Client Development Manager in Leeds

Client Development Manager in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Shoosmiths LLP

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support client relationships and drive development initiatives across the firm.
  • Company: Join a leading legal firm known for exceptional service and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Dynamic team culture focused on diversity, inclusion, and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by nurturing client relationships and driving strategic growth.
  • Qualifications: Experience in client relationship management and strong communication skills required.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

This is an integral role within the client relationship team, which provides strategic and tactical direction around how we look after our clients across our firm. Working in close collaboration with the Head of Client Relationships, Senior Client Listening Manager and Senior Client Relationship Exec, you will support the management and continued development of the firm's Priority Clients. You will be responsible for onboarding, embedding and growing the firm’s client relationships and accounts, as well as maintaining and delivering client development best practices to be leveraged throughout our firm.

The Client Relationship Manager will provide support, ownership and deliver the team's objectives to manage client relationships and provide insight. Reporting to key stakeholders across the firm to maximise opportunities. You will also work closely across the Client Listening programme and Client Excellence Agenda to collate and share client feedback and support initiatives to improve and diversify relationships. You will also collaborate with Business Development and New Business teams in the firm to ensure that business development activities and growth priorities are supported by our client strategies and business plans and client plans are aligned.

You will also be involved in client-led initiatives, such as the IHL Alumni programme and inputting ideas for client-led internal communications, such as Showcase.

The Client Relationship Team is at the forefront of our firm's success, in embedding and growing client relationships that align with our dynamic strategy. The team drives client innovation, develops, fosters and embeds strong client relationships and creates a circle of feedback and listening to enable us to cross-sell, learn and grow. Building and developing strong client relationships is at the core of our clients & markets strategy. We take a proactive approach to understand our clients' goals and challenges. Our approach to client development seeks to offer support, insights and technology solutions that ensure our clients feel valued and supported throughout their journey with us.

Our team manages client listening initiatives, and we emphasise the importance of actively listening to our clients' feedback and insights. Their invaluable feedback ensures our clients influence our decision-making and development. Our team plays a crucial role in understanding the client, identifying opportunities, mitigating risk and crafting impactful ideas and initiatives to develop the work we do with the client across the firm. In summary, the Client Relationship Team is dedicated to driving innovation, nurturing client relationships, implementing tailored programs, listening to client feedback, and securing new business opportunities. Together, we aim to strengthen our market position and deliver exceptional value to our clients.

Main responsibilities:

  • Work with Client Partners and client teams to proactively support on client development opportunities. This will include scheduling client development calls and strategy meetings to review the account plans, take note of agreed actions and ensuring these are recorded on the client page.
  • Produce, maintain and drive key relationship development tools including the account plan, quarterly relationship statement, team sheets, team relationship maps, welcome packs, management information reports and client pages.
  • Work with the Senior Client Listening Manager to report on client listening and feedback activities for the key clients. Ensure these are fed into the account plans.
  • Run independent client listening and build direct relationships with key clients in conjunction with the Client Partner.
  • Proactively track client and industry news and trends. Commission client, competitor, and market research to support client plans.
  • Be intellectually curious about our clients, the firm and the markets in which it operates, continually keeping up to date with developments and know how to keep our service offering front of mind for our clients.
  • Develop a deep understanding of our clients, to spot opportunities for revenue generation and look at the best channels to take that forward.
  • Prepare secondment guidance for any Legal Advisors going onto secondment and assist with secondee briefings and debriefs, ensuring they provide regular feedback to strengthen Shoosmiths position.
  • Support client teams on client development projects such as events and panel days, providing advice and insight where needed.
  • Provide training to internal stakeholders on the client relationship tools and relationship management best practice.
  • Support internal communication of client relationship activities and key client announcements.
  • Promote best practice, The Guide, The Client Excellence Agenda, client awareness and advocate client centred behaviours.
  • Work with the wider Client Relationship team to share relevant SATOY touchpoint and cross selling suggestions with the Partnership, Legal Directors and Associates.

Skills and qualifications:

  • Previous client relationship management experience gained in a professional services environment. An understanding of the legal sector is advantageous.
  • Experience of carrying out client and market research reviewing/managing client plans.
  • Able to work using own initiative with close attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.
  • A strong communicator with exceptional writing skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, able to confidently liaise at all levels and build collaborative working relationships.
  • Solutions orientated with a passion for delivering excellent client service. Good commercial acumen.
  • Good working knowledge of MS Office and CRM systems (InterAction would be an advantage).

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.

Client Development Manager in Leeds employer: Shoosmiths LLP

Shoosmiths is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and well-being, offering a dynamic work culture across its offices in Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and London. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the firm provides a comprehensive benefits package alongside opportunities for professional development, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to meaningful client relationships and innovative solutions.

Shoosmiths LLP

Contact Details:

Shoosmiths LLP Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Client Development Manager in Leeds

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its clients. Understand their values and how they approach client relationships. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in contributing to their success.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the role of Client Development Manager. Highlight your ability to build strong client relationships and your understanding of client needs – this is key to standing out.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and are keen to be part of our client-focused culture.

We think you need these skills to ace Client Development Manager in Leeds

Client Relationship Management
Stakeholder Management
Market Research
Client Development
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Client Development Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in client relationship management and how it aligns with our firm's values and goals.

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong writing skills are key for this position, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Use a professional yet approachable tone that reflects our commitment to excellent client service.

Demonstrate Your Understanding of Clients:We want to see that you’re not just familiar with client development but also genuinely interested in understanding client needs. Share examples of how you've successfully built and maintained client relationships in the past.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Shoosmiths LLP

Know Your Clients

Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the firm's key clients and their industries. Familiarise yourself with recent news, trends, and challenges they face. This will not only show your intellectual curiosity but also demonstrate your commitment to client development.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Client Development Manager, strong communication is key. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders in the past. Bring examples of how you’ve built collaborative relationships and managed client expectations, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.

Highlight Your Strategic Thinking

Be ready to talk about your experience in developing and executing client strategies. Share specific instances where your strategic insights led to successful outcomes. This will illustrate your ability to align client strategies with business goals, which is crucial for the role.

Prepare Questions About Client Listening

Since the role involves client listening initiatives, come prepared with thoughtful questions about how the firm gathers and utilises client feedback. This shows that you value client insights and are eager to contribute to enhancing client relationships.