Business Development Manager- Real Estate in Birmingham

This is an exciting role within a re‑shaped and forward‑thinking business development and marketing operations team which provides integrated marketing, digital services, client relationship management and business development expertise to the Business. As Real Estate Business Development Manager, you will lead the Real Estate division BD function, working closely with the other members of the team to support and drive the growth, client acquisition, revenue generation and marketing initiatives for the Real Estate division.

You will contribute to the planning and delivery of innovative, incisive, and value‑added business development and marketing activities to ensure that the key objectives of the firm and the Real Estate business plans are achieved. You will collaborate closely with other division and sector business development teams, as well as the client relationship and new business teams to ensure opportunities to cross‑sell the business are maximised as well as contribute to firm‑wide campaigns and initiatives.

The team Shoosmiths' Business Development and Marketing Operations function is at the forefront of our strategic growth, driven by a commitment to dynamic, tech‑savvy, and operationally efficient practices. We understand that in today's rapidly evolving business landscape, adaptability is key. Our ambition for the team harnesses cutting‑edge technology and data‑driven insights to shape innovative marketing strategies, foster client relationships, and identify new opportunities that enable us to excel in our chosen markets.

With a relentless focus on operational efficiency, we want to streamline processes and maximise resources, ensuring that our efforts have a measurable impact on our lawyers, the market and our clients.

Division overview Our Real Estate group is one of the largest real‑estate teams in the UK, advising an impressive range of clients including commercial and residential developers, investors, major corporate occupiers and banks/funders. Offering exceptional market knowledge the team holds an outstanding reputation with clients and the market generally.

Main responsibilities:

• Work with the divisions and sectors leadership to identify growth opportunities across the Real Estate market and support strategic business planning projects aligned to those growth aspirations, providing sector and market research and information.
• Be intellectually curious about the sectors and the markets in which it operates, continually keeping up to date with developments and know how - spot and/or anticipate any possible commercial opportunities to drive forward and keep our service offering front of mind for our clients.
• Develop a deep understanding of the Real Estate division and wider firm clients, building relationships to spot opportunities for revenue generation and cross‑selling, identify gaps in the market and relevant ‘hot topics’ to champion specialist knowledge and the best channels to take that forward.
• Develop relationships with key referral networks and industry/sector bodies to identify new opportunities and partner on marketing activities.
• Work closely with the new business team to contribute to Real Estate specific bid responses and pursuits for current or new Real Estate opportunities and clients.
• Collaborate with the client relationship team to support specific client relationship activity, sharing objectives, knowledge and insight.
• Develop integrated marketing campaigns to raise the profile of our brand. This will include developing thought leadership and event coordination (with support from the events team where appropriate).
• Seek out opportunities for thought provoking seminars/round tables and attendance at, or sponsorship of, relevant industry‑related events to profile our Real Estate offering.
• Collaborate with the Market Insights team to develop client and competitor research projects.
• Work with the Directories Manager to support and advise on Real Estate directory and award submissions.
• Work with the PR and Communications team to share information and updates that can be developed into meaningful press releases and external communications, writing copy as needed.
• Share stories and updates internally to raise the profile of the sectors to foster opportunities for cross Market/division collaboration and projects.
• Mentor and coach junior members of the Business Development team.
• Provide BI & MI reporting for the Market/division to support quarterly and annual performance reviews.
• Contribute to Real Estate division ad‑hoc Business Development projects.

Skills and qualifications:

• Previous business development and marketing experience gained within a professional services or real‑estate environment.
• An understanding of either the legal sector or real‑estate sector is advantageous.
• Strong commercial thinking, able to translate emerging business issues and developments into opportunities for our firm.
• Excellent networking skills – connecting people within the firm and help build their networks and works collaboratively across the board.
• Exceptional influencing and persuasion skills.
• Experience of working proactively with a solutions driven, growth mindset and the ability to identify key priorities and manage multiple projects.
• Strong content writing skills and experience.
• Good analytical and communication skills with the ability to combine data and information to provide a high level of commercial insight.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and develop relationships.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.

The firm Shoosmiths stands as the go‑to legal partner for clients seeking exceptional service, sharp insights, and a relentless dedication to what truly matters. With offices across the UK and Brussels, we stand by the world's most dynamic and ambitious enterprises, clients who drive meaningful change. We seek to support our clients with the most market‑leading corporate, litigation and real‑estate matters. Our ethos empowers individuals to embrace their true selves, fostering collaborative teams who are dedicated to excellence and innovation.

Our values and culture pulse through every facet of our organisation. We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high‑quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well‑being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues. This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.