At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth and develop client relationships in the legal sector.
- Company: Join a top 100 UK law firm with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and health benefits.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant social calendar and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in business development and strong networking skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in 8 days at 23:59 BST.
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.
About us
We’re proud to be an independent, full‑service law firm providing exceptional legal expertise to businesses, the built environment, healthcare, the public and third sectors, and private individuals. With several office locations around the UK we’re one of the UK's Top 100 law firms. When you join us you’ll be part of a team of over 500 passionate and talented individuals who take pride in offering an exciting and supportive environment allowing you to thrive. We’re passionate about promoting wellbeing and equality, diversity and inclusion, with dedicated committees to support ongoing efforts. We recognise that a healthy and thriving Firm filled with individuality and differences strengthen our teams, our clients and our communities.
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.
If you would like to request further information or to discuss the role, please contact people@wardhadaway.com quoting vacancy reference NTX1205161. If you require any adjustments to be made to our recruitment process, please request a call back via the above email address. Agencies – please note that we are not currently instructing agents to support with this role. Please do not send speculative CVs.
The Company
Ward Hadaway is a full‑service, UK Top 100 law firm providing exceptional legal expertise to businesses, public and third sectors, and individuals. From our offices in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Teesside, we combine regional strength with national influence to deliver high‑quality, tailored solutions that drive success for our clients. We remove ambiguity and provide a clear direction and certainty. We build trust with each other and our clients through honest, transparent interactions.
Respectful
We succeed together. We build and maintain an inclusive firm in which difference is recognised, valued and harnessed.
Ambitious
We constantly strive and innovate to be the best we can be for ourselves, our teams and the firm.
The Benefits
The important bits We offer a competitive salary, discretionary bonuses, and a range of benefits to suit your lifestyle. With flexibility and work‑life balance in mind, we offer flexible working options where roles allow such as hybrid working, part‑time working and job‑sharing. We want you to feel your best every day and, as well as providing a supportive and inclusive environment, we provide a range of health and wellbeing benefits to help you achieve this.
The fun stuff We have an active social calendar with plenty of opportunities to get together with your team, wider departments, and cross‑office.
Regional BD Leader – Legal Services employer: Ward Hadaway
Ward Hadaway is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With a commitment to diversity and a range of flexible benefits, including enhanced pension schemes and generous annual leave, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles. The firm’s recognition as a Gold Investors in People award holder reflects its dedication to fostering growth opportunities and a collaborative environment, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the legal sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional BD Leader – Legal Services
✨Tip Number 1
Get networking! 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 your strategic side! When you’re chatting with stakeholders, highlight your ability to identify market trends and how you can position the firm as a leading legal provider. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up! After meeting someone, drop them a quick email or connect on LinkedIn. Keeping the conversation going shows your commitment and helps solidify those connections.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive team that values growth and development.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional BD Leader – Legal Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Regional BD Leader. Highlight your experience in business development, especially within professional services or the legal sector. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive growth.
Showcase Your Networking Skills:Since networking is key in this role, share examples of how you've built and maintained relationships in your previous positions. We love to see candidates who can connect with clients and stakeholders effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! 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 Ward Hadaway!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ward Hadaway
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into the legal services market. Understand current trends, key players, and potential growth areas. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their business development goals.
✨Showcase Your Networking Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built and maintained relationships in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific networking events you've attended and how those connections led to tangible results. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a role that heavily relies on relationship-building.
✨Tailor Your Approach
Research Ward Hadaway’s unique position in the legal sector and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Prepare tailored suggestions for potential service offerings or strategies that could benefit their clients, showcasing your strategic mindset and understanding of their business.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or using video tools to refine your delivery. This will help you feel more at ease during the actual interview and ensure you convey your ideas effectively.
