Business Development Manager

Role and Responsibilities Support the development and delivery of firm-wide and departmental business development strategies, ensuring objectives align with overall growth plans. Work closely with partners and fee earners to identify and develop cross selling and upselling opportunities across practice areas. Support client relationship leads in managing key client relationships and driving growth within priority sectors. Assist partners and fee earners in maximising client opportunities through research, preparation of client intelligence, participation in meetings where appropriate, and opportunity tracking. Conduct market and competitor analysis to assess positioning, identify differentiation opportunities, and highlight areas for growth. Manage and support responses to tenders, bids, and proposals, including drafting, coordination, and submission. Develop and maintain best-practice proposal materials such as service descriptions, credentials, client and matter lists, and award summaries. Identify, coordinate, and evaluate speaking opportunities at conferences and seminars, supporting the development of compelling content. Track and report on business development activity across the firm to measure impact and inform future strategy. Collaborate with senior stakeholders to maximise business development opportunities and ensure a coordinated approach. Maintain accurate records of client interactions, referrals, and business development activity through the CRM system, and use CRM insights to support targeted campaigns. Monitor legal sector and business development trends, providing relevant insights and updates to senior stakeholders on developments that may impact the business. Work with colleagues across business development, marketing, and client experience functions to gather feedback and continually enhance services and client offerings. Manage and monitor business development expenditure, advising on effective use of budget to maximise return on investment. Act as a professional ambassador and key point of contact, representing the firm positively internally and externally. Comply with all relevant policies and procedures, including health and safety, IT, security, and equality and fair treatment. Demonstrate flexibility by undertaking additional reasonable tasks or projects as required. Knowledge, Skills and Experience Strong understanding of legal or professional services markets, with the ability to analyse market trends, client behaviour, and competitive positioning. Proven track record of meeting and exceeding performance indicators linked to growth and market share. Experience in a legal or professional services environment, or in a business development role within a commercial, service-led organisation. Demonstrable experience of managing and writing tenders, bids, and proposals. Excellent influencing and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage confidently at all levels. Proven ability to identify, develop, and convert business development opportunities. Self-motivated and capable of working independently with minimal supervision. Proactive, confident, and persuasive, with a professional and assertive approach. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and credibly to senior stakeholders and clients. Highly organised, collaborative, and professional in approach. Strong client focus, with the ability to build trust, credibility, and a positive internal reputation. Resilient under pressure, with experience delivering complex or high-profile projects to completion. Proficient in the use of CRM and business development systems, leveraging technology to manage, track, and enhance client and business development activity.