Senior Business Development Manager - IP & Disputes (14 month FTC) in London

Senior Business Development Manager - IP & Disputes (14 month FTC) in London

London Temporary 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Winston Taylor

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead business development and marketing for a dynamic law firm, driving revenue and client relationships.
  • Company: Winston Taylor, a transatlantic law firm at the forefront of innovation.
  • Benefits: Real responsibility, career progression, and a collaborative environment.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work with senior stakeholders and develop a high-performing team.
  • Why this job: Join a fast-paced team and make a significant impact in IP and Disputes.
  • Qualifications: Proven BD experience, strong communication skills, and a proactive mindset.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

About Us

At Winston Taylor, we set the standard, together. Winston Taylor is a transatlantic law firm built for the businesses, people, and markets driving capital and innovation. Here, you’re in the room. In the action. Sleeves rolled up. You’ll work with leading clients. Disruptors. Fast‑growth companies. And help them to stay one step ahead of the moment and make critical decisions that shape their future. We’re present in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, combining the scale and speed that clients demand. You’ll be trusted with real responsibility from the outset and build experience through hands‑on work. We take your progression personally. We provide the platform. You shape the work around your goals and aspirations. Step into the moments that matter. Join Winston Taylor.

Position Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to take a lead role within the firm’s Intellectual Property, Regulatory and Disputes business group, at a pivotal moment as the firm transitions to Winston Taylor. If you thrive in fast‑moving, high‑profile environments and enjoy working closely with senior stakeholders, this role puts you right at the centre of the action. Offered as a maternity cover, this position is ideal for an experienced Manager or Senior Manager looking to deepen their impact across IP, Regulatory and Disputes. You’ll partner closely with senior lawyers to drive revenue, shape proactive business development and origination activity, and deliver meaningful client development with structure, pace and purpose.

Position Responsibilities

  • Lead business development and marketing activity for the Business Group, driving origination, revenue growth and client retention.
  • Partner with senior leaders to shape group strategy, priorities and business plans, translating them into clear BD and client actions.
  • Drive client targeting, pursuit and relationship development, using market insight and analysis to identify new opportunities.
  • Oversee major bids, proposals and pricing strategy, shaping compelling narratives and improving commercial outcomes.
  • Lead thought leadership, profile‑raising and marketing activity in collaboration with Marketing and Communications.
  • Support international strategy, enabling cross‑border collaboration and client initiatives.
  • Coach and develop partners, senior lawyers and BD professionals to strengthen commercial capability and BD effectiveness.
  • Lead and manage a high‑performing BD team of four, working closely with colleagues across the wider firm.
  • Monitor performance and impact, providing clear reporting and insight to group and practice leadership teams.

Experience, Skills, and Qualifications

This role is a busy and demanding position, but it is also hugely satisfying and rewarding to work as part of a dynamic and ambitious team. You should be able to demonstrate:

  • A high level of personal credibility, impact and influence with proven ability to work effectively and persuasively at all levels of the business.
  • An ability to provide commercial and proactive advice on business development, marketing and communications issues – based on knowledge of legal services in the Intellectual Property and/or Regulatory space.
  • Previous BD experience at manager or senior manager level with practical experience of a variety of BD roles including pitches, account management, thought leadership and team management.
  • A can‑do attitude with a bias for action. The ability to take the initiative and ownership for projects, and the drive to get things done.
  • Excellent team management and communication skills. Able to display empathy and emotional intelligence.
  • A proactive, tenacious and creative approach and an ability to make tough decisions and follow through with them.
  • A flexible mindset and an ability to work to deadlines, juggle multiple projects, work with ambiguity, and deliver under pressure.
  • Strong organisational skills and an excellent attention to detail.
  • Knowledge of CRM systems and a familiarity with generating meaningful data and reporting for business intelligence and targeting purposes.
  • Ambition, drive, likeability and a strong work ethic.

Senior Business Development Manager - IP & Disputes (14 month FTC) in London employer: Winston Taylor

Winston Taylor is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and ambitious work culture, where you are empowered to take on real responsibilities from day one. With a strong focus on personal progression, the firm offers tailored growth opportunities and encourages collaboration across its international offices, making it an ideal environment for professionals looking to make a significant impact in the fast-paced world of Intellectual Property and Disputes. Join us to be part of a team that values innovation, creativity, and meaningful client relationships.

Winston Taylor

Contact Details:

Winston Taylor Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Business Development Manager - IP & Disputes (14 month FTC) in London

Get Involved in Legal Networking Events

Jump into local or virtual legal networking events to meet industry pros and get your foot in the door! Use platforms like Eventbrite or Meetup to find gatherings, as these are great for making connections and hearing about temporary roles at firms like Winston Taylor.

Showcase Your Skills Online

Create a simple online portfolio to showcase your legal work, whether that's case briefs, research papers, or even blog posts on legal topics. This public display can really set you apart when looking for temp roles in law, especially if you can make it relevant to the work that Winston Taylor does!

Tap into Law School Resources

If you're near a law school, hit up their career services. They often have leads on temporary positions and can help connect you with alumni working at firms. Plus, they might host workshops or job fairs specific to the legal sector—great for scoring that temp position!

Stay Updated with Legal Job Boards

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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Business Development Manager - IP & Disputes (14 month FTC) in London

Business Development
Marketing Strategy
Client Relationship Management
Proposal Development
Team Management
Commercial Awareness
Analytical Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Legal Know-How:In the legal services world, it's all about demonstrating your understanding of relevant laws and regulations. Make sure your CV highlights your legal training, internships, or any relevant projects you've worked on. If you've done any mooting or legal research, include those too - they can really set you apart!

Tailor Your Application for the Temp Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should stress your adaptability and readiness to jump in right away. Highlight any previous temp roles where you quickly got up to speed, or any diverse experiences that show you can handle a variety of cases or tasks with ease.

Keep it Specific with Your Documents:Make sure your application includes essential legal documents, such as any relevant certifications or memberships in legal bodies. These can add credibility to your CV and show that you're serious about the profession – especially useful in a competitive field like law!

Express Your Enthusiasm in the Cover Letter:Your cover letter is a golden opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Let them know why you’re excited about this temporary position with Winston Taylor and how you're motivated to contribute to their success during your limited time with them!

How to prepare for a job interview at Winston Taylor

Show Off Your Legal Know-How

Prepare to discuss your understanding of legal terminology and concepts that might come up during the interview for the Senior Business Development Manager - IP & Disputes (14 month FTC) role at Winston Taylor. Brush up on relevant laws or recent cases that could be pertinent to the temporary position, as they'll likely appreciate candidates who can think on their feet and adapt to the fast-paced legal environment.

Talk About Your Flexibility

Since this is a temporary role, employers want to know you can hit the ground running. Be ready to highlight past experiences where you've had to quickly adapt to new tasks or work cultures. Flexibility is key in a short-term position like this, so share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage changing priorities efficiently.

Prepare for the Casework Challenge

You might face hypothetical scenarios where you'd have to advise on a legal issue or case. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as interviewers in the legal sector often expect candidates to walk them through their reasoning step-by-step. This will not only showcase your legal acumen but also demonstrate your communication skills, which are crucial in law.

Pitch Your Legal Portfolio

If you have any relevant work samples, such as briefs, contracts, or legal research, this is your chance to shine! Be ready to discuss what you did, what challenges you faced, and the outcomes. This speaks volumes more than just listing your skills; it shows you're proactive and results-oriented, which is essential for a temporary role at Winston Taylor.