BD Manager - Marine, Offshore & Trade

Totum Partners; London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading legal firm in London is seeking a Business Development Manager to support its MTO practice group. The role involves driving commercial success through various business development activities, including managing bids, communications, and client events. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in a professional services environment, strong project management skills, and be adept in CRM tools. The firm offers a competitive benefits package and promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Flexible working environment

Commitment to diversity and wellbeing

Qualifications

• Solid experience in marketing and business development within a professional services environment.
• Strong track record in managing bids and proposals across teams.
• High level of organisation and reliability in delivering quality work.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and delivery of high-quality bids and proposals.
• Develop key selling points and maintain consistency across submissions.
• Oversee submissions for legal directories and manage communications.

Skills

Experience in marketing and business development

Strong communication skills

Project management skills

Proficient in CRM and marketing tools

Tools

Vuture

InterAction

Job description

Business Development Manager – Maritime, Trade & Offshore

Overview

My client is a globally recognised law firm, known for its collaborative and inclusive culture. The firm is committed to supporting its people to achieve their ambitions, offering a flexible and supportive environment where individuality is valued. With a strong focus on growth and innovation, employees are encouraged to take initiative, contribute ideas, and develop their careers in a dynamic setting. The firm offers a competitive benefits package, hybrid working, and a genuine commitment to diversity and wellbeing.

Role overview

My client is seeking a Business Development Manager to support the MTO practice group. This is a varied and hands-on role, working closely with partners, lawyers, and the wider business development team to drive the group’s commercial success and market profile. The role covers the full spectrum of business development activities, from pitching and client relationship management to events, communications, and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation and delivery of high-quality bids, proposals, and tenders, collaborating with colleagues across the business to ensure tailored, client-focused solutions.
• Develop and articulate key selling points for the practice, ensuring consistency across all pitches and submissions.
• Gather and share feedback from bids, using insights to inform future approaches.
• Maintain and update pitch materials, credentials, and templates for the practice group.
• Support the planning and execution of client events, seminars, and sponsorships, ensuring activities are delivered within budget.
• Manage internal and external communications, including social media, newsletters, and website content.
• Oversee submissions for legal directories and awards, ensuring deadlines are met and information is accurate and compelling.
• Coordinate research interviews and maintain up-to-date records of rankings and commentary.
• Produce and update marketing collateral, including lawyer profiles and practice group materials.
• Support the implementation of business development plans and contribute to firm-wide initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to cross-sell services across the firm and support the development of client relationship skills within the team.
• Conduct research and analysis on clients, competitors, and market trends to identify new business opportunities.
• Manage and quality-control marketing lists for communications and events using the firm’s CRM system.
• Represent business development at practice group meetings, sharing insights and best practice.
• Ensure brand consistency across presentations and marketing materials.
• Collaborate with international business development teams to support global projects and share information.

Qualifications / Person Specification

• Solid experience in marketing and business development within a professional services environment.
• Strong track record in managing bids and proposals, ideally with experience of coordinating responses across multiple teams or offices.
• Confident, pragmatic, and approachable, with excellent communication skills and the ability to build relationships at all levels.
• Highly organised, reliable, and able to deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines.
• Proactive, enthusiastic, and a positive team player, open to new ideas and able to challenge constructively.
• Commercially aware, with the ability to add value to business development activities and thinking.
• Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in using CRM and marketing tools (such as Vuture and InterAction).

Equal Opportunities

As a responsible business, it is important that we represent the diversity of our people, our clients and our communities. We believe that the firms that thrive are those with the most diverse team; that's why we work so hard to source the best talent from the broadest pool possible. As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to accommodate anyone who may have specific needs. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the selection process, please talk to a member of the recruitment team so that any required adjustments can be made in advance.