Business Development Manager, Dispute Resolution Practice Group – London

The Business Development Manager, Dispute Resolution Practice Group – London will be the main business development contact for the Dispute Resolution Practice group for the London office. The role-holder will work closely with the EMEA Business Development lead for Dispute Resolution as well as the Market Lead in London to help advance PG revenue-driven priorities for the Dispute Resolution Group in the London office. The individual will be part of the PG-aligned BD community for the Dispute Resolution Practice Group and collaborate with all markets, colleagues in specialist teams, Business Managers and EMEA BDMC colleagues to deliver on the BD and client elements of the Dispute Resolution PG’s business plan in London. The role-holder will pursue a strategic-focused, market-leading BDMC business-partnering capability, which enables the practice to win, retain and grow business through consistently high standards, engaging thought leadership, strong relationship management, and elevating the Firm’s reputation.

Main responsibilities:

• Drive the profitable growth of the Dispute Resolution PG in London and help the Partners pursue new mandates in London and internationally through the design and execution of strategic, revenue-generating and profitable BD activities.
• Make recommendations on BDMC activities, best practices, progress and importantly, return against priorities and investment.
• Drive work with priority clients for London and internationally where required, work with specialist client teams and local teams as needed.
• Review a pipeline of targets to ensure that opportunities are prioritized and targeting efforts are focused on the greatest opportunities for developing business.
• Be involved in pitches and pursuits as required for the Dispute Resolution PG; Focus on pitches for their home market but also lead on international opportunities as necessary, ensure consistency of PG messaging and advise on PG content as required; Work with other pitch specialists and colleagues as necessary.
• Directories and submissions; Local delivery for the PG by working closely with the Directories Awards & Submissions team.
• Capture client feedback, matter experience, client contacts, and business development leads to enable the practice to promote itself effectively and to grow its business.
• Support marketing for the PG within the office, working with any marketing specialists as applicable.
• Work with communications professionals to help drive comms as appropriate to best develop the Practice’s profile through relevant channels, both externally and internally.
• Contribute to any BDMC infrastructure roll-outs which are relevant to the PG or function.
• Encourage a more data‑driven mindset within the London office; Use appropriate tools and work with the analytics team as necessary.
• Work with Knowledge Management (KM), Research (and other) teams as necessary to develop useful research, monitor trends and apply them in the best way possible for the PG.
• Deliver some office initiatives and support as necessary.

Skills and experience:

• Educated to degree level and ideally with an additional business qualification / experience focusing on Business Development, Marketing, Communications, Sales or related commercial subjects.
• Extensive experience in business development, client relationship management with an international law firm or other professional/financial services environment.
• Deep business acumen and understanding of strategic and business planning gained through experience in mid‑to‑senior level business roles, as well as strong financial acumen.
• Proven track record of delivering on client relationships and revenues, as well as developing and delivering on metrics.
• Leadership experience is preferred, with strong experience managing a Business Development department.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to interact and influence at senior levels of the Firm.
• Fluent written and spoken English is required with strong writing skills.
• Outstanding Leadership skills, high IQ and EQ, with an ability to coach and inspire others.
• An appreciation of, and experience of matrix management across multiple offices/countries.
• A collegiate approach and able to work collaboratively with colleagues, management and leadership across EMEA and the Firm more widely.
• An ambassador of change.
• A confident, calm and credible style with the ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple concurrent projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Respects and enjoys the diversity of cultural, social and academic backgrounds found in the Firm.

Reports to: The EMEA BD Lead for the Dispute Resolution Practice Group, but with close operational working relationship with the London Office Lead.

Direct Reports: Although not a direct report, the structure includes a BD specialist for the Employment and DR PGs in London.

Travel requirements: Limited travel required on an ad‑hoc basis only (e.g., if necessary for certain meetings or events).