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- Tasks: Lead business development and marketing for high-stakes legal practices in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Gibson Dunn, a top global law firm known for its innovative legal strategies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a collaborative team culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI tools and contribute to exciting projects.
- Why this job: Make an impact by driving strategic initiatives and building valuable client relationships.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years in professional services, strong project management, and team leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.
Based in London, the Business Development Manager will be responsible for providing guidance and input on the London business plan (including target lists, high impact client relationships, publishing and speaking opportunities, and other related initiatives) and drive execution. Along with other team members, this position will lead on related pitches and RFPs ensuring the firm is strategic in its approach and positioning itself to win the work. This role will also work closely with local and international business development colleagues to lead cross-practice initiatives, contribute to team infrastructure and other strategic projects as needed. This role reports to the Sr. Manager of Business Development based in the London office and will work alongside the London Practice Group Manager for Transactional.
Responsibilities
- Lead the overall business development and marketing efforts for assigned practices and/or regions as well as providing support for individual partner business objectives.
- Lead and oversee preparation of pitches, RFPs (with RFP team) and other client facing materials including leading strategy sessions, internal debriefs and tracking outcomes.
- Spearhead the drafting and maintaining of practice-specific marketing materials and collateral including experience lists and the collection of relevant matters.
- Support the practice's key client efforts and work with colleagues to ensure the identification, development, and growth of high-value clients.
- Lead client teaming efforts for selected clients relevant to assigned practices, helping to coordinate strategies and execute action items to develop relationships.
- Lead client targeting initiatives to cross-pollenate relationships both within and outside the London transactional team, liaising with Business Development colleagues and lawyers globally.
- Contribute to the execution of seminars, events (with the events team), conference sponsorships and other targeted marketing activities, contributing strategically to invite lists and the business rationale behind such activities.
- Act as a lead on additional related projects within the Department or Firm as assigned.
- Manage one direct report and assist Sr. Manager with team management and contribute to development and advancement of the early tenure marketing team members.
Qualifications
- Exceptional professional interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with lawyers at varying levels including firm leadership.
- Strong project management and time management skills.
- Experience of line managing junior team members.
- Solid understanding of the needs and expectations of law firms and the ability to work in an environment with shifting priorities and many constituents.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Exceptional in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Familiarity and comfort with AI tools including ChatGPT, Gemini, Co-Pilot and others.
- Ability to work outside business hours and occasional travel as needed.
Experience
- University degree.
- 5-7 years of experience in professional services, legal preferred.
- 2+ years of team management experience preferred.
- Experience with strategic business development planning and pitching, with transactional knowledge preferred.
Business Development Manager employer: Gibson Dunn
Contact Detail:
Gibson Dunn Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, seminars, and networking meet-ups. The more you engage with potential employers and colleagues, the better your chances of landing that Business Development Manager role.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your project management and interpersonal skills. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led pitches or developed client relationships in the past.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Every firm is different, so do your homework on Gibson Dunn! Understand their unique strategies and values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and can contribute to their success.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're proactive and serious about joining the team at Gibson Dunn.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in business development and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your project management and interpersonal skills. We want to see how you’ve successfully managed teams or projects in the past, especially in a professional services environment like law.
Be Strategic: When discussing your experience with pitches and RFPs, be strategic. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to winning proposals or developed client relationships that led to significant business growth.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Gibson Dunn!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gibson Dunn
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Gibson Dunn's recent cases and business development strategies. Familiarise yourself with their unique approach to client relationships and how they position themselves in the market. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their values.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since this role requires strong project management abilities, prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led projects or initiatives. Be ready to discuss how you managed timelines, coordinated with teams, and achieved results, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
As you'll be managing a direct report, highlight your experience in team management. Share stories that illustrate your leadership style, how you support junior team members, and how you foster collaboration within a team. This will reassure them of your capability to lead and develop others.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges in business development within a law firm context and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.