Business Development Executive - Technology, Digital, Data and IP (12-month FTC) in Wakefield

We are recruiting for a Business Development Executive to join our Global Client Development (GCD) team on a 12-month fixed term contract. The GCD team is part of the BD team, which sits within the wider Commercial team. The GCD team works with partners, consultants and knowledge lawyers to win new work and deliver campaigns and initiatives that support the objectives of the firm and its practices. GCD takes an integrated, global approach to client development, bringing together practice and sector expertise to maintain and grow client relationships. This role sits within our Technology, Digital, Data and IP (TDDI) Group, and will give the role holder the opportunity to work on a range of strategic BD planning, key initiatives and campaigns that support the objectives of this practice.

The Business Development Executive will work closely with other members of the GCD team and with knowledge lawyers and partners to grow the practice and raise its profile. This role presents an opportunity to work across a broad range of projects and will require versatility and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and relationships. Our TDDI team supports international clients on a wide range of high-profile tech, IP and data issues, ranging from advice on the procurement and deployment of AI, quantum and other emerging technologies to exploitation and enforcement of IP rights and data privacy risks and mitigation strategies. The team works both on a stand-alone basis and in close cooperation with our corporate, competition, disputes, regulatory and other practice teams, advising on matters such as the adoption of disruptive business models and wider digital transformation programmes, technology acquisitions and collaborations, development and licensing of IP rights and broader IP strategies, and the tech and data aspects of cyber preparedness and incident response.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work closely with GCD colleagues and the practice to support, design and implement various BD initiatives.
• Work with BD and practice stakeholders on the project management and drafting of client proposals, and the provision of pitch support from initial discussion through to submission.
• Support directory and awards submissions in the TDDI team, including drafting sections and collating input from a range of contributors.
• Develop and maintain credentials and other client-facing materials for pitch use.
• Assist with organising key flagship initiatives such as targeted events, roundtables, webinars etc.
• Maintain and update a number of the department’s key BD and marketing documents.
• Assist with the firm’s Client Relationship Management (CRM) Programme and client targeting initiatives to identify opportunities for the firm from a TDDI perspective.
• Manage the department’s CRM lists using Microsoft Dynamics.
• Maintain and update the department’s website pages with our Digital team.
• Monitor market, industry and competitor information and feed through to key stakeholders as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the wider BD department, such as Pitch, BD Insight, Communications and Marketing to ensure knowledge-sharing and best practice.
• Prepare briefing packs and drafting notes on hot topics to support ad hoc client and other meetings.
• Support the shaping of business plans, ensuring that these are focused and considered.
• Ensure BD initiatives and campaigns have a multi-practice and global approach (where applicable) and spot cross-sell opportunities.
• Support the firm’s content strategy by providing assistance to the content creation and distribution processes.
• Work with the team to manage the client and target research process to ensure clear objectives are in place for each piece of research.
• Assist partners and BD members to ensure that seminars and client events are relevant and targeted appropriately.
• Ensure that matter and contact information is kept up to date and that the relevant information is added to the data systems.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Degree-educated or equivalent industry experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.
• Able to demonstrate sound judgement in respect of managing information and understanding the commercially sensitive nature of our work in this area.
• Proven ability to manage multiple deliverables within a tight timeframe and deliver high quality work.
• Previous BD and Marketing experience, most recently at an assistant or executive level, ideally in a law firm environment.
• Demonstrable confidence to develop strong working relationships with the partners, associates, PSLs and all members of the BD team.
• Ability to manage and analyse large amounts of data and identify BD opportunities within it.
• Ability to be proactive, entrepreneurial and self-motivated.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written, spoken and presentational).
• Excellent attention to detail and good use of grammar.
• Proactive approach to defining needs and delivering solutions.
• Ability to build strong business relationships with internal and external clients and the resilience to deal with demanding individuals.
• Willingness to foster an inclusive team culture.
• High level of professionalism and integrity; displays the highest standard of professional ethics.

We welcome applications irrespective of race, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, belief or marital status.