Director/Head of Business Development

Gowling WLG; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Gowling WLG seeks a dynamic and strategic leader for the Director / Head of Business Development role. The successful candidate will drive growth across practices and sectors, foster a high-performance culture, and develop innovative sales strategies while working in a collaborative environment. This position offers the opportunity to significantly impact the firm's success while ensuring teamwork and diversity remain integral to operations.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in strategic leadership roles in business development.
• Proven track record of revenue growth and managing high-performance teams.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead business development across practice groups to drive growth.
• Implement comprehensive sales strategies to meet growth objectives.
• Manage a national team focusing on collaboration and leadership.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Client Relationship Management

Sales Methodologies

Business Analysis

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or related field

Master’s degree (considered an asset)

Tools

CRM solutions

Job description

Join to apply for the Director / Head of Business Development role at Gowling WLG

Join to apply for the Director / Head of Business Development role at Gowling WLG

At Gowling WLG, our dedication to excellence and quality service begins with our people. As a global law firm with offices across Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we pride ourselves on sourcing and retaining top talent who bring energy, passion and commitment to the delivery of outstanding client service.

Employee satisfaction is important to us. We work hard to ensure that our people are motivated, engaged and empowered. We are guided by our firm’s Core Values - The Power of Teamwork, Always Striving to be Better, We all Bring Something Different - in all that we do.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are an integral part of our firm’s core values. We are always striving to build a more equitable, engaging and rewarding workplace by attracting and retaining talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Our aim is to help everyone reach their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Our diverse group of legal professionals, law students, law clerks, paralegals, legal administrative assistants and business services team members work together, and are respected and valued for their individual contributions.

PROFILE

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to join our growing Business Development & Marketing team as the Director / Head of Business Development.

Reporting to the Chief Growth and Marketing Officer, you will lead a large national team, driving growth across all practices, sectors and markets in Canada and beyond. You will foster a high-performance sales culture with a keen focus on client expansion and new client acquisition through strategy and planning, leading sales methodologies, pipeline management, and pursuit excellence.

To you, nothing is impossible – you are a driven innovator who thrives on transforming ambitious ideas into actionable strategies. You believe in strong relationships and exceptional client service, achieving excellence in everything you do. You create inclusive and collaborative environments – projects, teams, and results are better because of your involvement and leadership.

We have an ambitious growth plan and are looking for an experienced, credible and dynamic leader to help drive its success.

This position could be based in our Toronto or Ottawa office.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the Firm’s business development function and activities across practice groups, sector and markets in alignment with our strategic plan and vision.
• Transform the business development ethos at the Firm to accelerate growth, elevate client relationships, optimize activities and enhance sales discipline, including account planning and management, opportunity pursuits, and CRM adoption.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive sales strategy and framework to achieve the firm’s accelerated growth objectives, guiding client teams and sector and practice groups towards winning higher value work.
• Launch and own high-impact client and market programs and initiatives to grow revenue and market share in Canada and in other target jurisdictions, using a data and market-informed approach.
• Manage a national team of seasoned professionals, serving as both player and coach to provide strong leadership, community and collaboration, and growth and development opportunities.
• Champion the Business Development function, team and capabilities, quickly establishing yourself as a thoughtful, knowledgeable and effective leader and subject matter expert who is called upon for strategic advice and counsel.
• Regularly bring forward new ideas and opportunities for growth with a clear and continuous understanding of the competitive landscape and market / client intelligence to lead the business and innovate.
• Change the formula and the script : seek new ways to differentiate, tell our unique story, and win client pursuits that surprise, delight and exceed expectations.
• Strengthen collaboration between local and international teams on pitches and client pursuits with a focus on excellence, innovation and strategic alignment, and remain actively involved on engagements that strengthen our presence and competitiveness.
• Build and activate sales training and knowledge enrichment programs throughout the Firm, working with internal colleagues and third parties as needed.
• Collaborate across the Firm and the Business Development & Marketing team locally and globally to bring best-in-class sales programs and initiatives to life with a measured and accountable approach.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or a related field; Master’s degree considered an asset.
• 15+ years of experience in strategic leadership roles within business development / sales, with at least five years leading high-performance sales teams, ideally within professional services or high-growth industries. B2B sales experience a must.
• Proven track record of driving revenue growth, client relationships and brand reputation in a high-performance, fast-paced, matrix environment.
• Deep expertise in leading sales methodologies, business analysis techniques, and client experience strategies, with the ability to use data and relationships to drive decisions and measurable outcomes.
• Experienced with using CRM solutions and building and implementing sales transformation initiatives and best practices.
• Results-oriented sales leader with a proven ability to navigate ambiguity and work effectively with senior stakeholders across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strategic thinker, builder and problem solver who naturally and proactively connects market trends, client needs, and business opportunities to deliver tailored solutions that address client needs and enhance the experience.
• Strong leader with a growth mindset and a passion for optimizing sales and marketing strategies for bigger, bolder and better outcomes.
• A self-starter with excellent relationship building skills, a high level of accountability and ownership of client and sales outcomes, managing multiple programs and initiatives in a results-driven environment.
• Collaborative team player who thrives in complexity, listening and building trust with stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, known for simplifying complex ideas clearly and securing buy-in from diverse, senior stakeholders.
• Proven expertise in managing demanding stakeholders and anticipating and addressing client needs and issues in a professional and solution-oriented manner.
• Knowledge, understanding and experience in various sectors and industries with a curiosity and interest in continuously learning and evolving.
• Proven ability to lead and influence in a national or international context to identify and capitalize on new opportunities.

As a leader at Gowling WLG, you will shape our future, inspire a high-performing team, and have the opportunity to drive transformative change within a globally recognized firm.

Gowling WLG employees benefit from a hybrid work environment.

Not sure if you meet all the requirements? If you are excited about this opportunity but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Gowling WLG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Seniority level

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Business Development and Sales

Law Practice

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