Business Development Manager (Corporate) in City of Westminster

As a Business Development Manager at Mishcon de Reya, you will be part of a team providing support to our Corporate Department. Reporting to the Lead Head of Business Development and supported by a Business Development Executive, this role will work as part of a collaborative and high performing team to deliver on a range of BD activities and projects, whilst contributing to the Firm's overall business development strategy. Flexibility and teamwork are a must, as we strive to maintain and build our culture of "one team".

We are looking for individuals who are able to act as a true partner to our business. Candidates must be able to demonstrate:

• Improve the marketing capability of the Practice's lawyers and raise their awareness of the role that the business development team can play.
• Attend fee earner practice meetings and develop/progress divisional business plans.
• Further develop the department's and the Firm's profile through PR, editorial, thought leadership market research, select conferences, newsletters, and seminars.
• Develop high quality pitch documents, credential documents, and marketing materials working with members of the department and wider Business Development team.
• Understand the Business Development budget for the Corporate Department, monitoring the budget, approving BD activity according to budget allocation, and delivering plans within budget and to agreed timings.
• Guide and support the Practice Groups in the preparation of directory submissions.
• Lead on the coordination and delivery of events.
• Work with sectors within the Corporate Department to develop their activities in the market.
• Understand cross-departmental referrals and work across our golden triangle locations, as well as understanding the broader MDR Group and locations.
• Create marketing collateral that furthers the Firm's reputation (including, but not limited to, PowerPoint presentations, brochures, client briefings and other client communications).
• Identify which are the most appropriate clients and intermediaries for growth (current and past clients as well as future targets) and develop plans accordingly.
• Conducting analysis: collect and analyze data on a range of strategic and operational questions and translate actionable insight and strategic recommendations.
• Conducting research: stay on top of industry trends, market dynamics and the Group's competitive landscape, providing proactive updates and analysis to the Group's leadership and identifying opportunities and threats for the Group's businesses.
• Identify and develop Practice specific products and services that can be used to position the Practices competitively.
• Work closely with the Knowledge Lawyers to ensure that all members of the department (and Business Development) are aware of key issues and trends in the law.
• Work with our Business Insights team to develop metrics that measure the effectiveness of all activities.
• Strengthen the culture of "one team".
• Be a mentor and coach to more junior members of the team.
• Maintain a positive approach appropriate to a senior team member.
• Contribute to the development of marketing and business development plans for cross-firm initiatives.
• Use effectively all communication channels for the department/Firm generally e.g. website, e-bulletins, media, sponsorship, conferences, and research and industry networks.

Qualifications

• Relevant Degree or equivalent experience is required.
• Experience as a Business Development Manager or equivalent role.
• Strategic and creative thinking, with strong commercial nous and a practical approach.
• Client development focus in previous roles as well as experience in pitch/proposal preparation and appropriate coaching to those delivering pitches.
• The ability to manage budgets and multiple projects simultaneously, with energy, enthusiasm, and drive.
• Confidence in negotiating with fee-earners on BD activity; identifying the right mix of activity to balance benefits of individual practices with the wider department and the firm overall.
• A team-orientated approach, with the ability to demonstrate through experience and from interview that they have a strong commercial and client-led approach to their work.
• A swift, analytical approach to problems.
• Excellent communication skills.
• The ability to build collaborative relationships across the firm.
• Highly organised and takes initiative.
• Proactivity, reliance, and a flexible and calm approach.

We strive to create a fully diverse and inclusive workplace where all our people are empowered to fulfil their potential. We are proud of our agile working culture and are always happy to talk flexible working.