Client Development Manager in Manchester

An exciting opportunity for a Client Relationship Manager to join a forward-thinking law firm. This role sits at the heart of the firm's client strategy, supporting the development, growth and long-term success of key client relationships.

The Role

As a key member of the Client Relationship Team, you will help shape how the firm engages with and supports its most important clients. Working closely with senior stakeholders across the business, you will play a pivotal role in onboarding, embedding and strengthening strategic client accounts. You will contribute to the firm's client development framework, ensuring best practice is consistently applied and that client insights are captured, shared and acted upon. Collaboration is central to this role - you will work alongside colleagues in Client Listening, Business Development and New Business to ensure client strategies and growth priorities are aligned. You will also support client-led initiatives and internal communications that showcase client successes and deepen engagement across the firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with Client Leads and client teams to identify and support client development opportunities.
• Coordinate client development calls, strategy meetings and account reviews, ensuring actions are captured and progressed.
• Produce and maintain core client relationship tools, including account plans, quarterly relationship statements, team sheets, relationship maps, welcome packs and management information reports.
• Work with the Client Listening function to gather, analyse and report on client feedback, ensuring insights feed into account plans.
• Conduct independent client listening and build direct relationships with key client contacts.
• Monitor client and industry news, commissioning research to support account strategies.
• Develop a deep understanding of client organisations to identify opportunities for growth and cross-selling.
• Support secondees with guidance, briefings and debriefs to strengthen the firm's position with clients.
• Assist with client development initiatives such as events, panel days and client-focused programmes.
• Deliver training on client relationship tools and best practice to internal stakeholders.
• Support internal communications relating to client activity and key client announcements.
• Champion client-centric behaviours and contribute to the firm's Client Excellence agenda.
• Share cross-selling opportunities and insights with senior stakeholders across the business.

Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in client relationship management within a professional services environment.
• Understanding of the legal sector is beneficial but not essential.
• Strong research skills and experience managing or reviewing client plans.
• Excellent communication skills, with exceptional writing ability and attention to detail.
• Confident stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships at all levels.
• Commercially minded, solutions-focused and committed to delivering outstanding client service.
• Proficient in MS Office; experience with CRM systems (e.g., InterAction) is an advantage.
• Highly organised, proactive and able to work independently with accuracy and attention to detail.

The Team

You will join a dynamic Client Relationship Team dedicated to driving innovation, strengthening client partnerships and embedding a culture of listening and continuous improvement. The team plays a vital role in understanding client needs, identifying opportunities, mitigating risk and shaping initiatives that enhance the client experience across the firm.