Business Development Manager – Corporate & Sectors

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world’s most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve ‘Platinum Standard’ Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.

We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

To discover more about our benefits, please visit: Benefits Package

Shoosmiths' Business Development and Marketing Directorate is at the forefront of our strategic growth, driven by a commitment to dynamic, tech-savvy, and operationally efficient practices. We understand that in today's rapidly evolving business landscape, adaptability is key. Our ambition for the team is to harness cutting-edge technology and data-driven insights to shape innovative marketing strategies, foster client relationships, and identify new opportunities that enable us to excel in our chosen markets. 

Division overview

Our corporate team, which were ranked first for having advised on more deals than any other UK law firm throughout 2023 according to Experian MarketIQ M&A Review, is led by a team of partners widely regarded as leaders in their field and who are regularly recommended by clients for their reputation, personalities and outstanding expertise.

Sectors overview

This role involves supporting the Sectors Senior Business Development Manager on business development and marketing activity aligned to Shoosmiths’ Five Sectors - Financial Services, Energy & Infrastructure, Living, Mobility and Technology – a key part of the firm’s Clients and Markets strategy.

This is an exciting role within a forward-thinking business development and marketing team which provides integrated marketing, digital services, client relationship management and business development expertise to the Business.  

As Business Development Manager, you will work in conjunction with your colleagues and partners to support and drive the growth, client acquisition and revenue generation initiatives for the Corporate Division and one of our Five Key Sectors. You will contribute to the planning and delivery of innovative, incisive, and value-added business development activities to ensure that the key objectives of the firm and the Corporate Division and Sector business plans are achieved.

You will collaborate closely with other division and sector business development teams, as well as the client relations and new business teams to ensure opportunities to cross-sell the business are maximised as well as contribute to firm wide campaigns and initiatives.

• Work with BDM leadership to identify growth opportunities across the Corporate Division, supporting strategic business planning projects aligned to those growth aspirations, providing sector and market research and information.
• Work with the Senior Sectors BD Manager and Sector Heads to identify growth opportunities nationally and internationally across the sectors and apply best practice across the firm.
• Be intellectually curious about the sectors and the markets in which we operate, continually keeping up to date with developments and know how - spot and/or anticipate any possible commercial opportunities to drive forward and keep our service offering front of mind for our clients.
• Develop a deep understanding of the Corporate Division’s Key sectors clients and wider firm clients, building relationships to spot opportunities for revenue generation and cross-selling, identify gaps in the market and relevant ‘hot topics’ to champion specialist knowledge and the best channels to take that forward.
• Develop relationships with key referral networks and industry/sector bodies to identify new opportunities.
• Work closely with the new business team to contribute to Corporate specific bid responses and pursuits for current or new Corporate opportunities and clients.
• Collaborate with the client relations team to support specific client relationship activity, sharing objectives, knowledge and insight.
• Develop integrated marketing campaigns to raise the profile of our brand. This will include developing thought leadership and some event coordination (with support from the events team where appropriate). Seek out opportunities for thought provoking seminars/round tables and attendance at, or sponsorship of, relevant industry-related events to profile our Corporate offering.
• Work with the Business Development team supporting other divisions to identify and deliver cross-sector/ service projects with clear strategic relevance to the chosen markets aspect of our Clients and Markets strategy.
• Develop an awareness and understanding of the firm’s brand and key messaging to draft sector- related content including, but not limited to, website copy and marketing literature.
• Collaborate with the research team to develop client and competitor research projects.
• Work with the Directories Manager and PR and Communications team to support and advise on Corporate directory and award submissions.
• Work with the PR and Communications team to share information and updates that can be developed into meaningful press releases and external communications, writing copy as needed.
• Share stories and updates internally to raise the profile of the Corporate division to foster opportunities for cross sector/division collaboration and projects.
• Mentor and coach junior members of the Business Development team.
• Provide BI & MI reporting for the division and sector to support quarterly and annual performance reviews.
• Contribute to Corporate division ad-hoc Business Development projects.

• Previous business development and marketing experience gained within a professional services environment. An understanding of the legal sector is advantageous.
• Strong commercial thinking, able to translate emerging business issues and developments into opportunities for our firm.
• Excellent networking skills – connecting people within the firm and help build their networks and works collaboratively across the board.
• Exceptional influencing and persuasion skills.
• Experience of working proactively with a solutions driven, growth mindset and the ability to identify key priorities and manage multiple projects.
• Strong content writing skills and experience. High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Good analytical and communication skills with the ability to combine data and information to provide a high level of commercial insight.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and develop relationships.

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.

This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.

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