Business Development Manager

Business Development Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Ward Hadaway

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive growth by identifying new business opportunities and strengthening client relationships.
  • Company: Join a supportive firm recognised for its commitment to development and inclusion.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, enhanced pension, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a focus on employee wellbeing.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while developing your professional skills.
  • Qualifications: Proven business development experience and strong networking skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

A newly created opportunity has arisen for an experienced Business Development Manager to join our growing Business Development team. This role can be based from either our Leeds or Manchester office. Working closely with our Business Development Director, you'll have the opportunity to grow and develop your geographical region. You'll focus on identifying and developing new business opportunities, strengthening client relationships, networking, and driving growth within your region. You'll provide structured support to our Partners and fee earners that do not currently have access to a dedicated Business Development Manager, working on a project basis to deliver targeted activity where it will have the greatest commercial impact. It would be great if you have some previous experience within the Legal sector, however we'd be equally keen to hear from candidates with experience of selling within professional services who have an interest in working within a new domain.

What will I be doing

  • Developing and implementing growth plans for your region.
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including our Partners and fee earners, existing and prospective clients, intermediaries, and suppliers.
  • Identifying market trends and opportunities to position Ward Hadaway as a leading legal provider within the sector.
  • Collaborating with legal teams to develop tailored service offerings and proposals.
  • Representing the firm at industry conferences, networking events, and sector‑specific forums.
  • Driving lead generation and managing the business development pipeline effectively.

You’ll have

  • A proven track record within business development.
  • Experience working within a professional services environment.
  • Great networking skills with demonstrable experience in growing and nurturing your network.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship‑building skills.
  • A strategic mindset with the ability to identify and capitalise on growth opportunities.
  • The ability to travel nationally and to other Ward Hadaway office locations when needed for client meetings, industry events, and collaborative activities.

What we can offer you

We’re committed to being a firm focused on support, development, wellbeing and inclusion and we’re always striving to improve. Our commitment to this has been recognised by our achievement of our Gold Investors in People award and by our Hive HR Employee Voice certification. We reward our people with a whole range of benefits, some core and some flexible, designed to shape a reward package that’s right for you – now and in the future. Our core benefits include:

  • An enhanced pension scheme with employer matched contributions of up to 6%.
  • 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (increasing to 28 days with length of service). There is also the option to purchase up to 5 additional days.
  • Life assurance cover of 4 times basic salary, with the option to purchase additional cover.
  • A range of health and wellbeing benefits.
  • Hybrid working with a minimum requirement of 2 days per week working from one of our office locations.
  • We also have a flexible benefits programme where you can purchase a wide range of additional benefits.

Business Development Manager employer: Ward Hadaway

At Ward Hadaway, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With our Gold Investors in People award and flexible benefits programme, we empower our Business Development Managers to thrive in their roles while enjoying a healthy work-life balance through hybrid working options. Join us in Leeds or Manchester, where you'll have the opportunity to drive growth and make a meaningful impact within a dynamic team dedicated to excellence in the legal sector.

Ward Hadaway

Contact Details:

Ward Hadaway Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Business Development Manager

Tip Number 1

Get your networking game on! Attend industry events and conferences where you can meet potential clients and partners. Remember, it's all about building those relationships that can lead to new business opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Show off your strategic mindset! When you're chatting with stakeholders, highlight how you can identify market trends and position the firm as a leading provider. This will demonstrate your value and understanding of the business landscape.

Tip Number 3

Don’t shy away from showcasing your previous successes in business development. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth in your past roles. This will help you stand out and prove you’re the right fit for the team.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our growth.

We think you need these skills to ace Business Development Manager

Business Development
Client Relationship Management
Networking Skills
Market Analysis
Strategic Planning
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Business Development Manager role. Highlight your experience in business development and any relevant achievements, especially in professional services or the legal sector. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with what we're looking for. Be sure to mention any specific experiences that demonstrate your networking and relationship-building abilities.

Showcase Your Strategic Mindset:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your strategic mindset. Share examples of how you've identified growth opportunities in the past and how you’ve successfully implemented plans to capitalise on them. We love seeing candidates who think ahead!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ward Hadaway

Know Your Market

Before the interview, do your homework on the legal sector and the specific market trends relevant to the company. Understanding their position and how you can contribute to their growth will show that you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.

Showcase Your Networking Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained relationships in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific instances where your networking led to new business opportunities or strengthened client relationships.

Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Think about how you would develop and implement growth plans for the region. Be prepared to share your ideas during the interview, showcasing your strategic mindset and ability to identify and capitalise on growth opportunities.

Engage with the Interviewers

Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's goals, culture, and expectations for the Business Development Manager role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.