Business Development Manager – Dispute Resolution in Manchester

Freeths is seeking a highly strategic and experienced BD Manager or Senior BD Manager for one of our new divisions. This newly created role will play a critical business partner role; driving growth across one of the firm’s divisions, working closely with the Head of Division Business Development to shape and execute strategic BD initiatives. This role is responsible for enhancing market positioning, leading proactive pursuit activity, strengthening client relationships, and delivering commercially focused programmes that support revenue growth and deepen client engagement. This individual will act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders and a champion of high‑quality, insight‑led BD.

Key Responsibilities:

• BD strategy & planning: Support the Head of BD – Disputes, BD team and practice partners to develop and deliver annual BD plans aligned to the Division’s and the firm’s strategy, including services, and growth priorities.
• Client & market insight: Build understanding of the Disputes and construction market and competitor positioning; translate insight into actionable opportunities.
• Pipeline & opportunity management: Identify, qualify and progress opportunities from internal and external referrals, intermediaries and direct client approaches; support partners with next steps, materials and follow-up plan.
• Relationship and referral development: Help partners to deepen and expand networks and other key introducers; maintain contact plans and track activity.
• Proposals, pitches & tenders: Lead and coordinate pitch responses, credentials and capability statements; coach partners on messaging; ensure post‑pitch reviews and learning capture, so best practice is shared across Disputes.
• Campaigns (events & content): Work with the marketing team to plan and deliver targeted campaigns, and high‑quality client and intermediary events and thought leadership (articles, briefings, webinars) that drive measurable engagement; briefing partners, managing logistics, and post‑event conversion plans.
• Client listening & relationship development plans: Support client feedback programmes, and identify cross‑selling opportunities with other practice areas.
• Proposition & credentials: Help articulate and refresh disputes service propositions, case studies and credentials; maintain relevant directory submissions support (as appropriate).
• Performance reporting: Track BD activity, pipeline, conversion and campaign performance; provide clear reporting and recommendations to practice leadership.
• Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues across BD/marketing and other practice groups to deliver integrated opportunities and consistent messaging.
• Compliance: Ensure all activity complies with regulatory and professional standards (including data protection and marketing permissions).

Your Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience in business development or client‑focused commercial roles within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Strong track record of delivering BD strategies that drive revenue growth.
• Demonstrated success in influencing senior stakeholders and driving change.
• Commercially astute with strong understanding of disputes legal services and the broader deal‑making market.
• Excellent strategic thinking and planning capabilities.
• Strong client development, account management, and relationship‑building skills.
• Exceptional writing, communication and presentation abilities.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple projects at pace; data‑driven, with experience using CRM systems and analytics to inform strategy.

This is a role where you’ll genuinely shape direction and make an impact. With a strong background in professional services, you’ll bring expertise in strategic planning, high‑quality pitch delivery and campaign execution. You’ll have either solid knowledge of, or a genuine interest in, disputes, and be comfortable building relationships quickly across the firm—enabling you to hit the ground running.