Senior Client Development and Engagement Manager

The firm Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the world’s leading international law firms. The Firm was established in 1884 and has more than 2,000 lawyers. Headquartered in New York with offices in Beijing, Boston, Brussels, Hong Kong, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Luxembourg, Palo Alto, San Francisco, São Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo and Washington, D.C., the Firm provides coordinated legal advice and transactional capability to clients around the globe.

Description / Job Summary

The Senior Client Development and Engagement Manager (“Senior CDE Manager”) works closely with the Director of Business Development, other Client Development and Engagement Managers, and Partners to support strategic BD plans and initiatives for selected practice groups across Banking & Credit, Corporate M&A/Private Equity and Funds. The Senior CDE Manager is responsible for managing relationships and serves as a key day‑to‑day resource for pitches, research and reporting, client targeting, marketing communications, event coordination and administrative support. The Senior CDE Manager coordinates projects and leads the implementation of BD plans, ensuring alignment with the Firm’s key business initiatives in driving successful growth and consistency.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Collaborate with the Client Development and Engagement team and select practice and industry groups to develop and implement strategic business development plans.
• Support Partners in creating best‑in‑class pitches and responses to RFPs to secure new business opportunities.
• Work with the research team to provide competitive intelligence reports and analysis on clients, potential clients, markets, and industry trends.
• Coordinate the creation, maintenance and distribution of practice descriptions, marketing brochures, experience lists, and other promotional materials for the Firm’s practices and Partners both in print and online.
• Plan and manage practice client events, either independently or in collaboration with others, including developing agendas and panels with Partners, coordinating with speakers, and overseeing logistics alongside the events team.
• Prepare and manage directory submissions and survey responses for various legal and business directories and publications.
• Support the practice in nurturing priority client relationships; plan and facilitate the execution of BD initiatives related to client targets.
• Collaborate with the PR team to support PR initiatives, including key corporate events, such as speaking engagements, business association networking, and media opportunities.
• Promote the effective use of BD technology and data to drive growth and informed decision‑making.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across BD activities.
• Oversee the onboarding and training of junior CDE team members in London; mentor junior team members across CDE projects, review work products, and assist in setting performance goals.
• Support other projects and initiatives as assigned by the Business Development Director.

Required Skills

• Educated to degree level.
• Minimum 2 to 4 years of relevant experience in a similar role within a law firm or professional services environment, particularly supporting transactional practices.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and persuasively both verbally and in writing.
• Proficiency in CRM systems for effective key client management.
• Proven ability to cultivate and manage client relationships.
• Strong initiative and independent judgment in decision‑making.
• Team‑oriented mindset, with capability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, maintaining professionalism, diplomacy and discretion in all interactions.
• Confidence and credibility to advise at Partner level, ensuring strategic alignment and securing project buy‑in.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to proactively identify challenges, develop solutions, and drive results.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Strong project management and organisational abilities, with proven capacity to prioritise, balance competing demands, and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in work.
• Adaptability and flexibility, including willingness to work varied hours as needed.
• Composure under pressure, with sound decision‑making capabilities.
• Proactive approach to responsibilities, including a willingness to take on additional tasks as required.

Details

Salary and Benefits: Competitive Hybrid: Monday-Thursday in office, ability to WFH on Fridays.

Equal Opportunities

Simpson Thacher is committed to ensuring that everyone can reach their full potential, irrespective of background, identity, or circumstance. We know that we are at our best when we bring together diverse experiences and perspectives. This is why we are focused on fostering a collegial environment which maximises collaboration, empowering every individual to thrive and succeed.