Senior Manager, Business Development (Finance)

We invite you to review our current business services professionals openings to learn about the opportunities available across the firm.

About Us

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP has forged a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in the world. Relying on innovation, intellect, teamwork and tenacity, our lawyers deliver the highest quality advice and novel solutions to our clients’ legal issues. We are known for handling the most complex transactions, litigation/controversy issues, and regulatory matters, as well as for the strong partnerships we build with clients and each other. Our attorneys, who reflect a broad range of experiences and perspectives, work together seamlessly across 50-plus practices and 21 offices in the world’s major financial centers.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Senior Manager, Business Development (Finance) to join our Firm. This position will be based in our NY office (hybrid).

Position Overview

As a key member of Skadden's Transactional Business Development team, the Senior Manager, Business Development (Finance) will provide day-to-day business development support to Skadden's market leading Finance practice. As a senior member of the team, you will work closely with practice leadership and senior partners to drive strategic business development and marketing initiatives. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to partners, helping to execute business plans, strengthen key client relationships, identify new opportunities, and enhance the Firm's profile within the Private Credit, Structured Finance, and related sectors and teams within the Finance practice.

Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Business Development Associate Director (BDAD), practice leaders, relevant partners, and various members of the Business Development & Marketing (BDM) Department to enhance and protect existing client relationships and secure and realize new client relationships. Supports related industry or sector initiatives as needed.
• Works with relevant partners and the BDAD to determine business development priorities and strategic plans for the practice.
• Capable of taking the lead on pitches, RFP responses, practice credentials, profile-raising initiatives and activities, ensuring materials are tailored and impactful.
• Partner closely with practice leadership to support cross-selling opportunities, pipeline development, client targeting efforts, key client initiatives, and industry-focused programs across the Firm.
• Serves as a trusted advisor to the lawyers to advance their business development efforts.
• Provides seamless coordination and execution of business development initiatives, supported by various functional teams, including Marketing, Communications, Events, and Strategic Intelligence. 
• Collaborates closely with the global Business Development team to ensure the highest level of market engagement and client service.
• Supports partners through coaching and guidance on business development initiatives and client presentation preparation.
• Drives related revenue generation initiatives, including client targeting, sales pipeline processes, and sector initiatives, and follows up with responsible lawyers and stakeholders to obtain feedback, drive results and improvements.
• Collaborates with NY Finance partners to develop business development strategies, including support in identifying trends and opportunities, expanding existing client matters, and identifying and pursuing cross-selling opportunities.
• Collaborates with colleagues across the BD team for Transactional, Litigation and Regulatory and senior international business development leads on cross-practice and cross-border opportunities and efforts.
• Collaborates with other functional leaders of the BD Department, ensures that marketing and communication strategies are aligned to BD goals and vice-versa; leveraging coordinated campaigns to achieve success.
• Maintains a strong and current understanding of law firm market trends, competitor activities, and client behaviors to inform strategies and tactics.
• Leverage relevant industry research and news databases and resources (e.g., S&P Capital IQ, Refinitiv, Bloomberg, DealPointData, Pitchbook, Preqin and EDGAR) to monitor, research and report on market trends and insights, competitor activity, existing and prospective client developments. Proactively identify opportunities for attorney outreach and engagement.
• Monitor and manage league table performance for the Finance practice, as well as identifying opportunities to strengthen the practice's market position and highlight significant achievements.
• Manage deal database and track matters for marketing and business development purposes
• Establishes and manages key performance indicators across areas of responsibility to monitor progress and measure results.
• Prepare tombstones and deal lists for each area of focus, as well as specific geographies and industries in connection with various business development opportunities.
• Collaborates with the Experience team to ensure matter experience is captured in Foundation.
• Collaborates with the Strategic Intelligence team on research projects, including client, industry, and competitive intelligence, leveraging market intelligence to identify growth opportunities and compiling reporting materials for partners.
• Facilitates the integration of lateral partners and counsel, including coaching on new business opportunities.
• Develops and manages practice budget and evaluates and tracks ROI on BD initiatives.
• Supervises and mentors assigned BD team members on activities including pitch and proposal materials; updates to practice descriptions, experience items, and attorney bios; directory submissions and event logistics.
• Effectively utilizes the Firm's performance management process to communicate performance expectations, monitor performance, coach employees, and manage unsatisfactory performance.
• Participates in the interviewing, selection, and training process for assigned team members.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
• Complies with and understands Firm operation, policies, and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Produces reports on BD activities and initiatives for BD Leadership and lawyers.

Qualifications

• Current knowledge of industry best practices, trends, and techniques for relevant practice areas
• Experience with legal-research / legal-news databases and resources (e.g., S&P Capital IQ, Refinitiv, Bloomberg, DealPointData, Pitchbook and EDGAR)
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience with CRM, Foundation, and other Marketing and Financial databases and knowledge of relevant Firm computer software programs (e.g., Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrates close attention to detail
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional client service, both internal and external
• Ability to build rapport and work comfortably with partners
• Demonstrates strong organizational and project management skills, including independent judgment and decision-making.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and planning skills
• A sharp eye for detail
• Ability to handle multiple projects, organize and prioritize work, including shifting priorities
• Demonstrated experience with leading and supervising others
• Ability to administer Firm policies and procedures
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Ability to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgment
• Strong writing skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word)
• Ability to make sound decisions and demonstrate a high degree of trustworthiness in handling confidential and sensitive information
• Demonstrates fiscal responsibility
• Demonstrates consistent exceptional performance that exceeds expectations
• Flexibility to travel
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or J.D. preferred
• Minimum of 7+ years marketing and business development experience in a law firm or professional services environment
• Prior experience in a law firm, investment bank, financial institution, or other professional services organization supporting Finance, Banking, Corporate, or related transactional practices, is preferred

Culture & Life at Skadden

What makes Skadden special is our people and the culture, community, and spirit of collaboration we have created. We believe in teamwork and inspiring each other to be our best in an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and excellence in all that we do. We know that inclusion and drawing on the strength of a wide spectrum of talent only make us better and is vital to the firm's success. Our goal is for everyone at the firm to enjoy a challenging career with opportunities for development and growth and to support the well-being of our attorneys and business services professionals.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us. We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life.

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

For further details, please visit: https://www.skadden.com/careers/staff/employee-benefits

The starting base salary for this position is expected to be within the range listed under Salary Details.  Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law.

Salary Details

EEO Statement

Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking.

Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Alex Taylor at (212) 735-2176.

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law

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