Senior Business Development Manager

Practice Group / Department:

Business Development - LondonJob Description

We're Norton Rose Fulbright - a global law firm with over 50 offices and 7,000 employees worldwide. We provide the world’s preeminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. At Norton Rose Fulbright, our strategy and our culture are closely entwined. We know that our expansion will mean little unless it is underpinned by truly global collaboration and we understand that pioneering work only takes place when our people have room to move and think beyond boundaries. As well as the relevant skills and experience, we're looking for people who are innovative, commercial and value the work that they do. 

The Senior Business Development Manager (SBDM) role is a permanent role within the Marketing & Business Development (MBD) function and the Europe, Middle East & Asia (EMEA) region at Norton Rose Fulbright.

The role reports to the Head of BD, UK and the regional lead partners of the Disputes and Antitrust & Competition practices. They will work in close cooperation with EMEA and global MBD teams and have the support of a London-based BD Executive and our expanding support team in Newcastle.

They will implement strategically aligned, client focused and value-added MBD initiatives for the Disputes and Antitrust & Competition teams. The role combines day-to-day support for London-based partners in these two practices and working with the wider partnership on EMEA-wide BD initiatives.

Key responsibilities:

• Planning and developing of business development activity and the targeting of marketing activity (all channels).
• Working with the leadership groups of each team to develop and implement annual business plans, budget proposals and campaign plans.
• Working closely with partners on proactive, structured client development including taking formal responsibility as the BD lead on client programme accounts.
• Acting as the subject matter expert and ambassador for these areas, including monitoring market developments and commercial opportunities.
• Establishing a close and effective relationship with the lawyers and partners.
• Producing bespoke bids, panel pitches and other client development presentations (formal and informal).
• Leading on profile raising initiatives, including events and partnerships with key external stakeholders such as industry bodies.
• Managing our branding and external positioning.
• Working closely with other MBD teams, for example, the client relationship team, strategic bids, events, design and digital, and the marketing services team in Newcastle.
• Managing relevant award and directory submissions.
• Acting as a key point of contact and ambassador with the wider business, MBD and other key stakeholders.
• Managing practice MBD budgets, including reporting of ROI.

Skills and Experience:

• Strong experience in marketing and business development, and of working in a partnership environment
• Adept in working with stakeholders at all levels of seniority in an international business
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including rigorous attention to detail and ability to adapt communication style as needed
• Confident, persuasive and assertive
• Highly organised with a professional, confident, collaborative and proactive approach to their role
• Strong time management and prioritisation skills
• Graduate calibre with demonstrable and/or professionally recognised marketing or communications qualification (such as CIM, etc.)
• Excellent project management skills - this candidate must be able to demonstrate experience of managing multiple projects and transforming a commercial issue into a business development opportunity
• Leadership ability - this candidate must be able to build a strong reputation within the business and deliver excellent service
• Experience of managing and developing junior MBD colleagues
• Demonstrable experience in managing and writing bids (formal and informal)
• A continuous improvement approach
• Understands the need and has the ability to manage expectations

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

To attract the best people, we strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work, have a sense of belonging, and realize their full career potential. 
Our new enabled work model allows our people to have more flexibility in the way they choose to work from both the office and a remote location, while continuing to deliver the highest standards of service. We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive employment policies and provide access to programmes and services aimed at nurturing our people’s health and overall wellbeing. Find more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion here.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams. We strive to create an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any tailored adjustments or accommodations, please let us know here.