Business Development Manager

Smart & Biggar; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading firm in intellectual property and technology law is seeking a proactive Business Development Manager in Toronto. This high-impact role involves collaborating with practice leaders on strategic initiatives to drive client growth across national offices. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, a solid background in business development, and be adept at project management.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Flexible benefits program

Personal days

Employee referral program

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in business development or marketing, ideally in a law firm.
• Proven success in leading strategic initiatives.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute BD strategies with national practice group leaders.
• Build strong relationships with lawyers to drive client growth initiatives.
• Manage pitches, proposals, and client presentations.

Skills

Relationship-building

Organizational skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's and/or graduate degree in Marketing or Communications

MBA or advanced LLB/JD

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM tools (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics)

Job description

Smart & Biggar is Canada's largest firm practicing exclusively in intellectual property (IP) and technology law, with offices in Ottawa, Toronto, the Waterloo Region, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary. We have been leaders in intellectual property and technology law for over 125 years. We are regularly recognized as Canada's top IP and technology firm.

We are part of the IPH Group, a network of member firms working throughout ten IP jurisdictions, with clients in more than 25 countries. IPH member firms employ a highly skilled multidisciplinary team of over 1,200 people in Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong SAR, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. IPH supports a diverse client base of Fortune Global 500 companies, multinationals, public sector research organizations, SMEs and professional services firms worldwide.

We are passionate about what we do and what we can achieve. The IPH Group is committed to promoting and maintaining a workplace culture of shared respect across companies to enable us all to feel valued and be the best we can be.

The Opportunity

Smart & Biggar is currently looking for a Business Development Manager to join our national Business Development & Marketing team in Toronto.

As the Business Development Manager, you will This is a high-impact role for a proactive, strategic, and energetic professional who will work closely with practice leaders and lawyers to lead business development initiatives across the firm. The role also supports regional BD efforts in our Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary offices.

support the execution of BD initiatives in collaboration with the broader BD team, the central Marketing team, and practitioners across the firm. You will also serve as the local BD resource for the Montreal and Ottawa offices, helping to coordinate local initiatives and ensure alignment with the firm's strategies.

Responsibilities.

• Develop and execute BD strategies with national practice group leaders
• Build strong relationships with lawyers to drive client growth initiatives
• Lead client targeting, cross-selling, and key account development
• Manage pitches, proposals, and client presentations
• Support thought leadership and marketing campaigns
• Evaluate sponsorships, events, and conferences for ROI and impact
• Provide market and client research to inform strategy
• Lead legal directory submissions (e.g., Chambers, IAM, WTR, Lexpert)
• Align office-level BD efforts with national strategy
• Other duties may be assigned or amended as required

Qualifications, competencies, and experience.

• Bachelor's and / or graduate degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field; MBA or advanced LLB / JD is a strong asset
• 6+ years of experience in business development or marketing, or client strategy ideally in a law firm or professional services firm (with a focus on IP, life sciences, or technology)
• Proven success in leading strategic initiatives and influencing senior professionals
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills
• Positive, proactive, and self-motivated, with a team-oriented approach
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced setting
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with CRM tools (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics), and experience databases

No recruiters or agencies please.

LI-HYBRID

Smart & Biggar offers a comprehensive total rewards package including :

• A competitive compensation structure based on transparency, clarity and fairness;
• A flexible benefits program;
• Personal days to help balance personal and professional commitments;
• Employee referral program.

Smart & Biggar is a proud member of the Law Firm Diversity and Inclusion Network (LFDIN), working to promote diversity and encourage a culture of inclusion in our Firm and the broader legal profession.

We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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