FI Sector Lead

The role:

We are looking for a Senior Marketing & Business Development Manager to lead our Financial Institutions sector.

Utilising deep industry expertise and a strong understanding of sector client needs, the FI Sector Lead will work alongside the FI Sector Head (partner) and the FI sector leadership team to identify ways in which we can differentiate ourselves in the FI sector through the development of a small number of integrated reputation building, relationship deepening and revenue generating programmes.

The FI Sector Lead will develop, implement and execute a structured M&BD plan which integrates and aligns with the firms M&BD strategy and the global client programme objectives outlined in the firmwide business plan. They will be the key source of knowledge within the M&BD team about the work the sector does and the clients we act for.

The M&BD team:

Uniting the firm's expertise to meet clients' global needs…

The Marketing and Business Development (M&BD) team at Simmons & Simmons is a diverse group of professionals, including value-adders, digital innovators, and relationship builders. We're seeking talented individuals with ambition and passion to join our high-performing team, known for its commitment to learning, growth, and excellence.

Our team benefits from the expertise of seasoned professionals from leading firms and industries, under the leadership of Owen Williams, a non-lawyer who became a partner in 2022. We invest in our talent at all levels, offering extensive training programs like the 'Future Leaders' program to nurture the next generation of leaders.

Our team is redefining the M&BD function by incorporating roles such as pricing and sales experts, horizon scanners, and specialists in Emerging Technology and ESG.

Our innovative efforts, including the award-winning "supercharge" client program and Cross-Border Group teams, have significantly contributed to the firm's global collaboration and success in attracting top-tier clients.

The Marcomms team plays a crucial role in enhancing the firm's reputation through impactful experiences and media coverage.

We prioritize continuous improvement and operational excellence, adopting best practices to maintain our competitive edge and align with our vision of a Next Generation law firm.

Our global M&BD team operates as 'One Team,' valuing contributions from members worldwide and fostering a culture of connection and fun. Joining us means making a definitive impact in a role that values and leverages your contributions.
 

What will you do:

• Sector insight: responsible for delivering and disseminating sector insights that can be used to deepen partner knowledge, provide high value client engagement (sparking new "touch-points" throughout the firm).

• Business planning and budget management: in consultation with the firm's business plan and relevant sector stakeholders, prepare the FI sector business plan and oversee all elements of the FI sector BD activity to ensure alignment.

• Relationships with fee earners: Build strong relationships with fee earners across the international FI sector to further the strategic objectives of the FI sector business plan.

• Sector content and sales enablement tools: develop and implement the sector's internal and external communication strategies (including digital) and then implement accordingly, ensuring best practice is observed. Development of thought leadership campaigns, liaising with the Marcomms campaigns team and the FI Sector in delivering each campaign.

• Sector specific bids / pitches: project manage strategic sector bids and panel bids for sector clients (working closely with relevant client manager, practice group M&BD and the dedicated pricing team), including developing responses.

• Sector calls: coordination of FI sector calls and client team calls, ensuring notes and actions are circulated to the relevant team(s) for digestion/ action. Ensuring actions are executed.

• Reporting: preparing updates for the FI sector, senior management, M&BD team and others in the business on key trends and opportunities – contribute to brainstorming discussions on how we can develop the opportunities highlighted. 

• Sector specific events: project manage the end-to-end process of sector specific events, including in-person and virtual, ensuring follow up takes place to maximise return on investment.

• Financial reporting: Owning the end-to-end process of reviewing the monthly billed fees report and open / closed matters report to identify any reclassifications between sectors and FI sub-sectors.

• Cross-border and cross-practice collaboration: assessing and developing opportunities to strengthen international and cross-practice cooperation across the FI sector for business development purposes and managing the international M&BD team involved in implementing related activities.

• Client listening proactively seek feedback at all levels from sector clients, to spot opportunities and threats. Support the Client Listening and Alumni Manager to deliver these initiatives, including preparing for and gathering client feedback, tracking and analysing and acting upon feedback gathered and monitoring alumni movements and activities.

• Profile raising: Strengthening the firm's reputation across the industry through the identification of speaking, sponsorships and media opportunities (in conjunction with the Marcomms team).

• Sector specific content: Overseeing the management and maintenance of all sector specific content including client facing content (website, brochures, credentials and capability statements) and intranet sites, liaising with the FI sector M&BD team and the M&BD hub as appropriate.

• Team management: strong people management, and day-to-day management of assigned team members, including coaching, mentoring and identifying objectives for junior members of the team.

• Client Development: management of non-programme sector clients. Support members of the FI M&BD team in harnessing best practice from the Client Programme and performing their hybrid Client Manager roles. Coach partners and associates in delivery of business development objectives as regards to the client.

• Integration with the Client Programme: work closely with the Client Programme lead to ensure sector related initiatives and products are driven through the FI Programme Clients.

What we are looking for:

• Previous experience within a professional services environment desirable.

• Demonstrates expert understanding of the FI sector, with marketing / sales / business development experience.

• Advanced client development skills and knowledge.

• Excellent client relationship management skills.

• Proven-track record in working with teams to develop business and client relationships.

• Previous team management / people management experience is essential.

• Well-developed understanding of M&BD strategy and implementation.

• Strong project management skills.

• Strong budget management skills.

• Ability to run strategic pitch processes.

• Ability to build strong networks relevant to the development of the firm's profile and business.

• Strong commercial acumen.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and able to influence others to support objectives.

• Ability to act in a consulting / advisory role.

• Positive and enthusiastic – can do attitude.

• Solution orientated.

• Articulate and focused.

• Able to work collaboratively with others to provide a high-quality service to the firm.

• Self-starter with attention to detail.

• Flexibility and a willingness to work additional hours on occasion as required.

Career Level:

The career level assigned to this role is level 5. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone's voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You'll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.  

Some key information: 

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution. 

• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).  

• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.  

• We bring together the best legal advice from our established legal teams with non-traditional capabilities via Simmons & Simmons Solutions that enhance, expand and differentiate the Simmons offering.  

• We are proud to rank as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.

• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.  

• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.  

• All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.  

• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our Business Plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to: 

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families. 

• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require. 

• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs. 

• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

If you're interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team . To apply for the role, click on the link at the bottom of the page or visit our career page for more details.