firm will be considered based on their merit alone and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of background. All offers of employment will be conditional on the candidate having/securing the right to work in the UK and providing the firm with evidence of that right (as required by the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006) prior to employment commencing.

Freshfields is a Ban the Box employer. We ask applicants to disclose criminal convictions only when a conditional job offer is made. A conviction does not automatically lead to withdrawal of the offer: we make decisions on a case-by-case basis and take a number of factors into account (e.g. the role you are applying for and the circumstances of the offence). You would have the opportunity to discuss the matter with us before we make a decision