Business Development Manager (1 year fixed term contract)

**The role:**We are looking for a Business Development Manager to join our Marketing & Business Development department on a 1 year fixed term contract.This role represents an opportunity to be part of the Simmons & Simmons Financial Markets (FM) team. The practice is the biggest and continues to grow significantly.Working as a collaborative member of the FM M&BD team, the FM M&BD Manager works closely with fee earners across the transactional practice and with other members of the M&BD team to advise on and drive the execution of marketing and business development initiatives across the Financial Markets International Practice Groups (FM IPG).Operating as an integral part of M&BD, the successful candidate will have a strong voice in the future planning of the practice group. This role demands both strategic thinking and hands-on delivery – the ability to juggle both is key.This is the perfect opportunity for a skilled and experienced M&BD specialist who wants to be both immersed in the FM practice and active as a valued part of a strong and genuinely international firm. Only solutions-orientated team-players need apply.**The M&BD Team**Uniting the firm’s expertise to meet clients’ global needs…The Marketing and Business Development (M&BD) team at Simmons & Simmons is a diverse group of professionals, including value-adders, digital innovators, and relationship builders. We\’re seeking talented individuals with ambition and passion to join our high-performing team, known for its commitment to learning, growth, and excellence.Our team benefits from the expertise of seasoned professionals from leading firms and industries, under the leadership of Owen Williams, a non-lawyer who became a partner in 2022. We invest in our talent at all levels, offering extensive training programs like the \’Future Leaders\’ program to nurture the next generation of leaders.Our team is redefining the M&BD function by incorporating roles such as pricing and sales experts, horizon scanners, and specialists in Emerging Technology and ESG.Our innovative efforts, including the award-winning “supercharge” client program and Cross-Border Group teams, have significantly contributed to the firm\’s global collaboration and success in attracting top-tier clients.The Marcomms team plays a crucial role in enhancing the firm\’s reputation through impactful experiences and media coverage.We prioritize continuous improvement and operational excellence, adopting best practices to maintain our competitive edge and align with our vision of a Next Generation law firm.Our global M&BD team operates as \’One Team,\’ valuing contributions from members worldwide and fostering a culture of connection and fun. Joining us means making a definitive impact in a role that values and leverages your contributions.**What will you do:*** BD and marketing execution: deliver high-quality day to day tactical M&BD to FM transactional fee earners with support from the FM Senior BD Manager.* Lead the development of new product offerings, working with partners and M&BD to define the benefits of the new products and the most effective routes to market (i.e. via sector marketing campaigns and client development activities).* Oversee the ongoing activities of specific sub-practice groups, covering BD and marketing planning and the execution of specific initiatives.* Regularly interact with and provide support to international offices where the practice is particularly active.* Contribute to the BD practice planning and budgeting process, as required, and then work with the relevant fee earners and the FM Senior BD Manager Lead to implement the plan. Ensure correct budget sign-off procedures are followed for unplanned activities.* Profile raising, communications and CRM. Contribute to the formulation of the practice´s internal and external communications strategies (including digital) and then implement accordingly, ensuring best practice is observed.* Assist in strengthening the firm’s reputation across the FM practice group through the identification of speaking, advertising and media opportunities (in conjunction with the central Comms team), as well as overseeing the project management of directory and award submissions as necessary.* Work with the FM fee earners to develop the content of written communications including factsheets, webpages and intranet pages, including their production and maintenance ensuring best practice is observed.* Assist FM fee earners with practice specific tenders, proposals and pitches, including conducting a bid / no bid process, managing the logistics of the pitch process for any assigned pitches, gathering of relevant material and information and writing formal responses.* Client relationship management: potentially managing and developing a client programme client, helping the client team to be outward-facing and focused on revenue generation opportunities.* Encourage/educate key stakeholders to share best practice and support all FM client teams in developing client relationships.* Challenge: work with partners and other stakeholders to grow and extend their businesses.* Reporting: supporting the process of reporting centrally on local activity, key trends and opportunities.* Collaboration: contribute to the broader firm wide approach to client management by ensuring that client relationship management best practices and skills are widely adopted across the firm.**What we are looking for:*** Minimum of four years’ experience in a marketing / sales / business development role.* A strong understanding of the professional services market desired.* Well-developed understanding of marketing and business development strategy and implementation.* Strong project management skills.* Commercial acumen.* Has an ability to provide effective challenge to fee earners.* End to end management of the pitch process. Can accurately and efficiently identify contributory material for pitches. Can work with fee earners to articulate USPs.* Familiarity with CRM systems, document management systems, intranets, website etc.* Identifies opportunities to bring efficiency to the practice and firm.* Acts to maximise the profitability of the business.* Self-starter with attention to detail, can work with minimal supervision.* Highly consultative approach and is solution oriented.* Aims to exceed expectations of high quality service delivery in every task.* Organises self and activities effectively to meet work demands and achieve objectives.* Ability to interpret legalese and draft pitch documents (especially key sales messages / differentiators) in plain English is essential.* Ability to work with a range of personalities and cultural backgrounds and therefore strong interpersonal, inter-cultural and communications skills will be key.* Adapts to changing circumstances and re-prioritises if necessary.**Here at Simmons & Simmons:**Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone’s voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You’ll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible. **Some key information:*** We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.* Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).* We #J-18808-Ljbffr