Business Development Executive Manager – Corporate/M&A (UK)

The Role

You will work directly with key stakeholders across the UK Corporate/M&A teams on their client and market development initiatives, and in defining and driving the implementation of the UK M&A BD strategy.

This role collaborates closely with the fee-earning population to support identification, pursuit and winning of revenue generating opportunities. It connects Partners and lawyers to the full spectrum of BD services and expertise available across the global function.

This role works alongside counterparts in other regions, as well as being a key member of the BD community globally.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy and Implementation

• Establish and oversee the development and implementation of business development and marketing plans, ensuring alignment with firmwide strategy.
• Identify and seek to plug gaps in our sector and product coverage. 
• Track progress against plans and refine approach accordingly to achieve over-arching goals, evaluating ROI on a periodic basis.
• Commission in-depth research on regional product and market trends, clients, prospects, and competitors to inform strategic marketing decisions.
• Oversee and manage the quality of output, ensuring Partner expectations are being met.

Revenue generation

• Support the Corporate/M&A teams in defining and implementing its business development plan.
• Work with relevant stakeholders to develop/shape BD product offerings and initiatives.
• Position and promote relevant BD offerings and initiatives with the wider Corporate Practice and the firm more widely.
• Proactively spot market trends and opportunities and facilitate necessary discussions to determine next steps.
• Provide tailored input into Corporate/M&A pitches, capability statements and panel RFPs.

Reputation management and marketing communications (working with Brand, Communications and Public Affairs (BCPA) and Knowledge, Expertise and Thought Leadership (KETL))

• Assist in identifying opportunities to position and raise the profile of the Corporate/M&A practice and its individual lawyers.
• Lead or oversee the organisation of relevant BD client events, seminars and conferences, sponsorships, PR, etc
• Oversee multiple marketing communications projects, including the delivery of relevant directory/awards submissions.
• Support in the creation and distribution of thought leadership material.

Client and Market Development

• Apply depth of Corporate/M&A BD practice and product knowledge to support firmwide client and sector programmes.
• Conduct competitor, client and marketplace analysis to identify new and emerging client and sector opportunities.

Business Development Function

• Work closely with the global BD team to execute on strategically important Business Development function projects.
• Support the implementation of the new BD Operating Model by assisting with the alignment of activity to teams (within and outside of BD), in line with technology roadmaps and transition plans.

Team Leadership and Development

• Line management responsibility for at least one team member.