Business Development Executive, International Markets in London

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals. Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years. As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas. We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world. All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours.

The Opportunity

• Key responsibilities

• This role focuses on supporting partners and the wider International Market team in strategically important jurisdictions (currently Africa and India but there may be a need to assist with other strategic projects as they arise).
• Planning & strategy

• Support the implementation of the India and Africa BD plans.
• Manage the preparation of business plans and annual budget for India.
• Schedule and prepare material for key strategy meetings for India (e.g. India executive quarterly meetings), Africa (global Africa group meetings).
• Prepare financial review documents for the India practice.
• Act as the BD contact for Africa London group requests.

• Work with partners to identify opportunities, facilitate pursuits and track opportunities, particularly in relation to India and the Africa practice.
• Preparation of select India pitches and proposals, including providing best practice materials and credentials to BD colleagues.
• CRM for selected key client accounts.
• Contribute to maintaining a suite of marketing materials for the India and Africa practices (new brochures, one pagers, invitations etc.).

• Support partners in developing the firm’s relationships with local counsel.

• Lead on the organisation of regular international markets events in London.
• Support on the organisation of on-the-ground events in Africa, India and other strategic territories as required.

• Project manage selected directory submissions (Chambers, Legal500 and IBLJ) for India (working closely with India group trainees and associates).
• Work with partners, in conjunction with the marketing and communications team, in developing relationships with local press to raise external profile in India.
• Maintain the firm’s India website and support the development of the Africa blog.
• Keep up to date with current issues impacting the regions and identify opportunities to raise the firm’s profile.
• Support the organisation of the quarterly 'Africa in conversation' series, with a client or alumni contact for the internal Africa group.

• Manage the internal newsletter process from collection of content to writing and distribution for relevant jurisdictions.
• Participate in knowledge sharing initiatives within the BD team and across practice groups, using the firm’s designated tools.
• Along with other team members, keep the firm’s India intranet sharepoint sites up to date.
• Collaborate with BD colleagues and work together for collective success.

• Market research to support client targeting projects.
• Maintain opportunity pipeline documents and support partners/BD colleagues in driving forward these initiatives.
• Use the firm’s financial systems to support ad-hoc queries and requests to prepare monthly financial reports for the India practice.

Qualifications, skills and experience

• Degree educated or similar level.
• At least three years' marketing/business development experience.
• Experience or a demonstrated interest in international markets (in particular, Africa or India) markets and familiarity with the legal industry would be highly favoured.
• An international outlook and a desire to think outside the box while working with dedicated and enthusiastic partners.
• While this is not a pitch focused role, project management of some strategic pitches and procurement led tenders may be necessary.
• A background or experience of working in a partnership is strongly preferable.
• Proficient systems skills (experience in Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Outlook, InterAction an advantage).
• Ability to connect with BD team members around the network.
• An innovative mindset, curious about AI and emerging technologies.

Work based Competencies

• Experience of Role: Must be able to demonstrate success in a similar role. Candidate must demonstrate ability to deliver outstanding service in a high-pressure environment working in a medium to large organisation.
• Experience, working knowledge or interest in the relevant jurisdictions are strongly preferred.
• Industry knowledge: Experience of a law firm, or of working in a professional services environment (e.g. consulting or accounting) would be a distinct advantage, although not essential.

Team

Business Development

Working Pattern

Full time

Location

London

Contract type

Fixed Term Contract

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding.