Senior Business Development Manager (12 month FTC)

This role leads business development and marketing support for CMS’s global Disputes and Contentious Regulatory practice group. You’ll work closely with partners and colleagues across the firm to plan and deliver BD and marketing activity that supports the firmwide strategy. The role combines people leadership, strategic input and hands‑on delivery, with a strong focus on collaboration and quality.

About CMS

CMS is a future‑facing law firm with 75 offices in 43 countries and more than 4,800 lawyers worldwide. We combine deep sector knowledge with a global perspective to help clients navigate change with confidence. Technology plays an important role in how we work, and we continue to explore new ways of delivering legal services. We aim to create an environment where people are supported to do their best work and develop their careers.

What you’ll do

• Lead and support an integrated global BD and marketing function for the Disputes and Contentious Regulatory practice group
• Manage, coach and develop a team of BD Managers and (Senior) Executives, including appraisals and training
• Contribute to annual business planning and budgeting, ensuring activity is prioritised and delivered within budget
• Maintain effective BD infrastructure, including pitch content, client mailing lists and target client information
• Support and coordinate pitches led by the practice, working with other practice groups and reviewing outcomes
• Plan and deliver marketing and thought leadership campaigns aligned to firmwide priorities
• Support the delivery of seminars and events, including the CMS Spotlight Series
• Work with partners on client targeting and client development activity in line with priority sectors
• Collaborate with the Communications team on propositions that support the group’s market positioning
• Oversee directory and awards submissions to ensure they are timely, accurate and consistent
• Build strong working relationships across the practice group and the wider business services community

What you’ll bring

• Significant experience in business development and marketing within a professional services environment
• Broad experience across BD and marketing activities, including pitching, campaigns, client targeting and practice or sector support
• Experience of managing and developing small teams
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and building trusted working relationships
• Experience contributing to business planning and managing budgets
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly
• Good analytical and numerical skills, with attention to detail
• A collaborative and organised approach, with the ability to balance priorities and meet deadlines

What’s in it for you?

We want to reward you today and help you plan for tomorrow. We appreciate that everyone is different, therefore we have designed a benefits system that offers choice and flexibility based on individual needs and lifestyles. To name a few, these include:

• Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
• Flexible, hybrid working policy
• Generous bonus scheme
• Up to 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days with service)
• Holiday exchange scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced parental leave
• Reasonable adjustments and accommodation for disabled talent in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

If you would like to read more information regarding our range of benefits, please visit our Rewards & Benefits page on our website.

Please note that we have a preferred agency panel in place. Only applications submitted via the portal at the point of instruction will be accepted.