Senior Business Development Executive in London

Farrer & Co is synonymous with the highest quality legal advice and service.

We advise individuals, families, businesses, financial services, educational and not-for-profit organisations on every aspect of the law, wherever the need arises. From our offices in London we work with trusted professionals around the world to deliver a seamless international service.

Our clients present us with complex and varied challenges. Whether that's a complicated family trust issue, a multinational corporate transaction, or an emerging threat to their reputation, they need clear thinkers who can advise on the best solutions, fast thinkers when speed is of the essence and agile thinkers who can produce a fresh approach to get the job done. That's why they choose us.

Our clients value our in-depth knowledge, technical excellence and diversity of disciplines. But what really binds our long-standing relationships with them is our approach: pragmatic, plain speaking and always steadfast in our values, which we hold dear. Values which mean we gain our clients' trust, always strive to do the right thing, and aim for the best results for them.

Superb client service sits at the heart of everything we do. We are modern lawyers with timeless values.

The Marketing & BD team at Farrer & Co is responsible for development and implementation of the firm’s marketing strategy, including profile and reputation, marketing communications, and business development. This extends to all aspects of marketing planning, brand management, campaigns, events, CRM, market and client analysis, pitches and tenders, website, content and digital strategy.

Areas of focus

The firm’s strategy is focused on three core markets: Private Wealth, Private Capital and Institutions. Our Institutions core market brings together our work for charities and other not-for-profit organisations, schools and higher education institutions, sports organisations and sovereign clients.

We have developed significant expertise in advising institutions on the full range of legal, regulatory, governance, commercial, employment, property and contentious issues they face. Our multidisciplinary teams work collaboratively to provide practical, joined-up advice that reflects each client’s particular purpose, structure and operating environment. These sectors, and the relationships and opportunities within them, will form the principal focus of the role.

The firm is continuing to invest in its Marketing and Business Development team. We are seeking a Senior Business Development Executive to join us on a fixed-term basis, providing maternity cover across our Institutions core market.

Reporting to the Business Development Manager for Institutions, you will support business development activity across our not-for-profit, schools, higher education and sovereign advisory sectors. The role is varied and includes events, campaigns, pitches and credentials, client and intermediary targeting, and the delivery of sector plans.

This is an excellent opportunity for a high-performing Business Development Executive who is ready to step up, or an existing Senior Executive looking for a varied role within a supportive team. You will take ownership of a range of initiatives, work closely with partners and other senior stakeholders, and help turn sector priorities into well-managed, effective business development activity.

Duties will include, but not be limited to:

Planning and budgets

• Working with the BD Manager to support the development, implementation and monitoring of the BD plans and budgets.
• Helping to identify the best opportunities to win the most profitable work.

BD research and analysis

• Providing market intelligence, competitor and client/prospect research to test regularly for relevant sector trends.
• Reviewing and analysing financial performance reports to monitor progress against the plan.

Pitches, tenders and capability statements

• Managing the pitch process and working closely with the Senior Pitch Manager and BD Manager. This will include project managing the entire pitch process, from conducting relevant research and evaluating the No/Go decisions to leading the production and submission of competitive pitches and online portal responses. Additionally, it involves supporting presentation coaching and conducting independent debriefs.
• Working with knowledge management lawyers and fee earners to ensure significant deals and case studies are being captured in the firm’s pitch database.
• Reviewing pitch statistics and analysis produced by the Senior Pitch Manager to identify key themes and best-practice approaches.

Events and seminars

• Working with the Senior Events Manager, Senior Events Executive and/or PAs as appropriate, on the sector and team events programme to support the business plans.
• Responsible for the end-to-end planning, project management and delivery of in-person and virtual events, including Zoom webinars, from initial concept and speaker coordination through to post-event follow-up and ROI analysis.
• Managing webinar logistics, registrations, attendee communications and technical delivery to ensure a seamless delegate experience.
• Keeping track of all events and proactive management of mailing lists, working with the CRM team as necessary.

Legal Directory and award submissions

• Managing the process and timeline for submissions to the Chambers UK and Legal 500 directories in consultation with the lawyers.
• Working with the Marketing Communications team to review award submission requests and to support completion of entries.
• Where relevant, support the BD Manager in ensuring effective interviews are held with researcher, and where needed, advising the partners on follow up with referees.

Thought leadership, new marketing campaigns and marketing materials

• Working with the lawyers to identify and contribute ideas for relevant briefings/thought leadership.
• Working with the Marketing Communications team to manage the briefing/thought leadership process, including: identifying target audience, recommending format for distribution channels, ensuring BD opportunities are captured, reporting back on effectiveness, identifying cross-selling opportunities.
• Supporting in the selection and writing of good news stories for internal and external communication opportunities and promoting these across social media channels.

Profile raising

• Supporting with logistics connected to speaker opportunities with key organisations/trade bodies.
• Assessing ROI for external speaking, attendance and sponsorship opportunities.
• Working with the Marketing Communications team to monitor/review content on the firm’s website for the sectors/practice areas supported.

• Strong experience in business development and marketing within a professional services environment.
• Strong understanding of the full marketing and business development mix and how it applies in a law firm context.
• Proven ability to manage and deliver multiple projects simultaneously, with strong attention to detail.
• Confident working with partners and senior stakeholders, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrable experience of preparing and delivering pitches, campaigns and directory submissions.
• A proactive, hands-on approach, with the ability to work independently and take ownership of delivery.

• A collaborative team player with the ability to build strong working relationships across all levels of the firm.
• A clear and confident communicator, able to influence and gain buy-in from stakeholders.
• Highly organised and able to prioritise effectively in a busy and fast-moving environment.
• Practical and delivery-focused, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Flexible, adaptable and resilient, with the ability to hit the ground running and quickly get to grips with new subject matter.

• Educated to degree level, or equivalent experience.
• CIM or equivalent qualification (desirable but not essential).

• The hours of work for this opportunity are 09:30am-5:30pm but it is essential to be committed, flexible and prepared to work beyond the normal office hours when necessary and in response to client demand.
• Farrer & Co is an equal opportunity employer which welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We look to employ the best candidates regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, social or economic background, religion, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or any other protected characteristic.
• We are keen to ensure candidates have the best interview experience possible; if you require any adjustments during the interview or application process please let the recruitment team know.

Farrer & Co conducts a pre-employment screening which includes a Criminal History Background and Credit Check for successful candidates.