Overview

The Business Development Manager will be a strategic leader responsible for driving firmwide growth initiatives, deepening client relationships, strengthening brand visibility, and enhancing market positioning. This role is central to the firm’s expansion and client service strategy, requiring a high-performing professional with deep industry experience and the ability to work collaboratively with senior stakeholders.

The ideal candidate must have a strong track record in leading business development functions in top-tier law firms and demonstrate extensive experience in strategy formulation, execution, and cross-functional leadership.

Key Experience Expectations (Must Have)

• Years of Experience: Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in Business Development, with at least:
  • 5 years in a law firm or legal services environment.
  • 2 years in a leadership role, overseeing a team or driving business development initiatives independently
• Relevant Sector Exposure: Proven track record in a senior Business Development capacity within top-tier law firms. Strong experience driving strategic BD engagements and firmwide initiatives.
• Leadership & Strategic Experience: Experience leading business development teams, with demonstrated ability to guide, coach, and performance-manage team members. Track record of initiating and executing firmwide business development strategies and cross-functional projects

Knowledge Requirements

The candidate must demonstrate expansive, hands-on expertise in the following areas:

• Business Development Strategy: Development and implementation of short- and long-term BD strategies. Market intelligence gathering and opportunity identification. Strategic client targeting and practice growth initiatives
• Branding & Market Visibility: Oversight of firm branding strategies across digital, print, and event platforms. Alignment of brand messaging with client value proposition and market expectations
• Legal Directories & Rankings: Coordinating submissions to Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, IFLR, and other rankings. Managing internal stakeholder inputs and ensuring strong directory performance through strategic positioning
• PR, Media Relations & Thought Leadership: Building media relationships and managing the firm’s presence in high-value publications. Developing and executing PR strategies, thought leadership campaigns, and client alerts. Content development in alignment with firm priorities and industry trends
• Client Development & Key Account Management: Supporting Partners in managing key client relationships. Developing client listening and feedback programs. Driving cross-selling and client retention strategies
• Pitching & Proposals: Leading firm responses to RFPs and customized client proposals. Creating high-quality pitch materials that reflect business and legal strategy
• Event Planning & Sponsorship: Overseeing firm events, webinars, sponsorships, and client engagements. Ensuring return on investment and alignment with business goals

Industry & Organizational Fit

• Industry Background: Mandatory experience in top-tier law firms or legal services consultancies. Experience from Big Four firms, multinational professional services firms, or commercial banks may be considered.
• Organizational Scale: Should have operated within firms with complex structures, global reach, or high-profile clientele
• Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior leadership, Partners, and external clients
• Global Business Exposure (Highly Preferred): Experience coordinating BD efforts across multiple jurisdictions and time zones. Understanding of global client service models and law firm operations.

Educational Qualifications & Certifications

• Minimum Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in law, Business, Marketing, Communications, or related fields
• Preferred Qualification: Master’s Degree (MBA, MSc Business Administration, LLM, etc.)
• Additional Certifications: Relevant professional certifications such as CIM, PMP, Digital Marketing, Marketing Communications, or Legal Marketing credentials (e.g., LMA, PM Forum) are an added advantage

Core Skills & Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen: Ability to align BD initiatives with firm strategy and client needs. Sound judgment in evaluating opportunities and client targets.
• Leadership & Influence: Strong capability to lead teams, mentor junior professionals, and drive change across departments. Ability to advise on market opportunities and relationship management
• Superior Communication Skills: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills for high-level documents, proposals, reports, and client communications
• Project Management: Proficient in managing multiple high-value initiatives under tight deadlines. Skilled in using project management and digital collaboration tools
• Confidentiality & Professional Integrity: Ability to handle sensitive client information and strategic documents discreetly
• Adaptability: Flexible and resilient in fast-paced, high-performance environments. Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset
• Tech Fluency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and BD/CRM tools (e.g., InterAction, Salesforce, HubSpot). Familiarity with legal tech platforms and digital marketing analytics tools.

Cultural Fit

The candidate must be a collaborative leader, committed to excellence, and aligned with the firm's values of professionalism, innovation, client service, and integrity. They must be able to navigate complex stakeholder dynamics and thrive in a diverse, high-performing, and relationship-driven environment.

Compensation Package

• Salary Range: The ideal candidate’s compensation package will reflect their extensive experience and the seniority of the role.
• Bonus Structure: The compensation package also includes an annual performance-based incentive bonus structur
• Benefits: The candidate will also be entitled to comprehensive benefits including, but not limited to:
  • Health Insurance: Full medical coverage (including dependents) provided.
  • Retirement Benefits: Contributions to a pension schem
  • Vacation Leave: 21 days of paid vacation annually.
  • Professional Development: Access to training programs and industry conferences to enhance professional growth and stay ahead in industry
  • 13th Month Salary: The candidate will be entitled to a 13th-month salary to further incentive commitment to the fir
  • Data Allowance: A monthly data allowance will be provided to ensure the candidate has the necessary resources to remain connected and manage tasks efficiently, especially when working outside of the office.
  • Transport Allowance: A monthly transport allowance will also be provided to support commuting expenses and ease the cost of daily transportation.