Business Development Manager

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) is a sector-focused international law firm with extensive expertise and industry insight across its core sectors of energy, infrastructure and transport. Through its network of 19 offices, the firm advises clients on complex, high-value transactions and disputes – matters requiring precise legal execution and a nuanced understanding of global market dynamics.

The firm’s success is driven by its people. It fosters a collaborative, inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can grow, share ideas and make an impact. Guided by its values –We are experts, We are united and We care – the firm delivers exceptional service through strong relationships and teamwork. The firm is committed to clear career paths, championing diversity and investing in its people so they can thrive.

Partnering with our Maritime Sector Head for Europe and the US, this role combines leadership of business development activities for the London Maritime group with responsibility for supporting the delivery of the wider sector strategy across Europe and the US.

Acting as a business partner to sector leadership, you will help drive business development, client development and marketing initiatives across these markets working closely with business development colleagues across our offices to ensure a consistent and focussed approach to sector priorities and growth objectives.

• Implementing and delivering the London Maritime sector business development and marketing strategy plan, providing strategic advice to ensure the effective implementation of key initiatives and alignment with the sector strategy.
• Managing the London Maritime business development budget, ensuring investment is aligned to strategic priorities and delivers measurable return on investment.
• Supporting the Maritime Sector's key account management programme, working closely with relationship partners to strengthen strategic client relationships, identify cross-selling opportunities and increase client growth across practices and regions.
• Coaching partners and senior lawyers ahead of client and prospect meetings, helping them evaluate opportunities and maximise relationship-building opportunities.
• Working alongside partners and the Pitches & Proposals team on strategic opportunities within the maritime sector, including opportunity assessment, bid strategy, preparation of compelling pitch materials, coaching teams ahead of presentations and securing client feedback to drive continuous improvement.
• Proactively leading and implementing sector-led campaigns to generate new business and grow existing client relationships.
• Developing and executing profile-raising initiatives to strengthen the firm's reputation in the maritime sector, including digital campaigns, thought leadership, expert commentary, events, conferences, directories and awards submissions.
• Staying well informed on maritime industry developments, market trends, client priorities and competitor activity, translating intelligence into practical business development opportunities and strategic recommendations.
• Collaborating closely with the global Business Development and Communications teams, as well as Finance, Innovation, Knowledge and other business functions, to ensure coordinated delivery of sector and client initiatives across the firm.
• Championing the effective use of CRM, client intelligence and business development systems to support data-driven decision-making and relationship management.
• Leading, developing and implementing firmwide and sector-specific projects, initiatives and systems as appropriate.
• Managing and developing the Transport Senior Business Development Executives, providing coaching, support and performance management

• Extensive business development experience within professional services or relevant industry experience.
• Proven experience of developing and delivering strategic business development and client development initiatives.
• Demonstrable ability to build credibility and influence partners and key stakeholders.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify market opportunities, client needs and growth areas.
• Excellent written communication and editing skills, with the ability to produce accurate, concise and persuasive content.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret client, market and financial data to support strategic decision-making.
• Proven ability to lead projects, manage competing priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• An active awareness of, or interest to increase their understanding of, the maritime sector.
• Experience managing, mentoring or developing junior team members.
• A positive role model who meets new challenges with a constructive and open mind and shows enthusiasm for new opportunities and ideas.
• Regarded as a collaborative team player who is confident sharing information and best practice across a wider international team.
• Plays a full part in making WFW a firm they would recommend to others to work in, respects diversity and acts fairly and inclusively.

We offer a competitive benefits and wellbeing package for all employees.

The Firm promotes a culture of agility and flexibility and is fully supportive of flexible working arrangements where these can be accommodated.

Diversity and inclusion are integral to the firm’s strategy and underpin its efforts to attract and retain top talent. All employment decisions are made objectively, based on merit and ability and the firm is committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment. As a Disability Confident employer, WFW welcomes adjustments for candidates with disabilities or long-term health conditions and participates in the Disability Confident interview scheme. If you would like to apply through this scheme or require adjustments during any stage of the process, please contact London_Recruitment@wfw.com.