Business Development Manager

Location: West End, London

Permanent, full-time

About the firm

My client is a global, independent advisory firm operating at the intersection of private equity, management teams and capital structures. Partner‑owned and highly collaborative, the firm supports senior leaders on equity incentive design in complex transactions, backed by a strong international client base and deep adviser relationships.

The opportunity

This is a senior, hands‑on Business Development Manager role, working closely with the CEO and Partners to drive growth across the firm’s chosen markets, sectors and geographies. Reporting directly to the CEO, the role combines strategic planning with practical delivery and plays a central part in embedding a firm‑wide business development culture. Working alongside the CRM and Operations teams, the successful candidate will shape and execute BD strategies that place clients at the centre of the business, strengthen the firm’s brand, and maximise revenue opportunities across both existing and new relationships.

Key responsibilities

• Work with the CEO to translate the firm’s strategic priorities into focused marketing and business development activity.
• Develop and lead business growth initiatives across the firm’s regional and sector‑based BD plans.
• Foster collaboration and cross‑selling between regions and sectors through effective use of client, market and pipeline data.
• Partner with regional and sector leaders to build and maintain clear pipelines of new business opportunities, supported by targeted marketing strategies.
• Support Partners and Directors in developing relationships and generating revenue across the firm’s existing and new client base.
• Build relationships with existing clients, understanding their needs and aligning the firm’s capabilities accordingly.
• Support delivery of the firm’s client programme, including retention activity, priority account management and leveraging introductions from existing relationships.
• Position and promote the firm’s services to clients, adviser networks and the private equity community, developing strategies to access new opportunities.
• Provide strategic and tactical input into pitches, presentations and proposals.
• Coordinate marketing and promotional materials across print and digital channels to support service lines.
• Identify and manage external networks and relationships, including professional organisations and industry forums.
• Lead the planning and delivery of business development events, conferences, sponsorships and speaking engagements.
• Champion the effective use of CRM systems and BD processes, ensuring data quality, compliance and visibility of activity across the firm.
• Monitor and report on the performance of BD plans, including conversion rates and market opportunities, sharing insight with Partners and the wider business.

Person specification

• Background in corporate finance or professional services, with at least 5 years BD experience.
• Proven experience managing senior stakeholder relationships and key accounts, with a hands‑on, delivery‑focused approach.
• Track record of implementing business development programmes within a professional services environment.
• Commercially astute, with a strong understanding of financial markets and a creative approach to growth.
• Collaborative and credible, with the ability to influence and build trust with Partners and senior colleagues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging senior audiences.
• Highly organised and analytical, with sound commercial judgement.
• Strong IT skills, particularly PowerPoint and Excel; confidence working with data and performance metrics.
• Strong academic background: a professional marketing qualification is advantageous.

Working pattern

This is a full‑time role based in the West End, with an expectation of being office‑based at least four days per week.

Rewards and benefits

My client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, aligned with the seniority and impact of the role.

Equal Opportunities

As a responsible business, it is important that we represent the diversity of our people, our clients and our communities. We believe that the firms that thrive are those with the most diverse team; that’s why we work so hard to source the best talent from the broadest pool possible. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to accommodate anyone who may have specific needs. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the selection process, please talk to a member of the recruitment team so that any required adjustments can be made in advance.